Just wondering Topics.....

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Deb2009
Deb2009 Member Posts: 14
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
I have several issues that I've been wondering about lately. I'm on my 6th round of chemo now and my hair has begun to grow back. I shaved my head when hair started to fall out (during 2nd treatment) but it never seemed to stop growing totally. What I have now is very fine & grey. Also I have read that during treatment that fingernails turn black. I have not experienced this. I guess I'm just concerned that the treatments aren't working because the hair is growing and nails aren't black.....I know I should be thankful for these things but have been questioning everything lately because my marker has increased. Welcome any comments.

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  • jane65
    jane65 Member Posts: 277
    #2
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    Deb
    Hi Deb,
    I assume that you're on chemo for the first time, perhaps carbo/taxol. I found fatigue my worst side affect.

    I got a buzz cut when my hair started coming out and funny thing is, that it grew back around the bottom of my head. the top and sides were bald, but the lower back grew. I was so happy to have it, that I shampooed it, conditioned it and petted it to keep it happy. It's grown back gray and straight since chemo ended and I always had curly hair, go figure.

    I never got black nails, and never heard of that being a side affect of chemo. My nails did get a bit brittle and I kept them short so they wouldn't break or crack. In fact I used Sally Hansen hard as nails to protect them.

    I'm sure your treatments are working,hair and nails aren't an indication so you can relax about those issues.

    How is your CA125 reading compared to when you started chemo? Hopefully it's been going down.
    Have you had any CT scans since you started?
    Those would be the indicators of how the chemo is working, and what does your oncologist say about how you're doing?

    Please come back if anything else concerns you, that's what we're here for.
    Good luck, and good health
    Jane
  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    #3
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    Hair
    Hi Deb, my hair starting falling with this chemo on day 14 and so I cut it really short and then it was coming out lots and shaved it. I still have spots that grow and others as smooth as a baby's behind. Doesn't mean chemo isn't working, but understand your concern.

    Hugs ♥ Prayers Bonnie
  • LPack
    LPack Member Posts: 645
    #4
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    Nails
    Deb,

    My hair started falling out the 14th day with carbo/taxol and did not start growing back until after it was done.

    As far as my nails, I lost my big right toenail and then my left started going and is still hanging on while the new was is under!! AND this has been since my last carbo/taxil treatment in August 2008. Go figure.

    Now I am on Gemzar/cisplatin - maybe the rest of my left toenail will fall off. I am afraid to pull it off, don't need any infection.

    Don't know about the ca125 but I surely understand your concern. I know errors can happen in the lab.

    In His Grip,
    Libby

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