Hair Loss & Scalp Pain

Suzie323

Hi all - I'm getting ready for my second round of chemo, and my hair is beginning to fall out. The skin on top of my scalp feels really sore - sort of like it is bruised. Did anyone else experience this while their hair was in the process of falling out? Thanks!

winthefight

Hi Suzie
The tender scalp is normal. My scalp was very sensitive too just before and during the falling out of my hair.

My hair began falling out around the third week. After the first, before the second treatment.

This feeling is only temporary. I would however; speak with either you Oncologist or your Oncology nurse about it. Perhaps they can recommend something to help the discomfort.

Take care

Tracie1981

winthefight said:

Hi Suzie
The tender scalp is normal. My scalp was very sensitive too just before and during the falling out of my hair.

My hair began falling out around the third week. After the first, before the second treatment.

This feeling is only temporary. I would however; speak with either you Oncologist or your Oncology nurse about it. Perhaps they can recommend something to help the discomfort.

Take care

I also had that
I had also recently lost my hair about a month ago, my biggest concern was the itching, the soreness went away when all my hair came out and I used a lot of baby lotion on my head that helped My hubby buzzed my head before it all came out because I couldnt take the slow process anymore, it was devastating for me to watch:( But they offer wigs to us if you call the ACS they have local wig banks in different areas where you can get a free wig which I just found out I spent about 150 for the one I have now but can already tell I'm going to need another soon, especially a shorter one for the summer, it gets really muggy around here. Goodluck and God Bless!!

Suzie323

Tracie1981 said:

I also had that
I had also recently lost my hair about a month ago, my biggest concern was the itching, the soreness went away when all my hair came out and I used a lot of baby lotion on my head that helped My hubby buzzed my head before it all came out because I couldnt take the slow process anymore, it was devastating for me to watch:( But they offer wigs to us if you call the ACS they have local wig banks in different areas where you can get a free wig which I just found out I spent about 150 for the one I have now but can already tell I'm going to need another soon, especially a shorter one for the summer, it gets really muggy around here. Goodluck and God Bless!!

Wigs
Thanks for your reply. I'll have to look into the wig bank - I'm going back in friday for my second round of chemo, so I was thinking I'd get a wig when I came out. I might shave my head before I go back in - so much hair came out in the shower today and when I brushed my hair that its getting really messy.

Suzie

Suzie323

winthefight said:

Hi Suzie
The tender scalp is normal. My scalp was very sensitive too just before and during the falling out of my hair.

My hair began falling out around the third week. After the first, before the second treatment.

This feeling is only temporary. I would however; speak with either you Oncologist or your Oncology nurse about it. Perhaps they can recommend something to help the discomfort.

Take care

Thanks
It's good to know other people have had the same experience. It actually feels a lot better since a whole lot came out in the shower today. I go in friday for round 2 (i'll be in the hospital for 5 nights) so I might just shave it off before I go. Although a couple more showers might just do the trick. I thought it would fall out more quickly.

Suzie

yesyes2

Suzie323 said:

Thanks
It's good to know other people have had the same experience. It actually feels a lot better since a whole lot came out in the shower today. I go in friday for round 2 (i'll be in the hospital for 5 nights) so I might just shave it off before I go. Although a couple more showers might just do the trick. I thought it would fall out more quickly.

Suzie

Hair Loss
Hi Suzie,

I have lost my hair twice from chemo. The first time was 16 years ago from breast cancer and 5 months ago from RCHOP for NHL. Both times my head really hurt until I shaved my head. The first time I waited until I had lost about 60 % of my hair and realized I was doing a comb over on top. Really bad news! This time my head began to burn and hurt around day 14 of my first cycle of RCHOP. Two days later it was coming out fast and furious. my husband couldn't believe how fast it was coming out. I itched all over because there was hair everywhere so I got my head shaved on day 18. I went to the beauty shop with a friend and we made a party of it, taking pictures, laughing, trying out a mohawk and generally laughing in the face of Cancer. As soon as my hair was gone my head stopped hurting. And I discovered that I love beng bald. Seems strange but it's really freeing. And with low energy from chemo not having to deal with hair or shaving is a benefit. I've chosen to wear caps and hats and if warm enough go totally commando. I also live in a laid back beach community but have also gone bald in San Francisco. Thought about getting some fun wigs but than changed my mind. I didn't lose my eyelashs or brows until 2 weeks after my 6th and final chemo. Go figure! And than I lost my right eyebrow but not my left. Really strange. Now my hair is starting to grow back and guess what? It's itchy.

