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Taxotere & permanent hairloss

Lynnk24
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Hi

I've been persuaded by my Oncologist to change treatments from Epi-CMF for 7 months to Taxotere and Cyclophosphamide for 3 months, due to the side-effects of the first treatment.  I've had one Epi and he wants me to start Taxotere next week. I've asked him about whether Taxotere can cause permanent hairloss as I've seen stories of some women being bald or with only minimum hair coverage a few years after chemo has ended. This really worries me but he has assured me that my hair will return as good as ever.  It may seem vain but I can cope with baldness for a short period, but I really don't want it permanently, particularly if I can avoid it. Has anyone else heard or had experience of this problem please?

Thanks.

Parents
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    I am on paclitaxol which is in the same group of drugs - and yes I have lost my hair. There is a cold cap that you can wear whilst having the infusion which is really effective at stopping hair loss and I think all chemo depts have them - just tell your cancer nurse/oncologist that you would like to make use of it and I am sure there will be no problems in you wearing one. I have heard from other people who use them that they seem more effective on hair that is shoulder length or shorter but have seen several people who have used them and they look fine. Good luck!!

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    I am on paclitaxol which is in the same group of drugs - and yes I have lost my hair. There is a cold cap that you can wear whilst having the infusion which is really effective at stopping hair loss and I think all chemo depts have them - just tell your cancer nurse/oncologist that you would like to make use of it and I am sure there will be no problems in you wearing one. I have heard from other people who use them that they seem more effective on hair that is shoulder length or shorter but have seen several people who have used them and they look fine. Good luck!!

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