Probly a stupid question....!

queenieb52
queenieb52 Member Posts: 48 Member
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
I am just wondering about the hair loss thing. I started my chemo on 7/8 and have had 2 treatments-the first was the Taxol/Carboplatin, then I just had the Taxol IV/Cisplatin IP last week- with the Taxol IP coming up on Tues. I started losing hair pretty good this past week, but in the last day or 2 it has been minimal. Am I just wishful thinking,or will it just continue to fall out till its gone? Also, I have noticed a shortness of breath since the treatment on Wed. Not alarmingly so, but a definite shortness of breath. Is this part of all this or...? Thanks for your input.....hope all have a good weekend. Its brutally hot here in South Florida!!.....hugs....Beth

Comments

  • JoanC
    JoanC Member Posts: 231
    #2
    Question
    Beth,
    If you are doing the IP port treatment it is VERY important to stay hydrated! Gatorade G2 has lots of the electrolytes that you need. Please get up and move around a lot...because IP Port has been known to cause blood clots in the lungs of some people. I have been through it. Sending my thoughts and prayers all goes well for you.
    (((HUGS))) Joan
  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    #3
    NO QUESTION IS STUPID
    Please ask ANYTHING. For me, my hair started coming out around day 21, which is when the physican assistant told me it probably would. I woke up one morning, and my head was sore, kind of like I had been wearing hair pins or a ponytail or a hat. After most of it was gone, I had it buzzed off completely and bought a wig. I wore the wig to work, but was quite comfortable with scarves, hats, and sometimes at home, nothing at all. So when I had my recurrance, I just went ahead and had it buzzed off as soon as I started chemo.

    As always, I tried to be positive. It may have been annoying at times to wear the wig, or sometimes even a little warm, but it was super easy to wash my head and it dried fast! I didn't have to worry about 'bad hair days', and I looked forward to when I knew it would grow back. And when it did start growing but was still super short, I put away the wig, went to my hairdresser, and he shaped it really nicely and EVERYONE loved it! I would never get it cut that short, but I was constantly complimented on it. I hope this helps. Come back anytime with ANY questions.

    Lots of prayers and hugs for success on these treatments!

    Monika
  • queenieb52
    queenieb52 Member Posts: 48 Member
    #4
    JoanC said:

    Question
    Beth,
    If you are doing the IP port treatment it is VERY important to stay hydrated! Gatorade G2 has lots of the electrolytes that you need. Please get up and move around a lot...because IP Port has been known to cause blood clots in the lungs of some people. I have been through it. Sending my thoughts and prayers all goes well for you.
    (((HUGS))) Joan

    Thanks Joan
    Thank you Joan for that info....I don't think anyone has told me that-about the blood clots! I do drink a lot, but I will definitely step it up. I also will increase my mobility! I do walk 1-2 times daily, plus I do mild exercises with my hand weights (still healing from hysterectomy/surgery). Thanks again, I really appreciate it! With warm regards....Beth
  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    #5
    OOPS!
    I forgot to address the 'shortness of breath'. I experienced that, and apparently the chemo can lower your blood pressure. As mine is typically low anyway (106/70), it REALLY got low (88/80). So, maybe that's the situation for you. Keep a journal and discuss it with the doctor or nurse when you see them again. Confirm it one way or another. If that's what it is, let me know. I've got some great tips for bringing it up to get through those rough days!

    (((HUGS)))
    Monika
  • queenieb52
    queenieb52 Member Posts: 48 Member
    #6
    mopar said:

    NO QUESTION IS STUPID
    Please ask ANYTHING. For me, my hair started coming out around day 21, which is when the physican assistant told me it probably would. I woke up one morning, and my head was sore, kind of like I had been wearing hair pins or a ponytail or a hat. After most of it was gone, I had it buzzed off completely and bought a wig. I wore the wig to work, but was quite comfortable with scarves, hats, and sometimes at home, nothing at all. So when I had my recurrance, I just went ahead and had it buzzed off as soon as I started chemo.

    As always, I tried to be positive. It may have been annoying at times to wear the wig, or sometimes even a little warm, but it was super easy to wash my head and it dried fast! I didn't have to worry about 'bad hair days', and I looked forward to when I knew it would grow back. And when it did start growing but was still super short, I put away the wig, went to my hairdresser, and he shaped it really nicely and EVERYONE loved it! I would never get it cut that short, but I was constantly complimented on it. I hope this helps. Come back anytime with ANY questions.

