hair loss

pam51

I am new to this group and was diagnosed with lung cancer in January. Vanity has reared its ugly head and because of chemo I am practically bald. Anybody out there have any suggestions about handling this without too much neurosis?
Thanks
pam51 - e-mail pabuchh@mcleodusa.net

bobz1

Ware your loss of hair as a badge of courage,an rember it will grow back.Sometimes thicker then before.I am a 10 year survivor, and lost my hair twice.Temp hair loss is the least that you should worry about.people will look at you an know and know you are a fighter.If they look and dont understand they can kiss your a--.Also If you didnt have hair loss the Chemo you are taking is the week stuff.You want the strong stuff that works.The more hair you drop the more it is working///If I can help any more let me know

shelical

Hi Pam
I have lung cancer also. I started with radiation and finally was convinced to try chemo. The information I got explained that about 80% of chemo patients have the hair loss usually about 3 wks after chemo starts. I didn't want to go to pieces when that business started so got the long hair cut to just past the ears. The hospital where I receive chemo mentioned that the American Cancer Society had wigs that had been donated to them and at no charge. So I went there and got a wig before any hair started to fall out. I figured when it started I would just get it cut super short (like a buzz cut). When it started it was like a hair blizzard! Long wide comb completely full of hair, all over the bathroom sink counter and tons in the sink. After the second day of that, I went for the buzz cut, wig cap and wig in hand. It was surprising when it was over, but far less tramatic than watching all that every time I combed my hair. I'm not thrilled with the wig and usually wear a wrap at home. But out in public I prefer hair on my head personally. So obviously it is your choice. Sometimes people you know freak out when they see you with so little on top! Also, some just can't handle the reminder that you are sick. It truly is hard for each of us to deal with every day - I know for the first 2 wks after they told me I had lung cancer I thought about it every minute, so now this day to day stuff is alot easier! I live in windy Colorado Springs and a few times the wind gusts have made me wonder if that wig can fly! And if so what will I do... Think I'll bring a wrap or scarf in my purse from now on in case this happens. I've only checked out 2 places that sell wigs, Merle Norman had one that was perfect, so I'll save up and splurge on it soon. The one I have now can be a back up! FYI - the volunteer at the American Cancer Society was a real sweetheart, and she mentioned that people had told her that their heads get cold at night. I didn't think at the time I would have that sensation when I took off whatever head covering I had on, but she was right. I don't sleep with anything on my head but at least I understand why I feel cold occasionally! Sorry this is so long, just try a few different ideas and work with what YOU like. Remember once in awhile we just need to do something for ourselves.
Shel

pam51

shelical said:

Hi Pam
I have lung cancer also. I started with radiation and finally was convinced to try chemo. The information I got explained that about 80% of chemo patients have the hair loss usually about 3 wks after chemo starts. I didn't want to go to pieces when that business started so got the long hair cut to just past the ears. The hospital where I receive chemo mentioned that the American Cancer Society had wigs that had been donated to them and at no charge. So I went there and got a wig before any hair started to fall out. I figured when it started I would just get it cut super short (like a buzz cut). When it started it was like a hair blizzard! Long wide comb completely full of hair, all over the bathroom sink counter and tons in the sink. After the second day of that, I went for the buzz cut, wig cap and wig in hand. It was surprising when it was over, but far less tramatic than watching all that every time I combed my hair. I'm not thrilled with the wig and usually wear a wrap at home. But out in public I prefer hair on my head personally. So obviously it is your choice. Sometimes people you know freak out when they see you with so little on top! Also, some just can't handle the reminder that you are sick. It truly is hard for each of us to deal with every day - I know for the first 2 wks after they told me I had lung cancer I thought about it every minute, so now this day to day stuff is alot easier! I live in windy Colorado Springs and a few times the wind gusts have made me wonder if that wig can fly! And if so what will I do... Think I'll bring a wrap or scarf in my purse from now on in case this happens. I've only checked out 2 places that sell wigs, Merle Norman had one that was perfect, so I'll save up and splurge on it soon. The one I have now can be a back up! FYI - the volunteer at the American Cancer Society was a real sweetheart, and she mentioned that people had told her that their heads get cold at night. I didn't think at the time I would have that sensation when I took off whatever head covering I had on, but she was right. I don't sleep with anything on my head but at least I understand why I feel cold occasionally! Sorry this is so long, just try a few different ideas and work with what YOU like. Remember once in awhile we just need to do something for ourselves.
Shel

