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Jun 27, 2016 - 1:35 pm
Wanted to share my update today. Yesterday i was getting ready for church and combed my hair and found a bunch of har in my comb. It scared me . I knew it was comming but wasnt ready. I went to church but made sure to tell mykids to not touch my hair during church. That went okay. That night didnt want tot ouch my hair much because when i did a few strands would come out every time. Called my mom and told her to not be surpised if I was wearing my wig the next time she saw me. While I was in bed I was feeling scared to wash my hair the next moring but knew i needed to. So this morning I got up walked around in my pjs and cleaned up a little found my clothes i wanted to where and told my daughter as I was walking to the shower, "well here I go I might be bald when I get out." Washed my hair gently and not much fell out but when I combed it right after it was coming out. Dont know how long it will take but its comming out. Im going to Idaho this weekend for my grandpas 90th birthday just before i start up chemo #2. I decided I am wearing my wig up there because I didnt want to switch in the middle of my stay there. Weird as it is, i just dont want any one to notice the change. |
Joined: May 2016
A week behind you
Janaes, I think you are a week ahead of me in chemo treatments, so it helps me to hear what you're going through. I'm sure this must be upsetting even though we all know it's coming. I was told mine might not fall out until my second chemo treatment, so now I don't know what to expect! It's great that you already have a wig. I've been putting off ordering some caps and turbans from the ACS TLC site, but maybe I will go ahead. Hang in there.
Joined: Jun 2015
You may want to consider
You may want to consider getting your hair cut short. My experience was that my hair starting falling out about day 12 (I think) and a lot of it at a time. I had to talk myself into it for several days but had my husband shave mine instead of continuing to deal with the mess. I could not wear a wig due to hot flashes but I did order lots of scarves and some bangs. They served me well for the 6 months I needed them. Hang in there.... You will both be OK.
Love and Hugs,
Cindi
Joined: May 2016
Im so glad im not in this
Im so glad im not in this alone. Its nice to know you are doing chemo too. Of cource i wish no one had to do this but its nice to not be alone. It makes it so much easier. I wish you well in your chemo process. Keep me updated on how it goes for you.
Janae
Joined: Feb 2016
My Hair started falling out about Day 22
I got it cut short and then when it started coming out in clumps, I had my hairdresser buzz it (not shaved). I'm at week 9 and I still have a little bit of scraggly hair on my head. I wear my wigs (I have 4!) when I go out but also have a large variety of turbins and hats with scarves to cover all occasions. We have a boat and convertable so I need something that will stay on my head. As time goes by, it gets easier.
Joined: Sep 2014
Never thought I would be bald!
I rather enjoyed not having to deal with hair during (and some time after) chemo other than having to wear something on my cold head at night as it was winter. At home I often went bald, but wore a comfortable blond wig (free from the ACS) when going out. Looking back, this was just another phase of my cancer journey. I am now 18 months with NED and going strong (and my hair is as good as ever.)
Joined: Jun 2015
About two weeks after first chemo
is when mine started falling out. Scalp began hurting, and I could just reach up and barely pull my hair and it would come out. I clipped my hair down to about 1/4" inch before my second chemo, just to get it done and out of the way. It was kind of a shock at first, but I had short hair anyway, so it could have been much worse. I had a wig, but also pre-tied scarves and all of the scarves I had but never used, I finally found a use for. Janaes, do what feels comfortable for you!
Joined: Jan 2016
I had mine buzzed a couple
I had mine buzzed a couple weeks after my first chemo as t was coming out by then and I already had my wig. Most of the time when I go out I wear my wig which looks a lot like my own hair, but I have become braver all the time and sometimes just wear a hat.
Joined: May 2016
Thanks wonderful ladies. I
Thanks wonderful ladies. I had to go run a few arrends yesterday. I did comb my hair quite a bit before but decided to just put my hair in a half pony tail so it wouldnt fall out as easily. I tried to straighten the back of my hair and the hair stands just came out as I did that. Thats not going to work much more. I think Im going to have to take this slow. I feel like Im making progess though. Eventually i think I will come to terms with this. I love what you guys say on this sit to take things a day at a time. That helps termendasly.
