Shaving Head ??

fight2survive
fight2survive Member Posts: 15
in Breast Cancer #1
OK, my hair has started coming out right at the 2 week mark from my first treatment of TCH. I've already cut it short . . .I had hair mid-way down my back and now it's above my shoulders. We've got four kids and I was hoping to include them all in the head shaving. We're a blended family and while we have them all most of the time, this coming week my stepchildren are traveling and won't be around.

My question is when did you all shave your head after your hair started to fall out?

Thanks!
M

Comments

  • Monicalynn
    Monicalynn Member Posts: 61
    #2
    Mine started falling out
    Mine started falling out about 3 weeks after, when it got thin enough to see my scalp in several spots I shaved it and also made sure my 6 and 7 year old were there so they didn't just come home to me being a baldie. I don't mind the hair not being here, that way I know the medicince is doing what its suppose to do and told the kids it will grow back after I am done getting my meds. I have one favorite hat I like to use, didn't get any wigs.
  • fight2survive
    fight2survive Member Posts: 15
    #3
    Monicalynn said:

    Mine started falling out
    Mine started falling out about 3 weeks after, when it got thin enough to see my scalp in several spots I shaved it and also made sure my 6 and 7 year old were there so they didn't just come home to me being a baldie. I don't mind the hair not being here, that way I know the medicince is doing what its suppose to do and told the kids it will grow back after I am done getting my meds. I have one favorite hat I like to use, didn't get any wigs.

    Same line of thinking
    I had the same line of thinking . . . I don't want them to come home one day and suddenly I'm sporting the cue ball look. Particularly, our girls who are 8 years old. Our oldest, 12, was the only one that asked if I'd lose it all. With him in middle school and image being a big deal right now, I think it's important for him to be there, too. And then my son, who will be 11 soon . . .well, he's just a sweetheart and I know he'd be better being a part of it.

    I guess no one is more of a concern than the other . . . they are all important and I have a different reason for each and everyone of them to be there with me.
  • Gabe N Abby Mom
    Gabe N Abby Mom Member Posts: 2,413
    #4
    I cut my hair 3 times,
    I cut my hair 3 times, shorter and shorter each time, before my hair started falling out. Then I shaved my head when I had a bald spot. I just turned my head upside down and shaved it myself. Someone did advise me to use a longer setting to be sure and avoid nicks and cuts, I think I used a number 2 setting.

    Also, once it's cut, someone here advised baby shampoo to keep my scalp clean. It worked well for me. Hang in there, you'll get through this.

    Hugs,

    Linda
  • ksf56
    ksf56 Member Posts: 202
    #5
    Welcome to the site
    Sorry you're having to go through this! It's interesting to have to plot out how to shave your head, isn't it? How would you have guessed you'd be doing that? I can't imagine having to go through all of this with young children. Aren't we always mothers and taking care of our kids? My hair started to fall out about 10 days after my first chemo. I had made a pact with my hairdresser to have her shave my head when I was ready. My husband and I met her before the salon opened and she shaved my hair to about a half inch. A couple of days later I shaved my own head after I had big bald spots. I found it very liberating - it was something I could control in my life of chaos.

    I wish you the best!

    Hugs!
    Karen
  • LoveBabyJesus
    LoveBabyJesus Member Posts: 1,679 Member
    #6
    After first treatment...
    I decided to shave my head after the first chemo treatment. I couldn't stand it falling out and it was creeping me out, how it would just fall in patches. So I decided to just put an end to it and shaved it. No regrets! It actually felt much better after I did it.

    Wishing you a smooth path for your treatments and a fast recovery. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

    Hugs!
  • jessiesmom1
    jessiesmom1 Member Posts: 915 Member
    #7
    When to Shave Your Head
    My hair started coming out on precisely Day 14 after my first chemo infusion. I had already cut it short in anticipation. I had very thick straight hair so it took almost 2 weeks before it just looked ridiculous. At that point I had my husband "buzz off" the rest of it. There is no denying that it was a traumatic experience - for me at least. It took quite a while before I could look in the mirror and not be upset. It is such a strange experience to see yourself without hair so suddenly. After a while I got used to it. I had gotten a nice wig from the local American Cancer Society office. I also had a few head scarves. When I wore them depended on the weather and where I was going. Often inside my house I went "topless."

    After chemo was over (8/2010) my formerly straight hair grew back rather wavy. It is really not a bad look at all. It sure beats the alternative - bald. My hair was gray before and it is gray now. I used to color it but now I just cannot be bothered. Everyone has to decide for themselves what to do.

    I hope all goes well for you.

