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Worried about chemo side effects and possible hair loss. Can someone help me through this?

Fluff1
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Hi

I have now reached the chemo stage after my mastectomy.

I am due to start 16 weeks of  chemo every two weeks  very soon.

I am very anxious and upset about hair loss and the brutal side effects they tell you about!

Can anyone who has been through this help me please 

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    Hi Fluff1  I am sorry to hear about your breast cancer diagnosis.  I had operation and then chemotherapy.  I decided not to cold cap as it adds on about 3 extra hours of treatment.  After my first chemo my hair started coming out at two weeks.  I had long hair so cut it short before.  My scalp hurt when it was coming out so my husband shaved my head and it felt better.  Chemo can be hard but it doable.  I never felt any side effects really after first treatment but they do tend to build up as it continues.  The best piece of advice I was given is to try and keep to your normal routine.  I did try and do this and it really helped to keep feeling 'normal'.  I had this twelve years ago so a long time now.  I don't know why you haven't had a reply.  There is a breast cancer forum on Macmillan and it is very active on there with lots of ladies with advice and going through this too.  Good luck and I am happy to chat.

    Lee x

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    Hi Fluff1  I am sorry to hear about your breast cancer diagnosis.  I had operation and then chemotherapy.  I decided not to cold cap as it adds on about 3 extra hours of treatment.  After my first chemo my hair started coming out at two weeks.  I had long hair so cut it short before.  My scalp hurt when it was coming out so my husband shaved my head and it felt better.  Chemo can be hard but it doable.  I never felt any side effects really after first treatment but they do tend to build up as it continues.  The best piece of advice I was given is to try and keep to your normal routine.  I did try and do this and it really helped to keep feeling 'normal'.  I had this twelve years ago so a long time now.  I don't know why you haven't had a reply.  There is a breast cancer forum on Macmillan and it is very active on there with lots of ladies with advice and going through this too.  Good luck and I am happy to chat.

    Lee x

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