Hair loss

Hey everyone 

So I had my first chemo on the 23/8/19 and everything went as well as could be expected. However my hair started to fall out yesterday and I’m just wondering how long it takes to completely go? I still don’t have my wig yet as the lady in the wig shop accidentally showed me one not covered by the wig voucher. 

Thanks x

  • Hi, 

    I had my first chemo on 28/8/19. I’ve had lots of shredding over the past few days and it’s definitely getting thinner! I have wig apt tomorrow which I’m kind of looking forward to in a weird way! 

  • I actually choose something totally different from my own hair so make sure you try on lots of different styles! I had it cut short and there definitely seems to be less weight to the hair that’s coming out but as the rude lady in the hairdresser said to me “if it’s going to come out it’s going to come out” They also felt it was appropriate to sit next to me and talk about how they wouldn’t be bothered in the slightest if they had to shave their head for cancer. I wish I’d spoken up and said it’s different when it’s something you choose! Some people >:)

  • How did you both find your first chemo sessions. I'm about to start in a week or two and I'm terrified. I have a wig appointment on Thursday which I'm nervous about as I'll probably cry xx

  • To be honest I found the chemo itself is a bit of an anti climax. I had a cannula in my hand and the nurse injected it in. It felt a bit uncomfortable but that was about it. After I just felt a bit like I had a hangover that lasted about 4/5 days.

    Take someone with you to the wig shop even if it’s just to lighten the mood, although the lady in the shop wasn’t too happy when I told her one of the wigs made me look like Bon Jovi haha 

    I know that people can say lots of things to try and help and unless your in the mood to hear it it doesn’t make any difference so just take each day as it comes and take care xx

  • Hi, 

    I thought the worse mainly because of all the side effects which they have to tell you about. Obviously everyone is different but I felt little sick and tired for first few days then felt ok . I’m a runner and managed to have a couple of slow runs , my 2nd one is next week so will see if that differs. 

    My hair started to shed after 14 days, I had a lady come to my house with the wigs today , quite handy as works with the nhs too, it’s strange trying them on but I see it as a short term thing so I intend to have some fun with them x 

  • Thank you girls for making me feel a little more reassured about it. That's a good idea having someone come to the house with the wigs. I just want something similar to my short bobbed hair. Have you investigated the head cover options, or are you both thinking wig only? I have two young children and want them to see me as normal as possible.

    Did either of you attempt the cold cap? x

  • Just picked my wig up today and I’m pretty happy with it although I have got a couple of different head coverings as well just in case. Just got those off eBay and are pretty good. Ive got a 5 month old who did give me quite a funny look when I came in wearing the wig but she just laughed as soon as I spoke to her. Children care less about the way you look than you think they do, they adapt pretty quickly! The hair coming out is really getting on my nerves now it’s everywhere I go so I totally get why people shave their head even though that’s not for me.

    I wasn’t offered a cold cap I’m not sure why but brain freeze makes me cry so I’m pretty sure I would have turned it down lol xx

  • I get migraines so decided I didn’t want that to trigger them on top of everything and delay treatment. My hair is coming off today as i have massive bald patches and it’s just matting up now , i had long hair too . I didn’t cut it short as I could still put it up until a few days ago . Goid luck with it Xxx