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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.

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    Thanks for your replies. Unfortunately I've already lost most of my hair after the first Epi, so I don't think the coldcap would be effective on a bald head. I'm not worried by temporary hair loss, but I don't want to be permanently in a wig.

    Since I'm considered low risk I was given the choice of having chemo so I really want to make the right decision. Unfortunately bank holidays are not a good time to get help, so I'll try the help number after Easter. I'm due to start Taxotere/Cyclophosphamide next Friday and I was shocked to see that this combination showed a 6% chance of permanent damage to the hair. Carrying on with the Epi means 7 months of treatment instead of 3 months which is a big plus, but I 'm not certain which is best for me. I asked my Oncologist and he gave me a guarantee that my hair would grow back with TC. He said he had never heard of anyone suffering permanent hair loss, which concerns me since I have read about lots of ladies suffering this with a quick google search.

    I know that this may seem a trivial thing, but at the moment I am seriously considering just not bothering with chemo at all.

    Thanks again for your replies.

  • Offline in reply to Lynnk24

    I have to say that what Brian has said is very true - the chances of permanent hair damage is very minimal and, like your oncologist, I have never known that to happen. I have been 'in the system' about 7yrs now and met many people going through chemotherapy and have never met anyone whose hair has not grown back - usually curly - but it comes back thick and fast! I had taxol and ACE treatment for 8 cycles a few years ago and my hair grew back very quickly after the treatment had finished. Take care Lynn and I hope you make the right decision for you. Max xx

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  • Offline in reply to Lynnk24

    I have to say that what Brian has said is very true - the chances of permanent hair damage is very minimal and, like your oncologist, I have never known that to happen. I have been 'in the system' about 7yrs now and met many people going through chemotherapy and have never met anyone whose hair has not grown back - usually curly - but it comes back thick and fast! I had taxol and ACE treatment for 8 cycles a few years ago and my hair grew back very quickly after the treatment had finished. Take care Lynn and I hope you make the right decision for you. Max xx

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