Sorry this post is so long. Guess I had a lot to say. Good luck to you Suzie on your next chemo. What ever you decide will be the right choice for you. Let us know how it goes and what you decide.

Blessings to you and yours,
Leslie

Tracie1981

Suzie323 said:

Wigs
Thanks for your reply. I'll have to look into the wig bank - I'm going back in friday for my second round of chemo, so I was thinking I'd get a wig when I came out. I might shave my head before I go back in - so much hair came out in the shower today and when I brushed my hair that its getting really messy.

Suzie

Wigs
I'm definitely excited about getting a free wig, Call ACS for sure and they will locate a place near you! I went and priced some wigs today because being younger I feel insecure without hair. And we picked out some cute ones but the basic price ranges to buy one are anywhere from 25 for a hairpeice to 400 dollars :O EEEks. I ended up picking out 2 that came to 150 so they are pretty pricey but worth the self confidence. I see it this way, if my hubby can buy his video games then I can have my hair lol. Good luck and God Bless!!

winthefight

yesyes2 said:

Hair Loss
Hi Suzie,

I have lost my hair twice from chemo. The first time was 16 years ago from breast cancer and 5 months ago from RCHOP for NHL. Both times my head really hurt until I shaved my head. The first time I waited until I had lost about 60 % of my hair and realized I was doing a comb over on top. Really bad news! This time my head began to burn and hurt around day 14 of my first cycle of RCHOP. Two days later it was coming out fast and furious. my husband couldn't believe how fast it was coming out. I itched all over because there was hair everywhere so I got my head shaved on day 18. I went to the beauty shop with a friend and we made a party of it, taking pictures, laughing, trying out a mohawk and generally laughing in the face of Cancer. As soon as my hair was gone my head stopped hurting. And I discovered that I love beng bald. Seems strange but it's really freeing. And with low energy from chemo not having to deal with hair or shaving is a benefit. I've chosen to wear caps and hats and if warm enough go totally commando. I also live in a laid back beach community but have also gone bald in San Francisco. Thought about getting some fun wigs but than changed my mind. I didn't lose my eyelashs or brows until 2 weeks after my 6th and final chemo. Go figure! And than I lost my right eyebrow but not my left. Really strange. Now my hair is starting to grow back and guess what? It's itchy.

Sorry this post is so long. Guess I had a lot to say. Good luck to you Suzie on your next chemo. What ever you decide will be the right choice for you. Let us know how it goes and what you decide.

Blessings to you and yours,
Leslie

hair fell out
You know, when my hair fell out the second time (after taking RICE), I tried to express myself with a t-shirt. I managed to find one that says, "I blame my Oncologist for my hair style". It actually cheered me up.....just an idea.

Take care and be blessed.

dixiegirl

Disappearing Hair
I shaved my head about 3 days before my second treatment. I never did go with a wig because chemo also brought on menopause for me and the friggin hot flashes were doing me in. I was 42 and did great with scarves. Actually I loved being bald....after the newness and wierdness went away.

Just remember, you'll lose all your hair, including underarm, legs, eyebrows, eyelashes, nose hair (hang on to the kleenex)!! I did not have to shave my legs but once about every 7-8 weeks.

I had a big sign on my desk at work that simply said Hair is highly over-rated!

Wishing you great luck with your treatments.
Beth

yesyes2

winthefight said:

hair fell out
You know, when my hair fell out the second time (after taking RICE), I tried to express myself with a t-shirt. I managed to find one that says, "I blame my Oncologist for my hair style". It actually cheered me up.....just an idea.

Take care and be blessed.

