Hair Loss:


For many people, the loss of their hair is the most difficult part of cancer treatment. It's generally not as hard for men because of the fact that it is socially acceptable for men to be bald. It's seen as a natural part of the aging process. Some athletes, mainly basketball stars, have even made it *desirable* to be bald. Even I tend to find men with very short or missing hair to be more attractive than most, but I always kind of attributed that to my military college experience! For women though, it's hard.

My hair only thinned. You know, every time I brushed my hair I have to clean out the brush. If I ran my fingers through my hair they came out covered with strands. I didn't had it fall out in my sleep though, and it stayed in remarkably well in the shower. When it did fall out in the shower I was able to see the distinctive lines in it from treatment. Each treatment caused a 'band' in the hair. It wasn't noticeable when the hair was on my head though! =)

Your experience may be different. You may have your hair fall out in clumps or all at once or it might just thin out. You may lose only 30% or maybe 90%. I lost about 50% total. In February I will post pictures to show the difference from before treatment, middle (when it was the thinnest) and after treatment.

Every person will react differently to the drugs. You will want to cut your hair short, however, because at least *some* *will* fall out. With shorter hair the thinning is not as noticeable or as traumatic. Use this as an opportunity to try a new style! Talk to your hairdresser or barber about what is happening. Mine cut my hair so the thinning wasn't as noticeable and created volume that's wasn't naturally there anymore.

I made the decision before treatment not to get a wig. There is something about wearing other people's hair that just doesn't appeal to me. Instead, I have quite the hat and scarf collection. That is something that can be seen as an advantage to this side effect, you know. I've always loved hats and scarves, but I've always felt guilty buying them because they were not "necessary" or "practical". Well, now they are both! I have hats that I can wear indoors as well as out, and some that are mainly for outdoor use, to keep out the wind. Scarves under ballcaps work really well for casual things, and I am able to color coordinate the scarves with my clothing if I so desire. It's really been a lot of fun, and I have found that others enjoy choosing them for me as well. I continue to wear mine even now, after treatment has been completed.

If you decide that a wig is best for you, it is best to get it *before* your hair falls out. That way the color can be matched as closely as possible to your own hair color. Of course, you may decide that this is a great opportunity to try out a new color. Ever wonder what it would be like to be a blonde, brunette or redhead? Now's your chance to find out! The American Cancer Society (1-800-ACS-2345) can help you with this process. They also have a great catalog of hats and turbans! Look them up in your local phone book to request the catalog, or use the 800 number provided here.

The ACS will also provide cancer patients a terrycloth turban free of charge. This is great for wearing around the house. Remember, most of your body heat escapes through your head. In an effort to not get sick and to stay warm, it is best to keep your head covered...that's what the hair is there for after all! I wore my hats even before my hair started falling out specifically to keep my head warm. I continue to wear them now that it is growing back and wore them throughout treatment even though I had a lot of hair. You don't realize the difference they make until you try them!

Whatever you decide, remember to have fun, that your hair *will* grow back, and to try something new!

One final note: when your hair *does* grow back it may be different. It may have a different texture or color, it may be the opposite of what you had before as far as straight and curly goes. For most patients the hair returns to normal after about 1 year post treatment.



Copyright 1997. Last updated January 12, 1997.

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