Commencing chemo on May 2 (4 x rounds of TC) - nervous!!

margz35

Hi everyone:

I love these discussion boards and am excited to be a part of such an amazing group. I am commencing my chemo on Monday: 4 x rounds of TC - it will all be over by 4th July.
I have a couple of questions and am reaching out to you, my new sisters, for some advice:
1. I understand that my hair will fall out, on average 14 days after my first treatment. What about eyebrows and eyelashes? Do they fall out quickly too?
2. Once hair starts to come back, I have heard 6 weeks after the last treatment, is it safe to use Nioxin products to "assist" the scalp and when can I start using non-peroxide and non-ammonia rinses - very vain about not being grey :-)
3 At what rate does hair grow back? I am fortunate that my hair is strong and grows quickly now (3/4 inch every 6 weeks.) Will this change.

Looking forward to hearing from anyone.....of to start chugging down my water and to warm up my veins!
Margz

Marsha Mulvey

Welcome Margz
Just popping in to wish you well on Monday. Chemo is not always pleasant but it's do-able. As for the hairloss, my oncologist told me not to use anything on my scalp even though it was very sore during the process. Once all of the hair was gone, the scalp felt fine. One thing about your chemo is that it is short term. You can focus on the end each time you have an infusion. Best wishes, I hope your side effects are few. Marsha

Annette 11

Margz
I had 4 rounds of TC also. I was done with chemo 5 months ago. Yes your hair will fall out appx. 15 days after the first chemo. When I woke up each morning I would tug on my hair to see if it was starting to shed. It stuck on until 15-16 days after that 1st. chemo. It was a weird feeling when it finally started to come out then eventually I was totally bald (not even a stubble). Eyebrows and lashes came out after the second or third chemo. I haven't colored my hair yet and I am salt and pepper color. It's growing in but slowly due to the chemo. Some may be lucky to have their grow in faster but mine is taking time although I had to trim it around the ears a couple of time but I don't need to go to the hairdresser yet. Even though your hair always grew fast...it's hard to predict how it will recover and how fast it will grow back.
Hang in there it will be over before you know it.
Hugs.
Annette

missrenee

Annette 11 said:

Margz
I had 4 rounds of TC also. I was done with chemo 5 months ago. Yes your hair will fall out appx. 15 days after the first chemo. When I woke up each morning I would tug on my hair to see if it was starting to shed. It stuck on until 15-16 days after that 1st. chemo. It was a weird feeling when it finally started to come out then eventually I was totally bald (not even a stubble). Eyebrows and lashes came out after the second or third chemo. I haven't colored my hair yet and I am salt and pepper color. It's growing in but slowly due to the chemo. Some may be lucky to have their grow in faster but mine is taking time although I had to trim it around the ears a couple of time but I don't need to go to the hairdresser yet. Even though your hair always grew fast...it's hard to predict how it will recover and how fast it will grow back.
Hang in there it will be over before you know it.
Hugs.
Annette

For me, the 14-day fallout was right on the money
I had 6 rounds of TAC and at day 14 after the first treatment, my hair started coming out in the shower. The next day, I took my husband into the back yard, opened a bottle of wine and we had a head-shaving party (just me!). We took funny pictures all during the process, and we honestly laughed our heads off.

I did lose my eyebrows and lashes but I think it was a little later in treatment--maybe after the 3rd treatment.

I bought 2 wigs--but couldn't stand wearing them--felt like a dead animal on my head. So, I got a bunch of cool scarves which for me were much more comfortable.

My hair started growing back about 3-4 weeks after the last treatment and has been doing well ever since. The big benefit of no hair/little hair--I could get ready to go out in about 15 minutes--just shower and dress and put on a little make-up. No shaving of the legs/underarms, no blow drying, no flat iron--that, I loved.

Good luck to you on your journey--as the others have said, this too shall pass.

