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hedgehog

(36,286 posts)
Fri Aug 21, 2015, 12:53 PM Aug 2015

Something rather trivial but I'd like some feedback -

My hair really thinned out during the first phase of chemo. It's still long, just about 1/4 of the volume that was there before.

Supposedly, the hair will come back with the new chemo.

Soooooo.........How long do I wait this out before I see any hair coming back (if any.)>

Do I get a crew cut now and grow it all out evenly again?

13 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Staph

(6,346 posts)
1. I had what is called the sandwich treatment.
Fri Aug 21, 2015, 01:40 PM
Aug 2015

Chemo / radiation / chemo, over a period of eight months (endometrial cancer).

I had my hair chopped down to a couple of inches long before the first round of chemo, because it was down to my shoulder blades and I didn't want to see the really long stuff scattered around the house. The huge wads of hair in the shower were traumatic enough. I didn't lose it all, but it was pretty sparse. (I didn't mind losing my hair so much as losing my eyebrows and eyelashes. I looked like a scared rabbit! And I loved not having to shave legs and armpits.)

It started to regrow within a couple of months after the last chemo. It also came in curly, just like my dad's hair, though mine had always been string straight. It's also a bit thicker than before -- I was starting to develop old lady's thin hair, but now it's thicker than it has been in decades.

Cut it. Don't cut it. It's your choice -- whatever makes you comfortable.


Staph

(6,346 posts)
11. It's been two years since my diagnosis.
Tue Aug 25, 2015, 05:21 PM
Aug 2015

I'm doing great! It was scary while I was in treatment, but I'm in great shape and really appreciating life now.


Solly Mack

(92,819 posts)
2. Mine thinned noticeably, but it started coming back during the last few months. (9-12 months after)
Fri Aug 21, 2015, 01:59 PM
Aug 2015

My forehead kept getting bigger and bigger and now it's getting back to "normal".

I stopped wearing pony tails and such to prevent added stress on my hair. Also had it cut in a bob - the new bob where the back is cut fairly short and close to the head, with the sides/front a traditional bob. I was prepping myself for a total shave if it came to that. I did have long hair.

It's getting fuller again, but it grows more slowly than it did prior to chemo/radiation. Adverse reaction to my treatment also added to my hair loss.

I never lost all my hair, though. I was going to shave it bald if the loss got worse. I was prepared to do so, though not without tears.

People at the cancer center said they shaved to allow it to come back evenly.

I'm sorry I couldn't be more help. I was fortunate not to lose all my hair.



hedgehog

(36,286 posts)
4. I think I'm in the same boat you were in as far as hair loss goes.
Fri Aug 21, 2015, 04:00 PM
Aug 2015

It's good to hear how other people handled this.

 

olddots

(10,237 posts)
3. have you had any radiation treatments too
Fri Aug 21, 2015, 02:50 PM
Aug 2015

It took my hair about 2 years ,don't worry it gets better .

Tab

(11,093 posts)
7. I can't speak as a female
Sat Aug 22, 2015, 06:00 PM
Aug 2015

('cause I ain't one) but basically when mine was coming out in clumps I just went in and got it mowed down to nothing, but I can get away with that being a guy. Frankly I found it a lot more manageable, and cooler in the summer.

Irrespective of that, I don't know if, as a female, I'd want a wig, or be comfortable in (only) my own skin, or what. Do what works for you. Your hair should really be the least of your worries (but I understand it's surprisingly not, often). If you're around in 2 or 4 years, then you'll probably find this trivial. And if you're not around in 2 to 4 years, then I would think you'd have bigger issues. It's just hair.

Not sure if that helped or not

- t

hedgehog

(36,286 posts)
8. I never expected to be around this long, so it's
Sat Aug 22, 2015, 06:13 PM
Aug 2015

only now that I have time to think of hair. I don't want to go with a wig. I guess I'm just trying to figure out whether I should get a close hair cut or not. A good crew cut may look healthier than what I have now, but there's no changing my mind if I get it cut.

slipslidingaway

(21,210 posts)
9. Cannot speak personally ...
Mon Aug 24, 2015, 10:25 PM
Aug 2015

my husband has lost his hair four times in the last five years when they killed his immune system in order to achieve remission and then again before transplant.

But then he is a guy and not as concerned

I can say that we have met many women over the years who lost all their hair, mostly transplant patients, and they wore scarves, wigs or just went natural when they were bald. They were all beautiful whatever their choice.

If it were me, I think I might go for a very short cut, but I can say that not having to make the decision.

It grows back quicker than you think and when an outsider begins to speak with you, the hair fades into the background and the personality shines.

If ever need be, I can hopefully reflect on my own words.









eShirl

(18,792 posts)
13. I trimmed it all off about 1/8 or 1/4 inch (whatever the smallest clipper attachment was)
Wed Aug 26, 2015, 06:42 AM
Aug 2015

Then I just wore a leopard-print baseball cap I found on sale. I felt "cool" in that, lol. I liked that look way better than the typical knit beanie/ski type hats or whatever they're called.

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