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Hair loss

Bleu2020
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Someone close to me has just had their first round of chemo. As the days pass gradually their hair is beginning to fall out I had noticed a bald patch but didn't have the heart to say anything. They have confided in me yesterday that their hair is falling out. I didn't know what to say I tried to be supportive and listened. I just wondered if any tips on what to say. As I know this will continue untill they have no hair left. 

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    Hello, 

    Were they not offered the cold cap?

    It doesn't work so well with every chemo but it's generally worth a shot.

    Do you know what chemo they are having? Usually the doctor or nurses can give a guide to if the cold cap will work - but it's still worth a shot. I think, however that the cold cap has to be worn from the first session of chemo for it to work. Probably too late now. I know some hospitals stopped doing the cold cap because of Corona and the amount of time spent in hospital itself.

    Does your friend have an NHS voucher for a wig? Now that hospitals are opening up a bit she should be able to get one. I think the referral can come from anyone in the oncology team. If not, online has very good wigs and wig shops should be open now.

    Let me know if I can give you more advice. 

    Hope that helps. 

    Ceyenne

  • Offline in reply to Ceyenne

    Thank you for your reply. No cold cap offered. The wig department closed due to Corona. The person in question has bought scarves wigs etc. I'm just worried about saying the wrong thing to them. When they start wearing these I know they will ask my opinion etc. I'm wondering suggesting headbands clips etc thank you once again

  • Offline in reply to Bleu2020

    Hi there

    My advice would be to be honest yet tactful. It is devastating losing your hair, I struggled to look in a mirror as I no longer looked like myself. I managed to find a wig that was similar to my own hair but during lockdown as I've been shielding I've not been wearing it around the house. I bought some wide jersey patterned headbands from Amazon and have found those comfy to wear although if I'm going out for a walk I wear a sunhat or cap. I felt like 'mystic meg' in turban type caps and didn't like those. 
    I struggled when friends said things (trying to be positive/encouraging) like 'it'll grow back' as when it's happening that's not much consolation and you also have the worry it may not grow back and even if it does it can take years to grow back to how it was, could be a different colour, texture etc.

    There is a really good charity called Cancer Hair Care, you could perhaps suggest they contact them for advice and support? (cancerhaircare.co.uk)

    You do come to terms with it eventually but it's  not easy as it is so visible, especially if like me you've not told many people about your cancer and/or treatment. 
    Hope that helps.

     

     

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