Hello, Cah60.

I'm sorry to hear about your experience with hair loss and that now you find difficult to look in the mirror.

Hopefully other Cancer Chat members who have faced similar problems will be here soon to chat with you and offer advice/suggestions. In the meantime there's this page on hair loss and cancer treatment I wanted to share with you which might be helpful if you feel like having a read.

With best wishes,

Renata, Cancer Chat Moderator

Thank you x

Hi Cah, I am in tomorrow for my 2nd chemo, but shaved my hair off 4 was ago, really glad I did it, I lost a bit on days 5 to 7, but over the last days about 90% has come off.  Have been so itchy, but was less devastating this way, my hair was really long.  I donated it to the little princess trust.  Another lady I met, told me about  Olaplex, numbers 3 4 and  5, for when it grows back so although expensive, can also get it on Amazon, I will give it a try.  Hope you get through it OK, not the best time but you will be OK xx. All the best for your treatment x

Thank you so much for replying. I think shaving my hair off is definitely the way forward for me now. 

Thanks also for the Oplex recommendation, will give that a try when it starts to grow back.

Wishing you lots of luck xx

You too chick x

Hi, I’ve had one chemo session and I’m on Carboplatin and Paclitaxol. After 2 weeks I am shedding hair quite quickly but I was told that this was the case. NHS has helped with a wig and I have bought some bandanas ready for the time. I’ve considered shaving but to be honest not brave enough yet. I wish everyone on this journey all the strength in the world. Good luck x 

Hi Ritab, thank you.  I now only have eyebrows, lashes and arm hair.  Everything else is as smooth as a baby's bum!!  I am back next week for third chemo, also paclitaxel and carboplatin.  I wish you all the best on your journey and definitely the strength, it is tough but make sure your good days are just that and enjoy them. X

It’s tough isn’t it. I’ve just had round 2 of chemo and shaved my hair off a week before round 2 as it was starting to fall out in clumps. It was very long so it felt right to shave it. I’ve now only got a few stumbly bits left. I didn’t suit the wigs. I looked like a hideous panto dame. I don’t feel like myself though at the moment as feel so different without hair. I assume I’ll get used to it, but pleased I shaved it off. Take care

Hi Cah60, I'm on EC chemo at the moment and cut my hair short before treatment started, as I knew losing it would be quick. It started to fall out last Tuesday, which I found really upsetting.So on Wednesday I went to the wig shop, who gave me a number 4 with the clippers. This was the right decision for me and losing it less traumatic. It has since come out rapidly, as I did not have the cold cap, due to being prone to headaches anyway. I now wear my hats or my wig if we're out socialising. Hopefully you will soon be able to reach a decision that suits you. I wish you well on your journey moving forward. Xx

Hi, definitely tough.  We all approach things differently, what we are comfortable with but it was the best route for me and wouldn't change it.  It's good to share our thoughts and experiences.  If I can help someone else, well that's all that matters.  It can be a lonely journey in your head, all these new things going on and trying to deal with your identity changing on top of everything else you are dealing with is hard.  I have a few wigs, they suit my face but I can't get used to it.  I get more worried it will slip and need adjusting -  I wear glasses and they then don't stay in place properly so I am going without, have several caps and loads of hats but have decided not to hide the fact so don't always bother.  One odd thing I do that reminds me every day, must be habit, but I get in bed, take my glasses off and reach to get my scrunchy out of my bun, obviously it's not there!!!  I am sure it is something that will take a while but will get easier.  All the best and Happy Easter x