    Lots of prayers and hugs for success on these treatments!

    Monika

    Thanks Monika!
    LOL...yeah I guess I kinda knew it wouldn't last....but had to ask! I have not decided on a wig yet, as I live in South Florida, and the heat has been brutal this summer. Plus, I got laid off from my job 2 weeks ago, so going back to work right now is not a real issue. I wish it was...:( I have only had 2 treatments, but I will still look for work...I can't just sit here- it is most depressing! Not to mention, I have no income. I'm trying to keep positive tho...my kids & family are helping me out, and I've applied for SSI or SSDI, so wish me luck! Thanks again Monika! ((Hugs)) Beth
  • queenieb52
    queenieb52 Member Posts: 48 Member
    #7
    mopar said:

    OOPS!
    I forgot to address the 'shortness of breath'. I experienced that, and apparently the chemo can lower your blood pressure. As mine is typically low anyway (106/70), it REALLY got low (88/80). So, maybe that's the situation for you. Keep a journal and discuss it with the doctor or nurse when you see them again. Confirm it one way or another. If that's what it is, let me know. I've got some great tips for bringing it up to get through those rough days!

    (((HUGS)))
    Monika

    Thanks....
    You know, I thought about that low blood pressure too, as mine does tend to run low also. And I do get light headed, and I know thats a sign of low blood pressure- my husband used to get like that also. Any tips are most welcome....I REALLY hate this feeling of being short of breath. Although it does seem to come & go, so I'm thinking it might be a blood pressure thing. Have an appt. Tues.- will have to address it! Thanks Monika!...Beth
  • saundra
    saundra Member Posts: 1,370 Member
    #8
    queenieb52 said:

    Thanks....
    You know, I thought about that low blood pressure too, as mine does tend to run low also. And I do get light headed, and I know thats a sign of low blood pressure- my husband used to get like that also. Any tips are most welcome....I REALLY hate this feeling of being short of breath. Although it does seem to come & go, so I'm thinking it might be a blood pressure thing. Have an appt. Tues.- will have to address it! Thanks Monika!...Beth

    Try a cotton bandana
    I found cotton bandana, tied in the back to be the coolest headwear here in hot West Texas. I wear those most of the time...going to a function, I usually put on a wig. I order ultra light weight wigs from the internet (Paula Young) and found them inexpensive and reliable. I may try a long one this winter!! If I lose my hair on this second chemo round. I like to keep changing and surprising everyone.

    I have been short of breath since finishing the first round of chemo.
    (((Hugs))

    Saundra
  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    #9
    no such thing as stupid questions
    Hi Beth, You have already heard lots of good suggestions from the ladies here. I have been bald so many times that now in the heat I go bald most places, and if it isn't too hot wear a bandana on my head. Make sure you mention to your medical team about the shortness of breath ~ I get it too and it is usually because my red blood count is down. RBC carry oxygen that your body needs. But have had it as a side affect from some of the chemos.

    Good luck with your chemo treatments and pray side affects aren't to tough. Hugs ♥ Prayers Bonnie
  • bluerose
    bluerose Member Posts: 1,104
    #10
    saundra said:

    Try a cotton bandana
    I found cotton bandana, tied in the back to be the coolest headwear here in hot West Texas. I wear those most of the time...going to a function, I usually put on a wig. I order ultra light weight wigs from the internet (Paula Young) and found them inexpensive and reliable. I may try a long one this winter!! If I lose my hair on this second chemo round. I like to keep changing and surprising everyone.

    I have been short of breath since finishing the first round of chemo.
    (((Hugs))

    Saundra

    Cotton bandana with bangs
    I too found cotton bandanas fabulous but the ones I had also had sewn in fake bangs and some even had a bit of hair out the bottom of the bandanas too - at the nape of your neck. You just choose your color of bangs and pick that bandana. I can't tell you how many times even my oncologists and their nurses said to me when I wore it in for checkups during my chemo treatments 'you mean you haven't lost all of your hair yet?' thinking that the hair sticking out from the bandanas was really mine. lol. Now that's a sign that they looked natural if I ever heard one.

    Also too if you are at home and someone knocks on the door unexpectedly or the pizza guy has arrived you can just through on that banged bandana in one second and no need to fuss with combing it and making sure it's on right like a wig - just fling it on and tada. Really saved me lots of grief and allowed me to feel comfy going to the grocery store or wherever without all the hastle of a wig. Just thought I would throw in my 2 cents. Take care. Bluerose.

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