Hugs, Renee

Texasgirl10

missrenee said:

For me, the 14-day fallout was right on the money
I had 6 rounds of TAC and at day 14 after the first treatment, my hair started coming out in the shower. The next day, I took my husband into the back yard, opened a bottle of wine and we had a head-shaving party (just me!). We took funny pictures all during the process, and we honestly laughed our heads off.

I did lose my eyebrows and lashes but I think it was a little later in treatment--maybe after the 3rd treatment.

I bought 2 wigs--but couldn't stand wearing them--felt like a dead animal on my head. So, I got a bunch of cool scarves which for me were much more comfortable.

My hair started growing back about 3-4 weeks after the last treatment and has been doing well ever since. The big benefit of no hair/little hair--I could get ready to go out in about 15 minutes--just shower and dress and put on a little make-up. No shaving of the legs/underarms, no blow drying, no flat iron--that, I loved.

Good luck to you on your journey--as the others have said, this too shall pass.

Hugs, Renee

Hair
My hair started falling out exactly 14 days after my first chemo treatment. This was on December 23, 2010. I had my head shaved on Christmas Eve because it was coming out by the handfuls. My eyelashes started coming out about 4 weeks ago and it only lasted about 3 days, but they didn't all fall out. My eyebrows are very thin, and honestly I never noticed them falling out. Johnson's baby shampoo is great for your scalp while going through chemo. I have no suggestions on what to use after chemo. My last treatment was on March 24 so all I have is some peach fuzz right now.

Good luck to you during your treatments. Make sure to drink LOTS of water and get plenty of rest.

Hugs,

Dawne

margz35

Annette 11 said:

Margz
I had 4 rounds of TC also. I was done with chemo 5 months ago. Yes your hair will fall out appx. 15 days after the first chemo. When I woke up each morning I would tug on my hair to see if it was starting to shed. It stuck on until 15-16 days after that 1st. chemo. It was a weird feeling when it finally started to come out then eventually I was totally bald (not even a stubble). Eyebrows and lashes came out after the second or third chemo. I haven't colored my hair yet and I am salt and pepper color. It's growing in but slowly due to the chemo. Some may be lucky to have their grow in faster but mine is taking time although I had to trim it around the ears a couple of time but I don't need to go to the hairdresser yet. Even though your hair always grew fast...it's hard to predict how it will recover and how fast it will grow back.
Hang in there it will be over before you know it.
Hugs.
Annette

Thank you all for your encouragement!
Hi ladies:
Thank you all for your lovely comments. It is truly encouraging reading through each of these and understanding that no journey is the same. When I spoke to a specialist at UCSF, she reckoned that I would have about 4 inches all over by Christmas but personally I think that is a bit much to ask for - even from Santa!
Funny story: I just tried on one of my cotton caps (that I will sleep in) and my 5 year old told me that I looked like a "cool dude!" Love it!
THAT is what will get me through this mess!
Will post on Monday night after my first treatment.
My best to each of you!
Margz

sunshine0406

margz35 said:

Thank you all for your encouragement!
Hi ladies:
Thank you all for your lovely comments. It is truly encouraging reading through each of these and understanding that no journey is the same. When I spoke to a specialist at UCSF, she reckoned that I would have about 4 inches all over by Christmas but personally I think that is a bit much to ask for - even from Santa!
Funny story: I just tried on one of my cotton caps (that I will sleep in) and my 5 year old told me that I looked like a "cool dude!" Love it!
THAT is what will get me through this mess!
Will post on Monday night after my first treatment.
My best to each of you!
Margz

I had one round of taxol and
I had one round of taxol and my hair fell out about 14 days after and I also shaved my head because of the hair coming out in clumps. I would wake up with hair all over my pillow. I did use wigs at work but everywhere else I wore hats around the house. The best part (if you can call it that) was I did not have to shave my legs or underarms! My hair did come back mostly gray but I was mostly gray before this started, even thought I am only 36. I also have little kids and they tell me I look like a boy. I think my kids are what help me get through the day. they tell it like it is and keep me smiling. Good luck to you as you start this part of your journey.