Dear Shel
Thank you for taking time to answer my e-mail
I appreciate your insight into this . DId you have real long hair to start with? I had short hair anyway. My concern was that if I went to a restaurant or someone's home for dinner big clumps would fall out like you see on t.v. but my just came out in strands.
I have been sticking with the scarves and turbins which I always keep close by incase one blows off. I am from Cedar Rapids, Iowa so you never know when the weather is going to change. the turbins and scarves are just cheaper that the wigs because before I was diagnosed in January with cancer in October I was layed off from my job in October. I worked for Rockwell Collins for 33 years. THey are helping me but I still need to be careful with the money.
I appreciate your feedback.
Thanks
Pam

june19521

I find it very funny, i like my bald head i am 49 and i do not put on anything when my friends come over to visit. I do wear a wig when i go out all day long, but I do not wear it to run to the store, i wear a scarff etc. I do not care much what others think and most of them know you are most likey cheo patient. Does it really matter as long as your still alive and doing well. Take it in stide have fun with it. I make jokes all the time. I cut my hair off before the chemo, i did not want the mess. Wishing you luck.

nancy810

HI PAM,
I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH LUNG CANCER IN OCT. ONE WEEK BEFORE MY DAUGHTERS WEDDING, WHAT A MESS!! MY HAIR WAS LONG AND I HAD JUST GOTTEN A PERM THE FIRST OF OCT, SO WHEN I STARTED TO LOOSE MY HAIR WITH TREATMENT IN NOVEMBER SLOWLY AT NIGHT IT WAS A TANGLED MESS EACH AM. I THEN GOT IT CUT SHORT.
MY SECOND CHEMO TREATMENTS THEY SAID I WOULD LOOSE IT COMPLETELY AND WAS WEARING HATS CAUSE I'M NOT A WIG PERSON. THE FIRST THING I THOUGHT WAS THAT I WOULD MISS MY BANGS!! SO SINCE I HAVE NO INSURANCE AND YOU CAN GET BANGS FOR HATS FOR AROUND $30. I DECIDED TO CUT STRIPS OF MY OWN HAIR AND WITH VELCORE AND A LITLE SUPER GLUE GEL I MADE MY OWN BANGS!! I MADE ENOUGH FOR THREE HATS AND ALSO CAN MOVE FROM HAT TO HAT....LOL
CANCER CAN BE A REAL PAIN THE (YOU KNOW WHAT)
I HAVE LOVED SHARING MY BANG THING, HOPE YOU ENJOYED IT. NANCY

pam51

shelical said:

Hi Pam
I have lung cancer also. I started with radiation and finally was convinced to try chemo. The information I got explained that about 80% of chemo patients have the hair loss usually about 3 wks after chemo starts. I didn't want to go to pieces when that business started so got the long hair cut to just past the ears. The hospital where I receive chemo mentioned that the American Cancer Society had wigs that had been donated to them and at no charge. So I went there and got a wig before any hair started to fall out. I figured when it started I would just get it cut super short (like a buzz cut). When it started it was like a hair blizzard! Long wide comb completely full of hair, all over the bathroom sink counter and tons in the sink. After the second day of that, I went for the buzz cut, wig cap and wig in hand. It was surprising when it was over, but far less tramatic than watching all that every time I combed my hair. I'm not thrilled with the wig and usually wear a wrap at home. But out in public I prefer hair on my head personally. So obviously it is your choice. Sometimes people you know freak out when they see you with so little on top! Also, some just can't handle the reminder that you are sick. It truly is hard for each of us to deal with every day - I know for the first 2 wks after they told me I had lung cancer I thought about it every minute, so now this day to day stuff is alot easier! I live in windy Colorado Springs and a few times the wind gusts have made me wonder if that wig can fly! And if so what will I do... Think I'll bring a wrap or scarf in my purse from now on in case this happens. I've only checked out 2 places that sell wigs, Merle Norman had one that was perfect, so I'll save up and splurge on it soon. The one I have now can be a back up! FYI - the volunteer at the American Cancer Society was a real sweetheart, and she mentioned that people had told her that their heads get cold at night. I didn't think at the time I would have that sensation when I took off whatever head covering I had on, but she was right. I don't sleep with anything on my head but at least I understand why I feel cold occasionally! Sorry this is so long, just try a few different ideas and work with what YOU like. Remember once in awhile we just need to do something for ourselves.
Shel