Hair Loss
Win, Love the TShirt idea. I can see why it would cheer you up as it brought a smile to my face. Take care, Leslie

yesyes2

dixiegirl said:

Disappearing Hair
I shaved my head about 3 days before my second treatment. I never did go with a wig because chemo also brought on menopause for me and the friggin hot flashes were doing me in. I was 42 and did great with scarves. Actually I loved being bald....after the newness and wierdness went away.

Just remember, you'll lose all your hair, including underarm, legs, eyebrows, eyelashes, nose hair (hang on to the kleenex)!! I did not have to shave my legs but once about every 7-8 weeks.

I had a big sign on my desk at work that simply said Hair is highly over-rated!

Wishing you great luck with your treatments.
Beth

Disappearing Hair
Beth,
It's so great to see someone else who loved being bald. And your so right about your head getting hot and wigs are far to warm to wear.

Suzie,
Beth is so right. Watch out for the running nose. I had told my husband we should have bought stock in kleenex. My nose has been running pretty non stop since my first day of chem. And I'm now 6 weeks out and it's still running. Head hair is about 1/4" but no nose hair as yet.

Blessing to you both,
Leslie

Suzie323

winthefight said:

hair fell out
You know, when my hair fell out the second time (after taking RICE), I tried to express myself with a t-shirt. I managed to find one that says, "I blame my Oncologist for my hair style". It actually cheered me up.....just an idea.

Take care and be blessed.

T-Shirt
LOVE that idea for a t-shirt!

Suzie323

yesyes2 said:

Disappearing Hair
Beth,
It's so great to see someone else who loved being bald. And your so right about your head getting hot and wigs are far to warm to wear.

Suzie,
Beth is so right. Watch out for the running nose. I had told my husband we should have bought stock in kleenex. My nose has been running pretty non stop since my first day of chem. And I'm now 6 weeks out and it's still running. Head hair is about 1/4" but no nose hair as yet.

Blessing to you both,
Leslie

Nose Hair/Kleenex
I HAVE had a constantly runny nose since starting chemo - I haven't noticed if my nose hair is coming out, I've been to obsessed with my head and eyebrows (which seem to be as thick as ever - for now).
Thanks for the info

Best

Suzie

Suzie323

dixiegirl said:

Disappearing Hair
I shaved my head about 3 days before my second treatment. I never did go with a wig because chemo also brought on menopause for me and the friggin hot flashes were doing me in. I was 42 and did great with scarves. Actually I loved being bald....after the newness and wierdness went away.

Just remember, you'll lose all your hair, including underarm, legs, eyebrows, eyelashes, nose hair (hang on to the kleenex)!! I did not have to shave my legs but once about every 7-8 weeks.

I had a big sign on my desk at work that simply said Hair is highly over-rated!

Wishing you great luck with your treatments.
Beth

Early Menopause
Beth, how did you know you were going into early menopause? Lack of a period? I'm turning 40 in June, and my doc did say I might end up in early menopause. I just am not sure how to recognize it. I have 2 beautiful kids and didn't plan anymore at this point, so I'm OK with it I guess if it happens.

Thanks

Suzie

yesyes2

Suzie323 said:

Nose Hair/Kleenex
I HAVE had a constantly runny nose since starting chemo - I haven't noticed if my nose hair is coming out, I've been to obsessed with my head and eyebrows (which seem to be as thick as ever - for now).
Thanks for the info

Best

Suzie

Runny Nose
Hi Susie,

On Monday it will be 8 wks since my final chemo and my nose is still running. But it is getting better.

Husband says my hair is about 1/8" long not 1/4" as I stated in a prior post. Really slow growing. But the oddest thing is that in the last day I've lost all the eyebrows hairs that hung on during the entire chemo. Started really itching a few days ago and now all gone. Very weird.

You didn't state which chemo your getting so maybe you won't loss all your hair.

Good luck,
Leslie

yesyes2

Suzie323 said:

Early Menopause
Beth, how did you know you were going into early menopause? Lack of a period? I'm turning 40 in June, and my doc did say I might end up in early menopause. I just am not sure how to recognize it. I have 2 beautiful kids and didn't plan anymore at this point, so I'm OK with it I guess if it happens.

