Hair falling out?

rjjj
rjjj Member Posts: 1,822 Member
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
It's not gone yet and it is day 14 after my first chemo treatment. they told me it WOULD fall out. I think i am getting paranoid about it.. i didn't think it would become such an anxiety for me...but then i thought i wouldn't need a breast again but was thrilled with my boob in a box! it is comfy and i feel like me a little more.
Just wondering does it all go at once? Do you like to wear wigs or are hats and scarves just as good? what about my self=esteem? I got it cut short in preparation for this traumatic event.
I love sharing with you all and value your support and replys to my questions. Thanks!

God bless
Jackie
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Comments

  • chenheart
    chenheart Member Posts: 5,159 Member
    Hair Hair!
    Mine started falling out about 14 days after the 1st infusion~ I mistakenly thought if I treated my scalp with TLC, I would be able to keep it. Wrong! It is an internal reaction, not an external one. I began "shedding" on the pillow, in the shower and then YUK, into the food I was preparing for the family to have for dinner! It was rather in stages, the brows, lashes, nosehair, underarms and legs, and yes, the pubic region. Eventually, I was a walking human cue ball!

    If you somehow dodge this bullet, congratulations!!! And, if not, where you live, the season of the year, and your personal comfort level will determine if you are a wig/hat/scarf/ or bald woman!!

    Keep us posted!

    Hugs,
    Claudia
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    There is a new thing....cold on the scalp....
    Says it cuts down on hair loss....you might ask.

    I started serious hair loss between the 2nd and third week (day 21). It was around day 21 that I got it taken off...I had hair everywhere, just like Chen.

    It also depends on what chemo you are having. Adriamycin is the biggest thief.

    You are a very pretty gal, I'm certain that won't change, even with hair loss.

    Hugs, Kathi
  • Derbygirl
    Derbygirl Member Posts: 198
    Noticed some hair loss on
    Noticed some hair loss on day 13 after the first chemo treatment. I treated my hair with TLC on day 14, but on day 15 it was falling out in clumps. I decided to take control and had my hairdresser shave my head. I left the salon in a wig that had been purchased for this occasion and I wear it most of the time. I have turbans for wearing at home and I tried hats, but that's not me! I understand about your anxiety because I thought hair loss would be one of the worst things to happen to a woman. It wasn't a big deal even though I would rather have my own hair. I'm 3 months post chemo and hair is growing - slowly but surely. Good Luck.
  • Aortus
    Aortus Member Posts: 967
    Day 15 and no missing hair so far
    For Moopy, that is. I'm still missing almost all of mine, but that's fair because I am Moopy's baldness coach. She has her "Look Good, Feel Better" meeting on Monday and already has two wigs. She is feeling so much better and so much more like herself the last few days that maybe she'll have an easier time with the hair thing than I have feared.
  • mimivac
    mimivac Member Posts: 2,143 Member
    Hair
    Like the rest of the gals who responded, mine started coming out seriously on day 14 after the first treatment. It was a Saturday and rather than let it shed all over the place, we went to the wig place I had heard about and had them buzz cut it. I walked out with my brand new wig. I do wear it at work. At first it was uncomfortable, but once I started wearing the little cap they gave me underneath, it was just fine. At home, I wear cotton caps. Now, at week six, the stubble on my head is also coming out. I no longer have to shave my underarms or my legs, or, um, other parts of my body.

    About the emotional aspect: I thought I was prepared because it is the one side effect my oncologist told me would happend for certain. However, it was still shocking and emotional when it actually happened. It is the first visible manifestation of this illness and frankly it sucks. I cried for a bit and then I was over it. Now, I am no longer shocked to see my bald head and neither is my husband. In fact, I kind of like it -- though I haven't been brave enough to go out sans wig yet. It is another thing to deal with, but it is temporary and you will get used to it. Good luck and let us know.

    Mimi
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    mimivac said:

    Hair
    Like the rest of the gals who responded, mine started coming out seriously on day 14 after the first treatment. It was a Saturday and rather than let it shed all over the place, we went to the wig place I had heard about and had them buzz cut it. I walked out with my brand new wig. I do wear it at work. At first it was uncomfortable, but once I started wearing the little cap they gave me underneath, it was just fine. At home, I wear cotton caps. Now, at week six, the stubble on my head is also coming out. I no longer have to shave my underarms or my legs, or, um, other parts of my body.

