Hi

i lost my hair last weekend 16 days after first chemo. I personally went shorter and shorter I had a bob style haircut. I just took the plunge and went to the barbers masked up and had a number 1 I just felt like I was taking control if that makes sense. Personally I couldn't of coped seeing it come out in clumps. Hope your ok and coping. Keep strong and do what you feel makes you comfortable. 
Julie
 

Have you thought of the 'Ice cap'?  It's very uncomfortable for the first ten minutes  but then your head goes  numb! I managed  to keep enough hair this way to get by with a hat instead of what (to me) was a hideous Joan Collins  wig. (She does a range - the bizarre things you find out from having chemo!)

All the best 

Hi,

  As others have said it's a very individual choice. I've got my first session of chemo very soon and have decided to shave my head that day. Going to do a family WhatsApp chat so they all get to see it and hopefully won't get such a shock when they next see me. Not planning on getting a wig but never say never. 
  I've bought some hats from Annabandana, a website that was recommended to me. Going to give them a go, even if just to keep my head warm. 
Take care x 

Thanks for your reply, Julie.  It's really helpful and inspiring how you took control.  
We've recently had a Covid scare in my family so I decided to not risk the hairdressers and am exploring hats - at least it's winter so I won't look too odd wearing a beanie!  My first infusion is Halloween- how fitting! I may change my mind and go with your bold No 1 when it starts falling out...Thanks again for sharing your courage.  
Really hope your treatment is going ok.  
sam

Many thanks for your response.  I've heard such hideous things about the ice cap I've opted out of that. But so pleased it worked for you. I'm toying with a an occasional scarlet ringlet wig for fun, but will wait and see how I feel first! 

Wow that's a fab and brave idea to shave and share with family on your day 1 of chemo - I hope it went/goes really well. 
I've been recommended Jericho hats...but they're not lined but the yarn is apparently very soft.  I wonder if anyone has tried them? I'll check out Annabandana - let us know how soft and comfy you find them when you get a chance.  
All best wishes 

sam

Hi Sam,

  I've had my first session now and to be honest I've been very lucky and the side effects have not been as bad as I'd anticipated (long may that continue). Have you started your treatment yet? What are you having? 
  I braved the shave as planned and for me it was the right thing to do. We all had a laugh at the styles my son gave me and it gave me some control over the situation. Two weeks post chemo and what's left of it is starting to fall out surprisingly fast. 
 The beanies / hats I bought have been really comfortable, they are a soft cotton material and have washed really well too. Some people prefer the silk lined ones whilst hair is falling out, it's a personal choice. 
  Take care x 

Hi

so impressed with your 'brave the shave' approach!  

I'm day 10 after my first cycle now (I'm having EC-D, you?)....no signs of any falling yet - but I'm sure it wont be long.

Thanks v much for the Annabandana recommend - i bought some - lovely and soft and very reasonably priced.

Hope your next cycle is ok again re the side effects (i hit the 3 day wall and stayed in a heap till day 8, but regrouping a bit now thankfully.

All best

x

Hi,

  I hope you continue to emerge from your chemo hangover/fog and feel a little better each day. I'm ten days after my second of six cycles of FEC-T. Certainly took me a little longer to bounce back this time. But thankfully no new or worsening side effects - for which I'm really grateful. I was more prepared with the anti sickness meds this time which really helped. I took antihistamine alongside the Fligastrim injections to help with bone pain. And I think I'm learning to listen to my body and go with the fatigue when it happens. 
 

  What was left of my hair/stubble fell out rapidly around day 18. I had sort of a tingling, uncomfortable sensation on my scalp overnight and it came out in the shower the following morning. Felt silly as even though I knew it was going to happen it was still a little  upsetting. Eyebrows and lashes still hanging in there. And annoyingly still having to shave my legs which I find bizarre. 
 

   Glad you like the hats, I'm currently waiting for some picc line covers to arrive from them. 
 

  Take care x