Thanks

Suzie

Early Menopause
When I went through chemo for breast cancer I went into early menopause right away. Several of the same drugs are commonly used as in CHOP. First my period just stopped. Than I had some really bad night sweats but thought it was just because I was dressed too warmly. Night sweats stopped but period never started again. For me that was one of the hardest things about the cancer treatment. Even though I was in my 40s and wasn't having any more children.
Hope this helps.
Best to you,
Leslie

dixiegirl

Suzie323 said:

Early Menopause
Beth, how did you know you were going into early menopause? Lack of a period? I'm turning 40 in June, and my doc did say I might end up in early menopause. I just am not sure how to recognize it. I have 2 beautiful kids and didn't plan anymore at this point, so I'm OK with it I guess if it happens.

Thanks

Suzie

Menopause
I started out with the massive hot flashes. Of course for whatever reason my periods stayed pretty consistent during chemo, but gradually went to maybe 1/2 days before disappearing completely. My doc told me the I was going through menopause cause I kept griping on how hot their office was with no air moving! Every time I walked through I was constantly fanning myself LOL. I just kept telling him it was all his fault!

It's been 4 years now since my first dx and I certainly don't miss the periods and cramps. All in all it's ok, especially since he put me on Effexor (reduces hot flashes by 60%) this is my FAVORITE drug now LOL.

jgilbert1270

yesyes2 said:

Runny Nose
Hi Susie,

On Monday it will be 8 wks since my final chemo and my nose is still running. But it is getting better.

Husband says my hair is about 1/8" long not 1/4" as I stated in a prior post. Really slow growing. But the oddest thing is that in the last day I've lost all the eyebrows hairs that hung on during the entire chemo. Started really itching a few days ago and now all gone. Very weird.

You didn't state which chemo your getting so maybe you won't loss all your hair.

Good luck,
Leslie

Runny Nose Mustache loss
Goog to hear about runny nose, thought I was going crazy.. Jethro Tull Song Aqua Lung Keeps playing in my head. Also loosing the mustache. Been married 35 years and the wife has never seen me without it. in for a treat. By the way I'm a guy. God bless to all and good luck.

lilsandra62

Hi, i dont know what to do
Hi, i dont know what to do my hair is falling out and my scalp hurts does shaving your head take away the pain?

dixiegirl

lilsandra62 said:

Hi, i dont know what to do
Hi, i dont know what to do my hair is falling out and my scalp hurts does shaving your head take away the pain?

It did for me
When mine started coming out when I pinched it, I shaved it and felt much better, although sleeping is wierd for a bit.

I should be getting ready to lose mine soon again if these docs can ever agree. I go tomorrow at 3:15 to find out now why they are suggesting RICE, when friday the transplant doc said I could do Treanda & Rituxan.

I'm confused.

Take care, and shave before it becomes a problem!

Beth

truckingalong

lilsandra62 said:

Hi, i dont know what to do
Hi, i dont know what to do my hair is falling out and my scalp hurts does shaving your head take away the pain?

Head pain
My experience was that after my head was being shaved, I did not feel the pain - just felt naked up there! But later, it felt the "chills" from time to time which got uncomfortable.

After bathing my head, I put conditioner on it as I believe it softens the hair roots. Then I put hydrating lotion on it and after few minutes, it would be dry enough for me to put up the scarf. So I guess it was the dryness that bothered me. Hope this helps.

I just completed 12 chemo treatments (last one on Jan. 25th) and now my hair is growing back - about an inch and half. But they are so thin that I still look bald! Can't wait to not having to wear something on it!

About menopause, I had hysterectomy and take Estrodiol 1 mg. a day. Recently, I start having quick hot flashes at nights. Don't know what that means because I already had hysterectomy??? But I realize I am gaining back my weight - I lost 30 lbs. and now gained 8 and soon more and noticed my boobs started to swell, ha. What fun! Oh boy, lots of body changes - it is almost fascinating, ha.

Love that T shirt idea - I am going to order it!!

Liz