    About the emotional aspect: I thought I was prepared because it is the one side effect my oncologist told me would happend for certain. However, it was still shocking and emotional when it actually happened. It is the first visible manifestation of this illness and frankly it sucks. I cried for a bit and then I was over it. Now, I am no longer shocked to see my bald head and neither is my husband. In fact, I kind of like it -- though I haven't been brave enough to go out sans wig yet. It is another thing to deal with, but it is temporary and you will get used to it. Good luck and let us know.

    Mimi

    THAT'S the spirit!!!!
    Mimi, you go, girl!!!!

    See? I have no special secret to happiness...you have found it, too....LOVE the 'it is temporary' statement. You know what? All of it is!

    Hugs, Kathi

    (I ventured out 'naked' on many occasions, wearing my pink ribbon. I had so much warmth and well wishes given to me...I HATED a wig...wore caps and scarves for the weather...ROFL...I see you going naked at some point with no problem, too!)

    Hugs, Kathi
  • mimivac
    mimivac Member Posts: 2,143 Member
    KathiM said:

    THAT'S the spirit!!!!
    Mimi, you go, girl!!!!

    See? I have no special secret to happiness...you have found it, too....LOVE the 'it is temporary' statement. You know what? All of it is!

    Hugs, Kathi

    (I ventured out 'naked' on many occasions, wearing my pink ribbon. I had so much warmth and well wishes given to me...I HATED a wig...wore caps and scarves for the weather...ROFL...I see you going naked at some point with no problem, too!)

    Hugs, Kathi

    Naked!
    Kathi,

    You may have just inspired me to put up a "naked" picture of myself tonight. Yikes!

    Mimi
  • zahalene
    zahalene Member Posts: 670
    KathiM said:

    There is a new thing....cold on the scalp....
    Says it cuts down on hair loss....you might ask.

    I started serious hair loss between the 2nd and third week (day 21). It was around day 21 that I got it taken off...I had hair everywhere, just like Chen.

    It also depends on what chemo you are having. Adriamycin is the biggest thief.

    You are a very pretty gal, I'm certain that won't change, even with hair loss.

    Hugs, Kathi

    It's not new
    I began chemo the first time in 1986 and they convinced me to wear an ice cap (like a double layered shower cap filled with water and right out of the FREEZER) for every treatment and I lost my hair (almost all) anyway and still had to wear a wig or something to look presentable. The second time I went through chemo (1988), I said noooo thanks to the ice cap. It was miserable to wear for an hour and a half and left me with a headache of all headaches. Well the second time around without the cap I also lost most of my hair...no difference. I had Adriamiacin (whatever) and 2 other drugs as well.
    Anyhow, I am just saying...that's the way it went for me. But who knows, maybe they know something now they didn't know then. So don't call me the expert.
  • Chellebug
    Chellebug Member Posts: 133 Member
    Ode to Hair
    Jackie, I wrote this last January as I awaited my hair to fall out. Eventually it did...but not until day 17. Mine came out very slowly, never clumpy. In fact the entire process took about 3 weeks. I think it's because I had lower doses of weekly Taxol. Hope this poem makes you smile:


    ODE TO MY HAIR (Day 10)

    Today is the day
    My dear nurse did say
    That I may start losing my hair.

    I haven't a clue
    What it will do.
    I wonder, and try not to care.

    As I wait patiently
    To see what will be
    Of my curly-top up on my head.

    I'll be not afraid
    For the Lord God He made
    Me to lay with sweet sleep on my bed.

    But should I wake up
    With my hair in a clump
    On my pillow......instead of my crown.

    I'll lift my head high
    (After a really good cry)
    And I'll walk with a smile, not a frown.

    ******

    This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
    When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down your sleep will be sweet. Proverbs 3:24
    A cheerful heart is good medicine.... Proverbs 17:22
  • chenheart
    chenheart Member Posts: 5,159 Member
    Chellebug said:

    Ode to Hair
    Jackie, I wrote this last January as I awaited my hair to fall out. Eventually it did...but not until day 17. Mine came out very slowly, never clumpy. In fact the entire process took about 3 weeks. I think it's because I had lower doses of weekly Taxol. Hope this poem makes you smile:


    ODE TO MY HAIR (Day 10)

    Today is the day
    My dear nurse did say
    That I may start losing my hair.

    I haven't a clue
    What it will do.
    I wonder, and try not to care.

    As I wait patiently
    To see what will be
    Of my curly-top up on my head.

    I'll be not afraid
    For the Lord God He made
    Me to lay with sweet sleep on my bed.

    But should I wake up
    With my hair in a clump
    On my pillow......instead of my crown.

    I'll lift my head high
    (After a really good cry)
    And I'll walk with a smile, not a frown.

