Hi Giggi,

Thank you for your reply. It is really distressing waiting for the inevitable to happen. My hair has shed a bit more today although still not noticable. I will continue with the cold cap in the hope of keeping at least some of my hair.

I hope you are doing ok, have you any more treatments planned?

I still have 7 more chemo sessions followed by an op then radiotheraphy. It seems never ending.

Take care,

Sue

Hi Sue,

i completely understand how you’re feeling. It does seem neverending when you’re going through it. I was told by the chemo team it takes a year to get through this and they were right. I feel for you. With the hair loss it does feel like a lonely thing. Family, friends & colleagues will all try and be encouraging and tell you it will grow back and that it’s a small price to pay. They mean well and they are right of course, but it doesn’t make it easier sadly. For me, my hair was a huge part of my identity, l know it sounds silly to say it out loud, but it was everything to me. 

Hang in there because they do have success with this treatment. It’s such a painful thing to put yourself through but hopefully you’re finding it numbs after 10 minutes. Those first 10 minutes are torture though, so l absolutely understand why many patients don’t continue.

My treatment was the other way round for me. I had a mastectomy, then chemo & radiotherapy. My final therapy was in June. I’m now in that period of getting my strength back and feeling better every week. 

Do ask me anything and I’m happy to help if l can. This is the first time I’ve spoken about it outside of my family & friends.

Best wishes,

Giggi

Hi Giggi,

I'm glad you have finished treatment and hopefully you will be feeling like your old self soon enough. I feel the same as you about my hair and people who haven't gone through it have no understanding of how devastating it is to lose their hair. The well intentioned coments make it worse somehow as they stand there with there perfect hair.

I will continue with the cold cap and hope the shedding slows down. It's just a waiting game.

Look after yourself,

Sue

Hi Sue,

Thank you....you are quite right, unless you go through it, it’s impossible to really know how it feels. Much like childbirth really!!! 

All you can do is follow any advice they give you and take each week as it comes - and try not to punch the next person who says ‘it will grow back’

Take care of yourself

Giggi

Hi Giggi,

Haha, sorry but I can't promise not to punch the next person who says 'it will grow back' or 'in the grand scheme of things .....' 

My hair isn't shedding at the moment but I've lost loads already today so I feel very apprehensive about tomorrow.

Oh well, I can't change anything so I need to grow ba backbone.

Take good care,

Sue

Haha, your patience will be tested to your limit Sue, l know mine was!!

Don't be too hard on yourself, this is a totally rubbish time. I just had to cry it out. You will surprise yourself as time goes on, you actually get tired of worrying about it. I literally tortured myself through the first sessions of my chemo and then realised l was doing everything in my power to help myself, and that gave me a bit of peace.  It will pass quicker than you think though.

Don’t hesitate to ask me anything at all, happy to help.

Best wishes,

Giggi

Hi Giggi,

Today is day 19 since my first chemo and my hair has shed a lot this morning, It was a surprise as I though the hair loss would be minimal and slower with the cold cap. I don't think it notices yet but I am worried. When was your biggest hair loss and is there any chance it will slow down?

I feel totally overwelmed today and just want to hide away. Any advice?

Take care,

Sue

Morning Sue,

I’m so sorry, l know the feeling so well.

The hair loss you are seeing will feel like a lot as you’re not used to it. Try not to panic. Try not to brush or comb your hair if possible. I know you have thick hair so if you can just use your hands to tidy it that is kinder. As l said, try to keep washing it to a minimum. I used and still am using baby shampoo. Use loads of conditioner so you can gently comb it through in the shower. Also support your hair whilst combing as your scalp is very vunerable at the moment. Avoid tying your hair back. Drink as much water as you can. You are being overloaded with drugs at the moment so it all takes its toll.

Hopefully the chemo team have given you this advice but l know how busy they are and sometimes you have to keep asking, which l did! 

My honest advice is if you feel like hiding, then hide. I regularly retreated to my cave.

How are you feeling with the chemo? I ask as it’s so important to work with it and not against it. Easier said than done l know. I had the EC treatment and each treatment made me feel differently. I expect you’re due another session soon?

Giggi

Hi Giggi,

My next session is on Monday. The first week after chemo was rough as suffered with nausea and I felt drunk all the time even though I haven't touched alcohole since I started treatment. After that, I feel fine.

I am still hoping the hair loss slows down which I know to some people sounds vain but I don't want to look like a cancer patient.

How are you doing now?

Sue