Loss of hair

theresa8
theresa8 Member Posts: 61
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Well my husband finished his first cycle of chemo two weeks ago. Ever since that time he's had a few side effects but the worst is the pain from the infection at his resection site has come back. Also for the past three days he has been losing hair in a large quantity. Doctors have told us that it was not supposed to happen. Well he probably will have to stop this chemo since it's causing more bad than good, he had no symptoms whatsoever when he did the radiationchemo for five weeks prior to his surgery. His doctors have assured him that it would increase his chance by only 1.6 to 2% over five years. But he still feels he's missing out on his maximum chance (80% at the moment) of survival. In my opinion when chemo is causing more bad than good and that reaction to radiation and chemo prior to surgery was 100%,
then he,s ready to go on to his reversal surgery after he has healed up again One good thing for him is that his illeostomy is finally working well.
He was a stage 2A when DX but was NED prior to surgery. What is your opinion on this matter?
Thank you for your help and support on this journey.
Theresa

Comments

  • dianetavegia
    dianetavegia Member Posts: 1,942 Member
    #2
    Theresa, did you know that
    Theresa, did you know that surgery and anesthesia can cause hair loss? Sure can. It can last for up to 3 months, too.

    I only know one person who lost all their hair on FOLFOX.

    I doesn't matter that your husband was NED after surgery. I was NED after surgery. Stage IV's can be NED after surgery. It's the original dx that counts.

    I've not heard of chemo causing pain in a previous infection. Maybe it's scar tissue or adhesions. Other that that and the hair loss, what's so awful that he cannot continue chemo? What's 'more bad than good'?

    I put up with loads of side effects to complete all 12 tx's. I wanted every tiny % I could get. I agree with hubby.
  • victory10
    victory10 Member Posts: 75
    #3
    dianetavegia said:

    Theresa, did you know that
    Theresa, did you know that surgery and anesthesia can cause hair loss? Sure can. It can last for up to 3 months, too.

    I only know one person who lost all their hair on FOLFOX.

    I doesn't matter that your husband was NED after surgery. I was NED after surgery. Stage IV's can be NED after surgery. It's the original dx that counts.

    I've not heard of chemo causing pain in a previous infection. Maybe it's scar tissue or adhesions. Other that that and the hair loss, what's so awful that he cannot continue chemo? What's 'more bad than good'?

    I put up with loads of side effects to complete all 12 tx's. I wanted every tiny % I could get. I agree with hubby.

    Loss of hair
    Theresa,
    I had paid at the site of resection and above my navel after the 3rd treatment. My oncologist had me stay over night at the hospital to be observed. He asked my surgeon to visit with me and she said that the healin was still taking place. Also she felt a very small hernia. Now after on my 11th treatment and when she removes the mediport she will repair the hernia. I've learned that after any surgury on stomach, hernias are common because of the weak stomach muscles.

    I had a reaction to the oxiliplatin on the 8th treatment so the 9th it was omitted. The 10th it was reintroduced at 50 percent and my body didn't like it AT ALL and stroke like symtoms happened. I went to the emergency room and everything came back o.k so we knew it was the oxiliplatin. My oncologist has omitted it for the last two treatments. The oncologist said that i've had enough that my body is talking. He even agreed with me that I am fine..no more cancer in my body and that my future is bright and filled with purpose! It was a blessing!!!!

    Make sure to inform your oncologist about EVERYTHING your body feels (i even write down everything that happens each treatment so I can remember to share it all. They copy my notes and put it in my medical records... You have to be your own health advacate throughout the process. Treatments will come and they will go, and time passes and before you know it you will be at your last treatment and a real manifested SURVIVER/VICTOR!!!!!!

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