Hi Shel
My apologies to you for not responding sooner. I got disgusted with the little hair I had left (2 inches on top and nothing on side or back. I thought for sure that would all fall out since I am still on chemo) so I got a buzz job. I decided to go the turbin and scarf route. I have several white turbins, and 1 purple and 1 beige. The purple one is from the cancer society, and the white ones and beige ones from Sally Hansen Warehouse beauty supply. I suppose for the women that like facials but they fit nice and snug and don't look too bad either
Thanks again for responding and I hope we can keep in touch. My regular e-mail is pabuchh@mcleodusa.net
Thanks again for being such an angel
Pam51

pam51

june19521 said:

I find it very funny, i like my bald head i am 49 and i do not put on anything when my friends come over to visit. I do wear a wig when i go out all day long, but I do not wear it to run to the store, i wear a scarff etc. I do not care much what others think and most of them know you are most likey cheo patient. Does it really matter as long as your still alive and doing well. Take it in stide have fun with it. I make jokes all the time. I cut my hair off before the chemo, i did not want the mess. Wishing you luck.

I got my hair buzzed last Monday because not all of my hair has fallen out yet. I am now totally bald and have no eyebrows or eyelashes and I am wearing turbins all the time. People look at me and know I am doing the chemo and I guess I am like you I don't care but I am more comfortable and warmer in a turbine.
Thanks for responding to my message
Pam51

pam51

nancy810 said:

HI PAM,
I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH LUNG CANCER IN OCT. ONE WEEK BEFORE MY DAUGHTERS WEDDING, WHAT A MESS!! MY HAIR WAS LONG AND I HAD JUST GOTTEN A PERM THE FIRST OF OCT, SO WHEN I STARTED TO LOOSE MY HAIR WITH TREATMENT IN NOVEMBER SLOWLY AT NIGHT IT WAS A TANGLED MESS EACH AM. I THEN GOT IT CUT SHORT.
MY SECOND CHEMO TREATMENTS THEY SAID I WOULD LOOSE IT COMPLETELY AND WAS WEARING HATS CAUSE I'M NOT A WIG PERSON. THE FIRST THING I THOUGHT WAS THAT I WOULD MISS MY BANGS!! SO SINCE I HAVE NO INSURANCE AND YOU CAN GET BANGS FOR HATS FOR AROUND $30. I DECIDED TO CUT STRIPS OF MY OWN HAIR AND WITH VELCORE AND A LITLE SUPER GLUE GEL I MADE MY OWN BANGS!! I MADE ENOUGH FOR THREE HATS AND ALSO CAN MOVE FROM HAT TO HAT....LOL
CANCER CAN BE A REAL PAIN THE (YOU KNOW WHAT)
I HAVE LOVED SHARING MY BANG THING, HOPE YOU ENJOYED IT. NANCY

Nancy
Loved the story about the bangs. Hope your daughter got married okay. I was layed off from my job in October and found out in January that I had lung cancer. I am bald now and am wearing the turbins. How do you get chemo without insurance? The place that layed me off is helping me with insurance since I am not employable because of the cancer. I wish I had been that creative with the bangs before I swept away my hair and it literally is in the garbage.
Take Care and thank you for responding to my message
Pam51