Joined: May 2016
OK ladies, so here's a secret
OK ladies, so here's a secret: I'm actually looking forward to seeing what I look like bald! (No progress on that front so far, though.) I've always wondered, but just shaving my head for the fun of it is not something I've ever wanted to do. I do realize that being bald with no eyebrows is not the same as having an elegant bald head with natural brows. And I may well find out that I'm hideous.
Please don't think that I'm making light of anything anyone is going through, because I'm not. I know it could be worse than even I expect. Just saying--silver linings.
Joined: Jun 2012
Eyebrows
You'll probably keep those for a while yet so you'll have a chance assess the bald head with brows and lashes still in place. I think mine went sometime after the fourth cycle. Get yourself some statement earrings and rock the new look
Joined: Oct 2015
First I went to the wig shop
First I went to the wig shop and got a wig as close to my (fake) color and the same length. Then I braided my real hair into two braids and had my hairdresser cut off both braids so I could save them in case I ever became famous and could sell them on EBay and make a fortune.
She then cut my hair so it was an inch or so long. I never had any kind of "hair pain" on my scalp like other ladies had. That's when I started wearing my wig. A lot of people didn't even know I was wearing a wig. I bought three more wigs all the same color and alternated wearing them.
About a month or so ago I stored the wigs and came out of the closet....or bathroom with my new curly silver hair which feels like soft baby hair. I've had long hair all my life and it's taken some getting used to sporting the short look. I've thought about duct taping the braids back on but threw caution to the wind and went out into the world. Now, I love my new look!! The only drawback is I look like my mother! I'll pass by a mirror or window and it kind of startles me. Yikes, Maryellen is back to haunt me LOL!
Love,
Eldri
Joined: May 2016
Your hair looks great in your
Your hair looks great in your photo, so I'm glad it feels good, too!
Joined: May 2016
Eldri, i had Honestly thought
Eldri, i had Honestly thought about saving some of my hair and glueing some of it to the back of a hat so i could just put the hat on and i would still have myhair to show off. Havent done it.
Joined: Jun 2015
Janaes, That isn't a bad idea
Janaes, That isn't a bad idea. I purchased a cap that had hair attached for about $100.00. I had to put the hair in a pony-tail because it made my neck itch. It wasn't real hair so I guess my skin didn't like it. You can purchase bangs to wear under hats and scarves too. And they are reasonbly priced. Or, you can brave the world like some others in this group did and go natural. I wasn't brave enough to do that! Whatever you decide, just remember that it is temporary. You can do this!
Becca, attitude will help you so much through this journey. Glad to see your positive approach! I have a feeling you will not have many down days. I used to call them blue days when I was going through chemo. Also, it is great to have partners going through this at the same time as you. I think you will find a certain kinship between youself and Janaes since you are on the same timeline. :-)
Love and Hugs,
Cindi
Joined: May 2016
Shampoos or lotions for scalp?
It's day 15 after my first chemo treatment, and my hair is now coming out for real--not in fistfuls, but if I run my fingers lightly through my hair, 6-8 strands come out. My scalp is also tingling/burning.
Has anyone used particular shampoos or lotions to soothe the scalp? I've been looking online but haven't found specific advice about this.
Thanks.
Joined: Feb 2016
Tingling scalp
i bought a special shampoo at the wig store but I'm not sure it made a difference. My hairdresser said use Head & Shoulders. Good luck. Once you are past the initial shock, it's not so bad. Just more headgear decisions.
Joined: Jun 2016
Can't shave it yet
Hi Becca, I'm just a week past my 3rd chemo and still haven't cut or shaved my hair yet. I've always had thin, fine, straight hair and somehow even though I see a lot of skin showing through now, I still feel like I can see the healthy me when I look in the mirror, so it's still hard to part from what's left. It is a pain to keep tucked in, though, when I do wear a wig.