    ******

    This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
    When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down your sleep will be sweet. Proverbs 3:24
    A cheerful heart is good medicine.... Proverbs 17:22

    Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow
    Wonderful! Wonderful! Wonderful!!!! Your poem is perfect~thank you so much for posting it and putting to words what so many of us have in our hearts! You are a treasure, chellebug!

    Hugs,
    Claudia
  • Chellebug
    Chellebug Member Posts: 133 Member
    chenheart said:

    Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow
    Wonderful! Wonderful! Wonderful!!!! Your poem is perfect~thank you so much for posting it and putting to words what so many of us have in our hearts! You are a treasure, chellebug!

    Hugs,
    Claudia

    Thanks,Claudia!
    For some reason I have a hard time verbally sharing my heart; it comes out better in poetry and journaling.

    I just found another poem I wrote about my hair...on day 14. Do you think I should post that one, too?
  • rjjj
    rjjj Member Posts: 1,822 Member
    Chellebug said:

    Ode to Hair
    Jackie, I wrote this last January as I awaited my hair to fall out. Eventually it did...but not until day 17. Mine came out very slowly, never clumpy. In fact the entire process took about 3 weeks. I think it's because I had lower doses of weekly Taxol. Hope this poem makes you smile:


    ODE TO MY HAIR (Day 10)

    Today is the day
    My dear nurse did say
    That I may start losing my hair.

    I haven't a clue
    What it will do.
    I wonder, and try not to care.

    As I wait patiently
    To see what will be
    Of my curly-top up on my head.

    I'll be not afraid
    For the Lord God He made
    Me to lay with sweet sleep on my bed.

    But should I wake up
    With my hair in a clump
    On my pillow......instead of my crown.

    I'll lift my head high
    (After a really good cry)
    And I'll walk with a smile, not a frown.

    ******

    This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
    When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down your sleep will be sweet. Proverbs 3:24
    A cheerful heart is good medicine.... Proverbs 17:22

    Thanks Chelle.
    I loved the poem and the versus. Amen.
    Jackie
  • chenheart
    chenheart Member Posts: 5,159 Member
    Chellebug said:

    Thanks,Claudia!
    For some reason I have a hard time verbally sharing my heart; it comes out better in poetry and journaling.

    I just found another poem I wrote about my hair...on day 14. Do you think I should post that one, too?

    To Day 14 and Beyond!
    Whatever moved you to write about the journey and is something you want to share, please do!

    Can any of us really ever get enough encouragement and empathy? I think not....

    Hugs,
    Claudia
  • tasha_111
    tasha_111 Member Posts: 2,072
    rjjj said:

    Thanks Chelle.
    I loved the poem and the versus. Amen.
    Jackie

    Hair today....Gone tomorrow.
    I described it as being the tale of "Boldilocks and the three Hairs" I got myself 3 OUTRAGEOUS wigs off ebay and spend the whole time looking like a reject from Twisted Sister! Then when It started growing back I went for these wonderful silver streaked headscarves from "Claires".. (Mum sent me one from England but I looked like the Ayatollah in it and kept getting dragged into dark corners by the Canadian version of the S.S)...Cancer society does the MOST gorgeous hats, I still wear mine sometimes now, just cos it looks posh... hey I have hair, but not enough to keep my head warm at -15 LOL. Doubt if this helps anyone, but it proves you can still type with chemobrain!
    Hugs to all
  • mmontero38
    mmontero38 Member Posts: 1,510
    mimivac said:

    Naked!
    Kathi,

    You may have just inspired me to put up a "naked" picture of myself tonight. Yikes!

    Mimi

    I can picture the two of you
    I can picture the two of you going out naked. LOL ROFL. Can you imagine? What a site that would be. Anyway, I lost my hair on day 17. It started falling out in clusters, I remember it was a Monday, so Tuesday morning I went to my stylist and he buzzed it off for me. Then, I proceeded to shave it with an electric razor because my scalp was so tender that the stubble hurt. I wore my wig exactly 3 times, 2 weddings and a funeral, I then went hatless or scarveless unless I was out in the sun. At night to go to bed I wore soft cotton caps like the newborns wear to keep the heat in because my head got cold during the night. I like Mimi, cried that first day and then went about my business. I took on the attitude that if people were bothered by my baldness, then they didn't have to look at me. As long as my kids and husband were OK with this it didn't bother me. I did like the fact that I didn't have to shave and wax anymore. It would be nice if we could be selective and lose our hair in the areas we don't want it. LOL. Best of luck to you. Hugs, Lili
  • mmontero38
    mmontero38 Member Posts: 1,510
    Chellebug said:

    Ode to Hair
    Jackie, I wrote this last January as I awaited my hair to fall out. Eventually it did...but not until day 17. Mine came out very slowly, never clumpy. In fact the entire process took about 3 weeks. I think it's because I had lower doses of weekly Taxol. Hope this poem makes you smile:


    ODE TO MY HAIR (Day 10)

    Today is the day
    My dear nurse did say
    That I may start losing my hair.