Gabe N Abby Mom

margz35 said:

Thank you all for your encouragement!
Hi ladies:
Thank you all for your lovely comments. It is truly encouraging reading through each of these and understanding that no journey is the same. When I spoke to a specialist at UCSF, she reckoned that I would have about 4 inches all over by Christmas but personally I think that is a bit much to ask for - even from Santa!
Funny story: I just tried on one of my cotton caps (that I will sleep in) and my 5 year old told me that I looked like a "cool dude!" Love it!
THAT is what will get me through this mess!
Will post on Monday night after my first treatment.
My best to each of you!
Margz

Welcome. Even though none
Welcome. Even though none of wanted to need this place, it is a wonderful supportive group.

I had six rounds TAC and lost my hair right on schedule. My head was itchy a day or two before it started coming out. Like others, I buzzed it down to almost nothing once I had a bald spot. My scalp felt better after that.

I didn't loose my eyebrows and eyelashes till I was almost done with chemo, they were the last to hold on. And the first to come back. My eyelashes are falling out again, but I have little short newbies underneath. I think they're just all on the same growth cycle.

Be sure and drink lots of water, starting now. You want to stay really well hydrated thru your chemo, that and rest when you need are really important. That way you'll have more good days to spend with your 5 year old.

Hugs,

Linda

cahjah75

Margz
My hair started to fall out 14 after 1st treatment. I helped it along by grasping clumps. I had short hair so it didn't take much. I then went to my hairdresser and she shaved the rest. My last chemo (I had 6 rounds Taxotere/Cytoxan) was Dec. 7, 2010. I'm 5 months out and have very short grey/white/dark hair in some areas and still very thin in others. When my hair is long enough I'm going to get it colored again. See onc in June and will ask him. I just started yesterday going without a hat. Good luck with chemo and yes, drink your water!
{{hugs}} Char

butterflylvr

cahjah75 said:

Margz
My hair started to fall out 14 after 1st treatment. I helped it along by grasping clumps. I had short hair so it didn't take much. I then went to my hairdresser and she shaved the rest. My last chemo (I had 6 rounds Taxotere/Cytoxan) was Dec. 7, 2010. I'm 5 months out and have very short grey/white/dark hair in some areas and still very thin in others. When my hair is long enough I'm going to get it colored again. See onc in June and will ask him. I just started yesterday going without a hat. Good luck with chemo and yes, drink your water!
{{hugs}} Char

Hi Margz, I will be
Hi Margz,

I will be thinking of you tomorrow my dear. I too started losing my hair around day 14. I cut it short and a week or two later had my sister buzz cut it. It's easier dealing with short hair as it falls out not quite so messy. As for my eyelashes and eyebrows I didn't lose all of mine. A tip from a friend, take a plastic milk carton and cut out a flat piece of plastic. Hold this plastic up to your eyebrow and trace your eyebrow with a marker. Cut out the eyebrow and now you have a nice template for drawing on your brows (Just flip it over to do the other side).

My hair grows fast and is thick as well, and you will be comforted to know that hasn't changed. I am sporting about a half inch growth and I have colored it once but left my solution on for only 10 minutes. MY last chemo was Jan. 7th, and by mid February I was already growing some fuzz.

Good Luck tomorrow and make sure you keep us posted on how you are doing..
Hugs,
Lorrie

ladyg

Margz
I just wanted to say welcome to this board. I did not have chemo so I can not give you any help there. But you will find many who can. There is a lot of information and support here. Just remember... You Can Do This! Good luck with your 1st chemo.

Hugs,
Georgia

margz35

ladyg said:

Margz
I just wanted to say welcome to this board. I did not have chemo so I can not give you any help there. But you will find many who can. There is a lot of information and support here. Just remember... You Can Do This! Good luck with your 1st chemo.