I feel a lot of heat at times on my scalp and have found an ice pack helpful....like I use when I have a migraine. Maybe you'd find that helpful or at least temporarily soothing, too.
Joined: Jun 2016
PS
Eldri.....I love your posts! You always seem to find a way to make me smile. You are a treasure and the humor you share with us is priceless!
Joined: May 2016
So the new profile pic is my
So the new profile pic is my first attempt at wrapping my head and going out in public. The scarf stayed on, so I count that a success! I still have hair under there, it's just shorter and thinner than it used to be. So messy! I'm glad to have the scarf to catch the hair as well as hide it. I have an appt. to have my head shaved, but it's not for two weeks.
Joined: Oct 2015
I used a lint roller on my
I used a lint roller on my head every morning before I put on my wig. It worked great!! I thought about wrapping duct tape inside out around my hand but figured that might be overkill....ya think??
Short hair sure is easier to take care of.
Love,
Eldri
Joined: Oct 2015
LOL Eldri you are so funny
Eldri where do you come up with these ideas. After I read your funny posts the first thing that pops into my mind is your dog running with the wig in his mouth. Gads girl thanks for the laughs and smiles. I am surprised my husband doesn't come in the computer room and ask me what I am laughing about. I remember when my hair was falling out I stopped in at Cost Cutters and asked the girl to shave the rest of it off as I was tired of cleaning the floor in the bathroom. The idea or thought of my hair falling out didn't ever really bother me as I thought if I can get to NED sure would be worth the loss of my hair. But it is surprising me how long it is taking to grow back. It is doing so but not near as fast as I would like. I have advanced from the scarves I would wear when going out of the house to a baseball cap. Was just getting too warm with a scarf. My hair color is dark gray to white in spots. Don't necessarily like this look as I colored my hair before the loss. Can't hardly wait for it to grow out so I can get my fake color back. LOL
But you are sure right it is easier to take care of this way.
Love,
Jerri
Joined: Oct 2015
I was debating about getting
I was debating about getting mine colored again or leave the white. I was a really pale (fake) blonde but my hair grows really fast, or at least it did BC (before cancer). I had to get it done every four weeks or so. I'd rather spend the money on a massage or take up a new hobby like cigar smoking....just kidding. By the way I go for my second massage on Tuesday. My hubby bought me a gift certificate for five massages and I'm going to make good use of them. I felt so much better after the last one. The massage therapist I have is an older lady who specializes in cancer patients. She even says she works on people's stomach problems related to their treatment. I feel comfortable with her too.
Love,
Eldri
Joined: Jun 2015
Eldri, I have been debating
Eldri, I have been debating about getting my old color back as well. But, I'm hesitant to do so since we had so many chemicals thrown at us already. I think I'm going to wait a while still. And, by the way... people pay good money to get their hair your color! The white is really pretty. :-)
Also, this new virgin hair is so soft. I do enjoy that part of all of this. And, I like the curls too. Just not the color so much...
Love and Hugs,
Cindi
Joined: May 2016
Bet it Looks Cool
Cindi, go to one of those stylist that will put different shades around your face and see which you like the best. I bet you don't even realize how awesome you look now. I envy you... all I have is freckled skin and some fine fuzz.. I swear I am going to tatoo a smiley face on the back of my noggin' or maybe Kilroy was here pearing over the top of my head.
Joined: Oct 2015
Now THAT I want to see a
Now THAT I want to see a picture of!!!!
Love,
Eldri
Joined: Jun 2015
Me too Patty!
I want to see a picture of that!!! Hey, maybe you can start a trend for bald chemo patients.
Joined: Feb 2016
Stay Grey!
My opinion is stay natural, Eldri! You look lovely and you don't want all those nasty hair chemicals!
