I'm about to start chemo how soon after your first shot of chemo does your hair fall out?

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anonymous

Learning About Breast Cancer almost 8 years

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Chemotherapy Treatment Side Effects Hair Loss Hair

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anonymous

Stage 4 Patient

Hi Kim, my Oncologist told me my hair would start to come out approx 14 days after my first chemo treatment. She was right on the mark! I had long hair & I noticed it coming out when I shampooed. It's a very personal choice but I decided to have my boyfriend give me a "buzz" cut when I first noticed it really coming out. It was easier for me. I felt it would be too difficult seeing it come out in clumps. I felt more empowered that way. Losing my hair wasn't easy...but I must say the fear and dread of losing it was harder than it actually being gone. I wore scarves a lot. And sometimes wigs. I just went "commando" around the house. Some women are comfortable going bald all the time & I think that's beautiful. Just put on some big hoop earrings & "work it". As you can see in my photo...my hair is coming back just as thick as it was before (just a little grayer but I haven't seen my natural hair color in years ;). There are beautiful scarves. My fav one I received through Good Wishes. Their website is Goodwishesscarves.org. They are lovely and are given free of charge. What a wonderful organization!

almost 8 years • Flag

6
- anonymous
  
  Survivor since 2012
  
  Great picture, Diana! I'm feeling a little stubble here and there, but no real growth yet!
  
  almost 8 years • Flag
- anonymous
  
  Survivor since 2012
  
  Also, FYI, I've never worn a wig. I stick to scarves for the most part, and I sleep in beanie hats so I don't get too cold! It's a matter of choice, of course. A friend who was going through chemo and working at the same time (don't know how...
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  Also, FYI, I've never worn a wig. I stick to scarves for the most part, and I sleep in beanie hats so I don't get too cold! It's a matter of choice, of course. A friend who was going through chemo and working at the same time (don't know how she did it) wore a wig because she had to be professional. She said the wig was always uncomfortable. I'm retired and frankly could care less. There are lots of scarves out there that are made specifically for cancer patients, and many of them are very pretty and flattering.
  
  almost 8 years • Flag
anonymous

Learning About Breast Cancer

I started to lose my hair a few hours after my 2nd treatment. I asked my husband to shave my head, with tears in both our eyes he did it. I love my bald head, the hair has started to grow now :)

almost 8 years • Comment • Flag

4
anonymous

Learning About Breast Cancer

Thank you! I hope it doesn't come back grayer I have strawberry blonde hair and really no gray yet just a little but can't see it. I guess if it does it will be time for highlights. hugs and thanks again.

almost 8 years • Flag

0
- anonymous
  
  Stage 4 Patient
  
  You're welcome Kim. You'll more than likely have the same color. Just be aware....the first tidbits of new hair is very soft ...almost like duck down. Mine was so soft & white at first. Then my hair became darker & grew in thicker. It hasn't taken...
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  You're welcome Kim. You'll more than likely have the same color. Just be aware....the first tidbits of new hair is very soft ...almost like duck down. Mine was so soft & white at first. Then my hair became darker & grew in thicker. It hasn't taken very long at all. :).
  
  almost 8 years • Flag
anonymous

Learning About Breast Cancer

How long before I can color my hair after chemo

about 4 years • Flag

0
- anonymous
  
  Learning About Breast Cancer
  
  I would be very careful coloring your new hair. It will be very fragile. Get professional help with this.
  
  over 3 years • Flag
anonymous

Learning About Breast Cancer

Mine came out with In two weeks of first treatment. I thought I had more time and had booked an appointment for a cut at the three week mark. By the time my appointment came I barely had any left to cut.

about 3 years • Flag

0
- anonymous
  
  stage_2a Patient
  
  I started losing mine on the 13th day by the handfuls, got my sister in law to shave it that night and I only had one treatment when it started to come out!
  
  about 3 years • Flag
anonymous

Survivor since 2012

Mine started to fall out about 2-3 weeks after I started chemo, which I understand is pretty typical. It fell out in clumps so I had my head shaved. It can be upsetting so don't be surprised if you are. It gets better, and you kind of get used to not having to mess with your hair in the morning! Best of luck.

almost 8 years • Comment • Flag

0
anonymous

Survivor since 2011

Day 12 and mine was coming out in my hands and hairbrush. It was really long, so right after my 2nd treatment I just had a friend shave it. I kept a Mohawk for fun until it all fell out gradually over the next few weeks. I finished chemo in sept. and wore my wig or scarves until right before Christmas when I had what looked like a buzz cut. I teach 8th grade and one of my students buzzed his hair for me, it was amazing. I stopped wearing my wig the next day. I now have about 2-3 inches back and I'm okay with it, but was really excited when I could put my "sideburns" behind my ears this week!

almost 8 years • Flag

0
- anonymous
  
  Learning About Breast Cancer
  
  The story of your student shaving his head brought tears to my eyes. You must be a truly wonderful teacher to have inspired such an extreme act of kindness. It is a shame there are not more teachers like you. May God bless you greatly!
  
  almost 8 years • Flag