Questions About Hair Loss and Treatment for New Cancer Patient

Hi Mimi,First of all good luck on the journey. Yes do cut off your hair ( says my daughter) as the scalp itch was really bad till she did that and was able to moisturize her scalp. Her hair came back-down to her waist ,although a different color and texture.It came back fast though. Again sending heart felt wishes for s good recovery Carole

Hi Mimi, It sucks that you are going through this. Do research, a lot of it. Read about your cancer. Make your own decisions about your care. Hopefully, you have a great team on your side. I, too, knew nothing about cancer. Learned the hard way. There are several things to remember. Everyone is different. What works for someone else may not work for you, etc. About the hair, my hair was all the way to my waste, and I had an aggressive form of BC. It was going to fall off no matter what. I did cut it short. It fell off, and several months after I stopped chemo, it started growing. But it has not been the same. Everyone is different. There is something called "Cold Capping," but depending on your treatment, it may not work. Wigs, well, that's another story. I knew nothing about wigs either. The hospital gave me a list of places, I went to 2 places and ended up buying one in the second place. It was overwhelming, and I didn't want to go to a million places. My wig became my best friend, but I didn't feel myself. It's tough, all of it. Give yourself some grace. You will be ok. Sending prayers and ❤️

I shaved my hair before second treatment and I don’t wear wigs because it’s too hot in Texas, I’m comfortable without a wig or without a hat.

Thanks for all the feedback,it really helped, although I wish I knew about Cold Capping,this is all new to me and I'm going to do my research,I'm going to stay positive through this journey...thanks again everyone

Mimi, the truth is the doctors don't tell you about all the symptoms you may experience. I knew nothing. I experienced a lot. After everything had happened to me, I started doing so much research. All my symptoms were real. All my side effects were real. The doctors ralkked me out of a masectomy the first time I got cancer in 2021, my own fault due to my lack of knowledge. Everything almost killed me, not just the cancer. In March this year, I was diagnosed again on the same breast. This time around, I'm alert, experienced, and using my voice fully. I'm telling them what I'm choosing, becnow I know better and more. Howe, with this being said, listen to everything they have to say. Then do your research from there. I just found this platform, and I wish I had found it in 2021. Lots of women with great knowledge and experience. But remember, we are all different. Much ❤️

I meant talking me out of a masectomy. You are right. Stay positive! I made that mistake in 2021. This time, I'm definitely more positive. Don't beat yourself up about cold capping. You didn't know. But look it up now, just to know. It is said that neuropathy may also be prevented by putting your hands and feet in some sort of cold gloves and socks. Amazon has everything! Wish I had known that too, because now I have neuropathy on my feet that will never go away. I had it from my shoulders all the way to my feet. Thankfully, it made its way down and just affected my feet. But it did put me in a wheelchair. Doctors don't tell you all the things you may experience. I have faith that you will be ok and strong. I hope you also have a support system of some sort. It's important.

I'm sorry, I am no longer in the wheelchair. I was for a few months only after getting extensive physical therapy. I wanted to clarify. Don't want to scare anyone.

Lots to learn lots to know. Yes hair does grow back. Cold capping, hands and feet in cold gloves/foot covers helps prevent/decrease neuropathy, hair loss. Neuropathy improves when chemo stops. Hair grows back though may not be the same color or texture as after chemo stops. In between or medical team can help with side effects just let them know what you are experiencing. Many on this site have knowledge they can share. Good luck 🙂

Welcome to this supportive community - it's completely natural to have questions about hair loss when starting cancer treatment, and many others here have navigated similar concerns. While hair loss varies by treatment type and individual response, connecting with your medical team about what to expect with your specific treatment plan will give you the most accurate information, and they can also provide resources about wigs, scarves, and other options that work best for different lifestyles. This community has many members who have shared their experiences with hair loss and various head covering options, so browsing previous discussions or asking specific questions about wigs and comfort tips could provide helpful insights from those who've been through similar journeys.