    I haven't a clue
    What it will do.
    I wonder, and try not to care.

    As I wait patiently
    To see what will be
    Of my curly-top up on my head.

    I'll be not afraid
    For the Lord God He made
    Me to lay with sweet sleep on my bed.

    But should I wake up
    With my hair in a clump
    On my pillow......instead of my crown.

    I'll lift my head high
    (After a really good cry)
    And I'll walk with a smile, not a frown.

    ******

    This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
    When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down your sleep will be sweet. Proverbs 3:24
    A cheerful heart is good medicine.... Proverbs 17:22

    Great poem Chellebug.
    Great poem Chellebug. Please post the other one. It perfectly describes what we are feeling. Hugs, Lili
  • chenheart
    chenheart Member Posts: 5,159 Member
    tasha_111 said:

    Hair today....Gone tomorrow.
    I described it as being the tale of "Boldilocks and the three Hairs" I got myself 3 OUTRAGEOUS wigs off ebay and spend the whole time looking like a reject from Twisted Sister! Then when It started growing back I went for these wonderful silver streaked headscarves from "Claires".. (Mum sent me one from England but I looked like the Ayatollah in it and kept getting dragged into dark corners by the Canadian version of the S.S)...Cancer society does the MOST gorgeous hats, I still wear mine sometimes now, just cos it looks posh... hey I have hair, but not enough to keep my head warm at -15 LOL. Doubt if this helps anyone, but it proves you can still type with chemobrain!
    Hugs to all

    Soooo Funny!
    I LOVE this post, Tasha! I am truly laughing out loud and think your descriptions are hilarious! Thanks for the giggles!

    Hugs,
    Claudia
  • Chellebug
    Chellebug Member Posts: 133 Member
    chenheart said:

    To Day 14 and Beyond!
    Whatever moved you to write about the journey and is something you want to share, please do!

    Can any of us really ever get enough encouragement and empathy? I think not....

    Hugs,
    Claudia

    Ode to My Hair -- Day 12
    Okay, Ladies. Here's Day 12. My nurse had said I would know between Day 10 and 14. I remember being so hopeful on Day 12 when there were still signs that my hair was hanging on. The nurse was wrong....as I mentioned above, it started coming out on Day 17.

    Day 12 -- Ode to My Hair (Part II)

    My hair, My hair!
    It's very much there.
    It's not fallen out
    So, I'll give a big shout!
    Still, it's too early to cheer
    For day fourteen's not here.

    (I thought I'd tell you
    That I'm not feeling blue.
    'Cause I trust that you care
    'Bout my curly-top hair,
    And were curious to know,
    Well.... at least.... I thought so!)

    Is it selfish for me
    To ask to be free,
    Of the hair on my chin
    That sticks out when I grin.
    ...or the hair on my toes,
    on my legs, in my nose?

    Well, I guess I should wait
    And not speculate.
    And be thankful instead
    For the hair on my head,
    'Cause My God knows each one.
    May Your will, Lord, be done!

    *******

    Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 20:29-30
  • Marcia527
    Marcia527 Member Posts: 2,729
    tasha_111 said:

    Hair today....Gone tomorrow.
    I described it as being the tale of "Boldilocks and the three Hairs" I got myself 3 OUTRAGEOUS wigs off ebay and spend the whole time looking like a reject from Twisted Sister! Then when It started growing back I went for these wonderful silver streaked headscarves from "Claires".. (Mum sent me one from England but I looked like the Ayatollah in it and kept getting dragged into dark corners by the Canadian version of the S.S)...Cancer society does the MOST gorgeous hats, I still wear mine sometimes now, just cos it looks posh... hey I have hair, but not enough to keep my head warm at -15 LOL. Doubt if this helps anyone, but it proves you can still type with chemobrain!
    Hugs to all

    The song by the Bee Gees
    The song by the Bee Gees kept running through my head as, "Bald headed woman, more than a woman to me."
  • chenheart
    chenheart Member Posts: 5,159 Member
    Marcia527 said:

    The song by the Bee Gees
    The song by the Bee Gees kept running through my head as, "Bald headed woman, more than a woman to me."

    Amen....
    Hugs,
    Claudia

    Amen....

    Hugs,
    Claudia