    IRENE
  • madsters1
    madsters1 Member Posts: 120
    #8
    Hi there, I'm sorry we have
    Hi there, I'm sorry we have to meet under these awful conditions, but here we are. My hair starting thinning, but not terribly so. Like you, I cut it short. Once cute short then just almost boy short. Sixteen days after my first chemo, I came home from church and pulled 90% of it out! Yep, almost all of it in one day! THAT devastasted me and did take me a long time to accept. It's been seven months now and I'm on my way to being normal again. Yay! I have almost two inches of hair! :)
    Everyone handles it differently though. You sound like you've come to grips with it somewhat already. So, for me there was no shaving, but do what works for you when it works for you. This is your journey. Your family is of course walking it too, but primarily it's you. Try to remember "This too shall pass".
  • ajdebbs
    ajdebbs Member Posts: 18
    #9
    hiiiiiiiiiiii!
    well i cut
    hiiiiiiiiiiii!

    well i cut mine once....right when just a few strands starting coming out when i ran my fingers through my hair. i was in denial and thought that maybe....just maybe....i would be the one whose hair miraculously did NOT fall out. it was truly wishful thinking...lol. and when it did.....i cut it to my shoulders. then when it started coming out in clumps i had my husband shave my head. we took pictures and had fun with it. posted them to facebook. it was far more devastating for me to watch it fall out in clumps....and honestly....it wasn't that i was so vain that i had to have my hair.....it was more of a reality issue with me. seeing it come out like that just made the cancer so real for me and that was what was devastating. so because i wanted to stay positive.....i shaved my head and had fun. i didn't wear wigs. i wore hats and scarves. and it was all good.
    now my hair has grown back about an inch and its crazy but i think i might actually keep it short. i was always too chicken to cut my long hair before and now that it's growing back and it doesn't look so bad.....i'm ok with keeping it.
    do what makes you happy.....in everything you have to deal with. keep your attitude positive and it will help make the time and the treatments go by fast.
    good luck and much love hun!

    Ally
  • salls41
    salls41 Member Posts: 340
    #10
    Personal choice
    Shaving your head is a personal choice for sure. My hair started coming out about day 17 of my first treatment. I couldn't stand it falling all over everything!It was everywhere! I had to shave mine as soon as that started. If you feel you can hold off until the kids can get there, do it if that is what will make this easier for you.
  • Bar_B
    Bar_B Member Posts: 27
    #11
    Before I had treatment
    I didnt want the trauma of watching my hair fall out, so cut it really short - less than 1 inch - the day I found out I would be getting chemo. It was hard to do, but I just kept remembering Demi Moore in her GI movie... what was the name of it?

    Good tip - use a lint roller on your pillow in the morning, or anywhere you rest. Easy way to pick up hair that has fallen out!
  • Bar_B
    Bar_B Member Posts: 27
    #12
    jessiesmom1 said:

    When to Shave Your Head
    My hair started coming out on precisely Day 14 after my first chemo infusion. I had already cut it short in anticipation. I had very thick straight hair so it took almost 2 weeks before it just looked ridiculous. At that point I had my husband "buzz off" the rest of it. There is no denying that it was a traumatic experience - for me at least. It took quite a while before I could look in the mirror and not be upset. It is such a strange experience to see yourself without hair so suddenly. After a while I got used to it. I had gotten a nice wig from the local American Cancer Society office. I also had a few head scarves. When I wore them depended on the weather and where I was going. Often inside my house I went "topless."

    After chemo was over (8/2010) my formerly straight hair grew back rather wavy. It is really not a bad look at all. It sure beats the alternative - bald. My hair was gray before and it is gray now. I used to color it but now I just cannot be bothered. Everyone has to decide for themselves what to do.

    I hope all goes well for you.

    IRENE

    I'm also TNBC... love your
    I'm also TNBC... love your dog!!
  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #13
    Bar_B said:

    Before I had treatment
    I didnt want the trauma of watching my hair fall out, so cut it really short - less than 1 inch - the day I found out I would be getting chemo. It was hard to do, but I just kept remembering Demi Moore in her GI movie... what was the name of it?

    Good tip - use a lint roller on your pillow in the morning, or anywhere you rest. Easy way to pick up hair that has fallen out!

    I wanted to have some control of when I lost my
    hair --! We have no control of side efforts of chemo, or how breast cancer
    will changed our lives --.

    My hair started to fall out between day 14 and 17th .. I went into our
    backyard (like some sort of pilgrimage) -- as the wind blew --- I ran
    my hands thru my hair -- chunks of my hair flew with the wind .. I proceeded
    upstairs to my bathroom, cried a little, and shaved my scalp. On
    my schedule, in my time.

    Be careful not to cut/nick your scalp when shaving. Many Sisters in PINK choose
    to go to their Stylist to avoid any cuts/nicks.

    Should you encounter that "sticky" feeling, try shampooing with Neutrogena T-Gel.
    Also, sunscreen is very important now that we are heading into the hotter months.
    Make sure to apply to the back of your neck, and tip of your eyes. Sun burn on
    new skin --- SUCKS! I've been there, done that.

    Strength, Courage and Hope for a Cure.

    Vicki Sam
  • SHERRRY
    SHERRRY Member Posts: 5
    #14
    VickiSam said:

    I wanted to have some control of when I lost my
    hair --! We have no control of side efforts of chemo, or how breast cancer
    will changed our lives --.

