Newbie seeking some advice on hair loss

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Nikki815
Nikki815 Member Posts: 1
in Breast Cancer #1

Hello I am new to this CANCER SCARE but I refuse to let it get to me!!! I have my good days and bad days. I'm not vocal in regards to this so that's why I am starting with this forum.  I just got my PowerPort in this past Tuesday and set to start my 1st round next Tuesday so it's now hitting me.  I am trying to make a decision about my hair; cut it NOW or later?  For those of you that experienced hair loss, when did you cut your hair?

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  • jessiesmom1
    jessiesmom1 Member Posts: 915 Member
    #2
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    Hair Loss

    I had shoulder length hair prior to chemo. The week before my 1st round (of 16) I had it cut to a pixie style. I felt that losing my hair in stages might be less traumatic that way. On precisely day 14 of my 1st round I absentmindedly ran my fingers through my hair and came away with a handful. Pretty startling. It continued like that for about 10 days and then started looking pretty ridiculous. At that point I had my husband use the trimmer and buzz off the rest of it. It was a shock to say the least. Every time I  saw myself in the mirror for a while I would cry. Eventually it became "the new normal." I wore a scarf or a wig outdoors depending on the  reason I was leaving the house. Indoors I primarily went bareheaded. It just depended on the weather. There is no right or wrong way to deal with the hair loss issue. Just do whatever works best for you.

    In my case I was fortunate enough to have my hair grow back. It was more fine and initially was more curly than normal. It was about 5 months before there was enough hair covering my scalp that I felt comfortable going out in public without a head covering of some sort. There are some women who never get back to that point. There is no way to know what will happen with your own hair.

    I wish you only the best of luck as you begin this journey.

    IRENE 

     

     

     

  • KarenBinETN
    KarenBinETN Member Posts: 10
    edited July 2017 #3
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    Hair loss

    Nikki, this my second time losing my hair. And like Irene, I waited until it started falling out in clumps. That drove me crazy the first time. This time, at the first handful, I went and had it all buzzed. 

    Full disclosure here. I've never considered my hair my best feature. Mostly I wear it in a pixie or wedge and even then I don't think it was all that great. So losing the hair, I was sure, wouldn't be deal. But it is an obvious sign to even strangers that you're dealing with this. Like Irene, I use scarfs. I found some really nice ones this time through the American Cancer Society's TLC web page (also available on Amazon.) They were advertised as pre-tied but mine  just have elastic in them so you wouldn't have to tie them. I do, because the strands hanging down bother my neck. I think I have picture of these. I'll try to upload it. These scarfs are light (made of some bamboo-type material.) No picture but here's a link to the website: http://www.tlcdirect.org/Bamboo-Pre-Tied-Scarf-14298.html?did=38

    On my first time, some friends made me some scarfs out of material. They worked good. The only problem with the home-made scarfs are they weren't as light-weight as these I just bought. Foolishly I gave them away thinkng I wouldn't need them any longer.  I also do ball caps and stocking caps in the winter.

    Like Irene, I just go bareheaded a lot. I figure if someone has a problem with my round cueball head, it's their problem not mine! But if you go bareheaded remember sunscreen! 

    Karen

     

  • Apaugh
    Apaugh Member Posts: 850 Member
    #4
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    Nikki

    Sorry you have to go through this.  I started out with long, straight as a stick, white hair.  I am 55. 

     I waited to have it shaved until it started falling out.  Between 2nd and 3rd.  It started with a few clumps and then it was gobs.  It was all over the place and very annoying.  It broke my heart inside, but on the outside I said, no biggen, it will grow back.  I did not like the scarves.  I chose hats and knitted beanie caps.  Sleeping in a beanie was more comfortable because my head was sensitive.  It is summer so light weight caps are good.  Last summer I did alot of the spandex sleeve types.  If you cant find one or two, find a long sleeve spandex shirt and make them out of the sleeves.  Many chemo clinics have beannie caps and hats free.  If someone wants to knit you a beanie hat, ask them to use baby yarn.  I could not handle a wig, to hot.  When I was home, I would go without most times.

    Everyone is different and so is how our hair comes back in.  Mine came back with 3 colors, different textures and lenghths.    What a pain in the rear!  I never had to take care of this type hair in my life.  I was a wash a go kind of gal.  I was at a loss with this new hair!

     So after 3 months of this mess, I ended up going back to my hair dresser (the one who shaved it)  and let her do the cut.  Short pixie.  I hated it.  I still wanted my long hair back.  Now it has been 3 more months.  It is a little thicker in areas and thinner in others.  Down to 2 colors, some straight, some curly.  I hate  it still but I remain hopeful. 

    One day I may get my ol hair back, but if I dont, it will be ok because I am a survivor who fights tough like a girl!

    Hugs,

    Annie

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