Joined: Sep 2011
guess I'm weird....
When mine started coming out, I just took strands and pulled it out! Didn't hurt, it was quick, and cheap(husband doesn't believe in spending money on hair dressers
). I have only been to one beauty shop in my life, when I was 15, so pulling it out seemed ok to me! Debra
Joined: Jun 2015
Debrajo - you must have a
Debrajo - you must have a much tougher scalp than I do. OUCH!!!!!
Joined: Oct 2015
Hair dresser
I explained to the hair dresser why I was asking to get my hair completely cut off. After hair cut was done she said I had a very nice shaped head and we went over to the check in desk and I asked what I owed her and she said "Nothing". I thanked her very much and gave her a nice tip as I was glad I wouldn't be cleaning hair up from the bathroom floor.
Jerri
Joined: May 2016
I read that same old post of
I read that same old post of Edri's about her dog having her wig out of her house. It helped me to laugh that day. It was while my hair was falling out too. Thanks Edri for your funny story.
Joined: May 2016
Eldri You Foxy Lady
Why mess w/ perfection. That white hair makes you look like a "hot mamma". I for one love it. Hope mine comes in the same color. You go girlfriend!!
Joined: May 2016
I've been pulling a lot of
I've been pulling a lot of mine out, too, so there's not so much all over the place. I thought I would still need to have it shaved later but maybe I won't.
I haven't colored mine since I was diagnosed with cancer, and I don't expect to go back to coloring it--I suppose that's part of some deeper change in how I see myself. I had wanted to stop coloring it for a while but wasn't quite ready to have the world see me that way. For the past couple of months I've had this awful two-tone effect as the color grew out, but I was preoccupied with other things, so I haven't even really cared. Now when it comes back in it will be clean, white, and natural.
Joined: Jan 2016
Scarf tips
Hi Becca, your scarf looks great! I wore scarves almost exclusively during treatment (I'm 6-weeks out from treatment now and have decided to go au naturel). There are a ton of instructional videos on how to tie scarves but my favorites are from www.wrapunzelblog.com. Also, I always wore a little cap or headband under my scarves so that they would stay put and create additional volume. Have fun with your scarves and let me know if you have any questions about them!
Joined: May 2016
Thanks! I think I found some
Thanks! I think I found some of the same videos online. You look great in your new profile pic!
Joined: Jan 2016
I was able to pull a lot of
I was able to pull a lot of my hair out without pain and then I had a buzz. Now mine is starting to come in with much more white than I ever had before. If my new hair will stay which I'm not sure yet, I will probably color it again. Time will tell....
Joined: Oct 2015
I think I'm with you Soup
I do love the feel of the softness of my new hair (what I have of it). Maybe I'll take the daisy petal test (pull one petal out and say Color IT and pull another one out and say Leave It the way it is) Naaaaaaaaaa that doesn't work for me I think coloring will win that tug of war.
Joined: May 2016
Mine started falling out today....
I have had one treatment (Carbo/Taxol) so far...everything is going very well...but it caught me off guard a little to suddenly see a LOT of hair in my brush....hair on my neck...it's like OKAY then....the s*** is about to get REAL...and what hair is left on my head feels really weird...my scalp feels weird...it's like I can feel air blowing on it...especially in the car with the A/C on...read somewhere that for some people it just all comes out at once...not sure I believe that but MAN that would be bizarre if ya just sneezed really hard and KABLOOEY....:p
Joined: May 2016
Maybe I should just vacuum my head when I get home?
Wonder if anyone else has thought about that or actually done it?
Joined: Jan 2016
Duct tape works, too
Moped7946, now that's a good idea - I never thought of that one! After buzz-cutting mine, I used duct tape and a sticky lint roller the first time then just shaved it off the second time. I was worried about in-grown hairs from the shaving but didn't experience any. It seems to be coming in the same this time (thank goodness!).
Joined: May 2016
Duct tape....hmmmmmm...
May have to try that one....