    My hair started to fall out between day 14 and 17th .. I went into our
    backyard (like some sort of pilgrimage) -- as the wind blew --- I ran
    my hands thru my hair -- chunks of my hair flew with the wind .. I proceeded
    upstairs to my bathroom, cried a little, and shaved my scalp. On
    my schedule, in my time.

    Be careful not to cut/nick your scalp when shaving. Many Sisters in PINK choose
    to go to their Stylist to avoid any cuts/nicks.

    Should you encounter that "sticky" feeling, try shampooing with Neutrogena T-Gel.
    Also, sunscreen is very important now that we are heading into the hotter months.
    Make sure to apply to the back of your neck, and tip of your eyes. Sun burn on
    new skin --- SUCKS! I've been there, done that.

    Strength, Courage and Hope for a Cure.

    Vicki Sam

    I start losing my hair about
    I start losing my hair about two weeks into chemo... It was when I started finding it all over the house I decided it was time to shave.. I opened the fridge door and there was hair!! After that showers were a breeze.. no hair to shampoo, one less thing to worry about..
  • camul
    camul Member Posts: 2,537
    #15
    I cut mine pretty short,
    I cut mine pretty short, then on the 14th day when I had 5 little areas with hair and the rest bald, it was time for the bic. I was in a hotel the first time.

    The second time, I did it about the third day when the bald spots were greater than where I had hair.

    Now I have been on Navelbine for 7 months and my hair is growing back in? It is about an inch and a half. So go figure.
  • jwood1176
    jwood1176 Member Posts: 16
    #16
    shaving head
    hello...i had long curly thing hair, never cut it short. when i found out i was going to have chemo and that it was going to more than likely fall out, i got a short bob-type hair cut after my bilateral mastectomy, and loved it. my hair started to fall out in large quantities around day 15 after my first treatment. i would cry every time i took a shower because so much hair was coming out!! i was so depressed. so i called my hairdresser and she came to my house and shaved it, only had about an inch. it helped tremendously. i had my 3 year old and my 15 year old there when she did it, so they could see it happening and wouldn't be in shock. then i started wearing my scarves and doo-rags/hats. i believe it is a personal choice also, just do whatever makes you feel better, this is not an easy journey..i will be praying for you. God Bless, ~Jaime~
  • fight2survive
    fight2survive Member Posts: 15
    #17
    Thanks! It's DONE!!
    Well, the hair was coming out in handfuls this morning. We asked the kids if they wanted to shave my head this morning and they were all for it.

    Each had their own reason for doing it now verses later. But all were in agreement for today, so it was done.

    I have to say, now that it's done, I'm glad. The anticipation of it coming out is horrible! The only way I can describe it anyone who wouldn't understand is it's like getting a shot. You dread it and then before you know it, it's done and you realize it wasn't all that bad.

    Many thanks to you all for your encouragement and personal stories.

    M
  • Ann65
    Ann65 Member Posts: 19
    #18
    My choice, my timing
    After reading about hair loss, I was determine that I wanted to control something! I could control shaving my head. So after my first chemo treatment, that very afternoon I called my hairdresser and we shaved my head using a #1 on the razor. No matter how I strongly I felt that this was what I wanted to do, I did turn away from mirrors as she did it. I'm glad I did something on my terms, not on cancer's terms.

    When I went today for second session, the Nurse asked if I was having the hair loss and I told her of my decision. She said that she thought that was very good and if she was to do through this it would probably be her option.

    We never wish this on anyone, but we each have to do what is best for ourselves. It is great to have others traveling the same journey to share and gain strength and ideas. Love the baby shampoo idea and the lint roller! Would never have thought of the lint roller!

    Have a positive day! Ann
  • Ann65
    Ann65 Member Posts: 19
    #19
    delete
    duplicate
  • Megan M
    Megan M Member Posts: 3,000
    #20
    fight2survive said:

    Thanks! It's DONE!!
    Well, the hair was coming out in handfuls this morning. We asked the kids if they wanted to shave my head this morning and they were all for it.

    Each had their own reason for doing it now verses later. But all were in agreement for today, so it was done.

    I have to say, now that it's done, I'm glad. The anticipation of it coming out is horrible! The only way I can describe it anyone who wouldn't understand is it's like getting a shot. You dread it and then before you know it, it's done and you realize it wasn't all that bad.

    Many thanks to you all for your encouragement and personal stories.

    M

    You are still beautiful!
    Now you can fight fight fight!!!!


    Hugs, Megan
  • NancyJac
    NancyJac Member Posts: 91
    #21
    Almost immediately
    I had an appointment already set up before I started chemo. I had TCH and right on schedule, 2 weeks after the first treatment, my hair started to fall out....big time. That was on a Monday and I had it shaved that Wednesday. It's nice to be able to involve the family as a symbolic gesture, but on the other hand, having your hair fall out into you dinner plate is not so nice.

Discussion Boards