Hugs,
Georgia

Thank you again!
Hi ladies:
Thank you again for your amazing comments! We had a great day at the beach today soaking up the sun and taking lots of pics. I really appreciate the advice about creating a template for my eyelashes (that is brilliant!) and also about the water (I have peed like a racehorse!)
Currently just recovering from the Osama Bin Laden news (amazing!) and off to bed now 9.15pm on the west coast.
My treatment is at 11.30am and the dvd players are charged and ready to go. I am feeling a lot more calm about this thank you to my new BFF's!!! Will check in tomorrow!
Love to you all,
Margz
xxx

ender

margz35 said:

Thank you again!
Hi ladies:
Thank you again for your amazing comments! We had a great day at the beach today soaking up the sun and taking lots of pics. I really appreciate the advice about creating a template for my eyelashes (that is brilliant!) and also about the water (I have peed like a racehorse!)
Currently just recovering from the Osama Bin Laden news (amazing!) and off to bed now 9.15pm on the west coast.
My treatment is at 11.30am and the dvd players are charged and ready to go. I am feeling a lot more calm about this thank you to my new BFF's!!! Will check in tomorrow!
Love to you all,
Margz
xxx

Thinking of you as you are
Thinking of you as you are probably in the waiting room right now. You will do great! Im right behind you with a likely start of my own rounds of TC later this week. We are lucky to get this modern and less toxic chemodrug from what I understand. Fewer side-effects, and all of them temporary. Im stocking up on fruit juices and things. Tip from me is to drink coconut water, it rehydrates extremely well and has loads of potassium! You can even find it in bulk at Costco. If not, try Trader Joes or Wholefoods.

Eva

Boppy_of_6

ender said:

Thinking of you as you are
Thinking of you as you are probably in the waiting room right now. You will do great! Im right behind you with a likely start of my own rounds of TC later this week. We are lucky to get this modern and less toxic chemodrug from what I understand. Fewer side-effects, and all of them temporary. Im stocking up on fruit juices and things. Tip from me is to drink coconut water, it rehydrates extremely well and has loads of potassium! You can even find it in bulk at Costco. If not, try Trader Joes or Wholefoods.

Eva

14 days
14 days seems very common huh. I got my head shaved on day 14 because it was really coming out. I never lost all my lashes or brows, about half. I finished 4 rounds of Cytoxan and Taxotere on July 2nd-10. I always had really healthy fast growing hair too. I had wigs but did not like them, to hot. I mostly wore bandanas and baseball caps. I went topless about 4 months out of chemo. I did not have a lot of hair but just did it! My hair came back thick and really curly and about the same color. I just got my first real hair cut last week. Welcome to the board there are great people here with wonderful advice. Best wishes with chemo you can do it!! God Bless
(((hugs))) Janice

Kylez

Margz, I didn't have chemo,
Margz, I didn't have chemo, but, I want to wish you the best of luck with it.


Hugs, Kylez

Stace_aka_Pollyanna

It'll fly by...
Hang in there Margz, I finished the same TC chemo end of Jan-11 and was sportin a new do by the end of my Rads which were March 28ish. Colored my greys and "unveiled" the first of April and haven't touched my wig or hats since! The time will fly by sweetie -- one foot in front of the other!!

Blessings and hugs,
Stace

margz35

Stace_aka_Pollyanna said:

It'll fly by...
Hang in there Margz, I finished the same TC chemo end of Jan-11 and was sportin a new do by the end of my Rads which were March 28ish. Colored my greys and "unveiled" the first of April and haven't touched my wig or hats since! The time will fly by sweetie -- one foot in front of the other!!

Blessings and hugs,
Stace

Thanks for your note
Loved your note - I am a hair freak. So it sounds like you had hair by the end of March? That is only 2 months later - crazy? and fantastic? I know hair is only hair and life is so much more but I can handle the wigs no problem for a while. Off to pick up my newly styled wig today. Had a brutal couple of days with aches and pains from the first chemo but think it may be over for this session.
Margz