Natural (chemo) hair loss or shave head??

boca babe 62 · New User Joined: 24 Sep 2007 Posts: 1

I'm new here so I apologize in advance if I do something wrong or inappropriate. Fortunately I have a great support system in place but I want/need to hear from those who have "been there/done that". I am set to begin chemo in a few weeks and I have been assured that I will lose my hair. I'm ok with that. I'm thinking of shaving my head now, before the treatment begins, just so that I can feel that I'm in charge and control of something during this whole crazy time. Any advice, views, words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

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brainman

OK boca babe 62, start back at the beginning:

1. What cancer?
2. What stage?
3. What treatment?
4. How long since you where diagnosed?

Be as specific as you can and it will help us help you Wink

Some chemotherapies make some people lose their hair other do not. My chemotherapy did not but the radiation therapy did.

Let us know.
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Vee Smith · Moderator Joined: 12 Feb 2006 Posts: 796 Location: UK

If you have been assured you will lose your hair, then a full head-shave is something to consider. It makes life more comfortable. My last chemo round led to thinned hair, so cutting it short beforehand was really helpful (and people kept on saying how good it looked) Wink

*sunshine* · New User Joined: 26 Jul 2007 Posts: 7

if u defo gona lose ur hair. u shud shave it off instead of the painful experience of watching it falling out...

In

Hey, Short hair is in Razz

Especially those cool hanging earrings and head wear these days. Plus scarves are the new accessory. Or are really out-there wig, if your game. Wink

Let us know more about you.

Thinking of you Inica
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Thinking of you Inica

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Sternum~
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sodapop

Yep, I would go ahead and shave it so it doesn't fall out in patches like mine was starting to do. I shaved it when it started to come off in my hand when I rubbed my hand thru my hair.

I think mine started to come out on my 3rd dose.

Let us know of your progress.
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In

Go gradual if you need too. I was a Hairdresser before A beauty therapist. And the town I live in, even though a small country town, Has a high cancer rate. Sad

. I did have and still have alot in for tips on makeup and hair.

Have you hair cut shorter and shorter, so you and any young family members get used to it.

We, in Australia- (not sure about there), have an orginisation here called "look good, feel good". It is where I volunteer with makeup and hairdressing skills to women who have Cancer or had. I help them by showing them how to use makeup, to even out skin tones, blemishes, or pencil in eyebrows etc. I also help them apply wigs or head wear. It's a great idea.

Because it is true- if you look good, you do feel beter.
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Thinking of you Inica

*Administrator*

~Nose Cancer~
~Car Accident- Broken Back, Ribs, Spleen
Sternum~
~Continous Cervical Cancer~

My Story-
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=6731

Smile

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ash7614 · New User Joined: 27 Sep 2007 Posts: 2

hi my names ashlee. i'm 18, female and from sydney, Australia.
i've been diagnosed with stage IIA mixed cellularity hodgkins lymphoma and have had two treatments of ABVD chemo therapy so far.

i just started losing my hair today (Day 16 of treatment)

it's alot harder than i expected and thought i could prepare myself for it but i can't

i think i'm going to cut my hair tomorrow or shave it all off

it'll be a bit of a shock if it happens.
all my family and friends reassured me that it doesn't happen to everyone and that's true but it maybe got my hopes up a bit.

i'd say don't go shaving it all off straight away, you might not lose it. but perhaps cut it shorter or something just to take away some of the initial shock if it does happen.

I wish you the best of luck and a full recovery.

God Bless

In

Ash,

My heart goes out to you. And so young too. Well you seem to have a great attitude.

Please feel free to post your story or any questions in the lymphoma thread. There is always a shoulder, ear or some caring help here.

welcome
_________________
Thinking of you Inica

*Administrator*

~Nose Cancer~
~Car Accident- Broken Back, Ribs, Spleen
Sternum~
~Continous Cervical Cancer~

My Story-
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=6731

Smile

9 Lives and still kicking Smile

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