Scalp Tenderness After Hair Loss and a Few Other Questions

kakennedy

Hey Ladies,

I had Taxol and Herceptin treatment #5 today and and doing very well with only a few side effects such as headaches, sniffles, and the dreaded sty. I travel on an airplane for work almost weekly and have been able to work so I know God is in the driver's seat with my treatments!  Last week, I began having quite a bit of hair loss and my scalp is very tender.  Any suggestions to ease the tenderness.  Currently, I put a leave in Keratin conditioner on my hair and scalp.  I'm not using heat to dry.

Today the PA oncologist suggested I begin using Vitamin B6 (over the counter) to supress any numbing in the fingers and toes.  She also suggested over the counter omeprazole for acid reflux (happens when I lay down to go to sleep).

Finally, I had blood work last week for genetic testing.  No none breast cancer with mother, sisters, grands, aunts, etc.  Of course, insurance won't conver the cost which is around $2500.00 according to the quote today.  Anyone have the genetic testing?  Did you find it beneficial?  Was the cost similar?

Anyone try any of these meds? 

Thanks much for any advice you can provide! 

Kathy

TraciInLA

Kathy,

Congratulations on getting Treatment #5 behind you!

I did 4 rounds of Taxotere/Cytoxan back in 2009.  My oncology nurse recommended that I use only baby shampoo (just plain ol' Johnson's, from the drugstore), and nothing else, during chemo -- your scalp can get very sensitive.  She also stressed how important it was to keep my head covered if I was in the sun for even a few minutes, so always carry a hat with you that's convenient to quickly put on and take off.

If you happen to get itchy red bumps on your scalp (it's somewhat common), let your doctor or nurse know right away -- they have prescription creams and/or foams that work very well, so there's no need to suffer.  

I also had to take a double-dose of Prilosec during chemo (recommended by my oncologist) for heartburn.  I will say that, by about a month after my last chemo, all my many digestive issues resolved on their own, and I was able to stop taking anything.

Good luck, hope that helps?

Traci

kakennedy

TraciInLA said:

Kathy,

Congratulations on getting Treatment #5 behind you!

I did 4 rounds of Taxotere/Cytoxan back in 2009.  My oncology nurse recommended that I use only baby shampoo (just plain ol' Johnson's, from the drugstore), and nothing else, during chemo -- your scalp can get very sensitive.  She also stressed how important it was to keep my head covered if I was in the sun for even a few minutes, so always carry a hat with you that's convenient to quickly put on and take off.

If you happen to get itchy red bumps on your scalp (it's somewhat common), let your doctor or nurse know right away -- they have prescription creams and/or foams that work very well, so there's no need to suffer.  

I also had to take a double-dose of Prilosec during chemo (recommended by my oncologist) for heartburn.  I will say that, by about a month after my last chemo, all my many digestive issues resolved on their own, and I was able to stop taking anything.

Good luck, hope that helps?

Traci

Thank You!

Very helpful information.  Thanks so much!  Hope you have been cancer free since 2009!  I pray everyday that I will remain cancer free for the rest of my long life!

Thanks again,

Kathy