I'm sorry to hear you're struggling at the moment Leanne.

I think it's only natural to start feeling a bit nervous and scared in the run up to your chemo but I hope it helps to know that many of our members have gone through this too so you are not alone and hopefully some of them will stop by soon to share their experiences and advice.

I hope your head isn't racing as much as it was on Sunday, but if you've still got a lot on your mind you're very welcome to talk things through with one of our cancer nurses on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m. They're very easy to talk to and will do all they can to help.

I'm sending all my support your way Leanne and will be thinking of you on Friday.

Kind regards,

Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi there,

I'm really sorry your struggling, but I also know how you feel ( or at least I think I do).

I'm going through chemo at the minute I'm due my 7th cycle this week. The one thing from diagnosis i really struggled with was the thought of losing my hair. I used to have nightmares about it and then when it did happen it was a relief in someways. 

My chemo too caused total hair loss. I cold capped and unfortunately it didn't work started to lose it around 4 weeks after my first cycle. 

I'm pleased I tried the cold cap just for the reassurance that i gave it a go. Give it a go you have nothing to lose with trying it! 

You'll absolutely smash chemo! It is belts and braces kind of attitude but you'll do it!

You've got this xxx

Hey Jessica 

Thanks so much for ur response!!  
I did not honestly think I would struggle as much as I am this week? I knew it would hit me but boy it has? I'm a pretty positive person, a mental health nurse so always promoting being positive etc but when it's urself it's tough? 
how have you found it? I'm 8 sessions of chemo in total? They mentioned tonight about skin and nails? I didn't even know that this could be effected? I'm getting my nails done Thursday but they recommended a dark colour? It's all so so surreal isn't it? 
 

did you only cold cap the once then? I really want to give it a go! Even if I can keep 70% of hair I will be delighted? Did you lose your lashes also? I've had my brows tattooed so at least I have them 

Really hope you are keeping ok xxx

Leanne 

eyelure do a fabulous lash specially for chemo patients they are called C lashes . You can also get fake tan especially for chemo I forgot the name of that I will find it for you and come back to you , you will be amazing all these things make such a difference. We are women we want to look beautiful, I didn't get chemo in the end but did all the research and bought everything ready they also have headband fringes on amazin all colours these are perfect for under hats headscarves it looks as if you have hair but it's just a fringe .

Good luck with your treatment ️Lara 

Hi lara

i seen the lashes so I will definitely be buying these! Actually I'll do that tonight? Fake tan would be great also as I'm a sun bed user (bad I know) so always have a bit of colour (well in summer time) 

it sounds so vein and petty given the bigger picture but I don't have much self esteem so my appearance is really important to me 

thanks for your response xx

I started chemo last August and like you losing my hair was such a nightmare!!

Im not a vain person at all, but for a women it's a pretty big deal.

My Chemo was every week for 12 weeks and three weeks heceptin . I did lose my hair but I bought lots of really lovely head wear / scarfs etc  

My hair started to grow back ( fluffy) before chemo ended . By the time I had radiotherapy in feb I had a decent covering

My hair is short , but looks cool & funky and everyone says how good I look 

Please don't worry about your hair ... it will grow back

honest !! X

Yes I will defo buy lashes and tan? It's bizarre! 
I went up to the hospital for bloods and it was such a miserable looking place and selfishly I thought to myself I'm too young to be here but I know that's selfish as no age should be going through this horrible disease!! But I'm determined to be my usual off the wall self (albeit slightly tired lol) xx

[@Botwinkle]‍ 

thank you for your response? I'm glad your getting back on track!! I'm every 21 days cycle, 8 in total! I'm know I'll lose my hair and have picked a wig and bought some nice silk scarves etc!! I'm just not a short hair person, I'm always shoulder length! Just wish they would make a drug where there was no hair loss in this day and age? It's what us women cherish it! But just got to think of it as a side effect of getting out of this living bloody nightmare xx

I think it becomes really overwhelming in parts and sometimes the waiting / lead up is worse than when your in it!

I'm not sure about you but I am very very impatient and want things done yesterday so once I got started I found I was much better....

I'm a nurse too ... and sometimes I think we know too much ! It's hard being on the other side!

I'm 8 sessions too I have mine every other week. Overall its been okay ... some parts tough but generally okay if I rest well when I need to....

I've been okay with my nails for now this might change yet though but I've heard the same about dark colours and to keep them shorter ?

So I cold capped twice and to be honest I found it okay and bareable it did make my session alot longer but it's worth it if works! Definitely try it ...

Ive kept my lashes and brows for now too ... they are thinner but still there.

It really is surreal and I still sometimes don't believe it's happening. 

I think a positive mind definitely helps! 

Xxxx