Most patients want to know if they will lose their hair. A bald
head is the image of chemotherapy that we most often see on television and in
the movies. Actually, not all chemotherapy causes hair loss. Please ask your
doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about the specific chemotherapy you will receive,
and whether or not it can cause you to lose your hair. When hair loss does occur,
it happens because the chemotherapy is killing the forming hair cells. Hair
is made up of fast growing cells that are easily killed by some types of chemotherapy.
If hair loss is a side effect of your chemotherapy, your hair may thin,
may fall out, or you may lose hair all over your body. No two patients are alike.
If you are told to expect hair loss with the chemotherapy you are receiving,
it will generally occur 2-3 weeks following your first chemotherapy treatment.
If you do lose your hair, be assured that it will grow back. Sometimes the color
or texture of the new hair is different from the old hair.
Some patients who lose their hair are not bothered by the change. Sometimes,
if they are losing their hair slowly or in clumps, they prefer to shave their
heads and call it a "fashion statement". They have chosen to go public
with their hair loss, and that is great!
Other people with hair loss find it very difficult. Many men choose to wear
hats during hair loss. A baseball cap is a good choice. Women may find hats
or scarves that help to minimize their hair loss. There are companies that specialize
in making scarves and hats specifically for cancer patients with hair loss.
There are some brochures in the Clinical Cancer Center about these companies,
or you can check cancer websites on your computer. Other men and women find
a wig helpful until their own hair grows back. When you are outside, some type
of head covering is important to protect you from heat, cold, and from the sun.
A sunscreen is also important (at least SPF 15).
One of the best ways to deal with hair loss is to be prepared. Find out from
your doctor or nurse if you should expect hair loss. If this is a side effect
of your chemotherapy, decide on your action plan early, before hair loss occurs.
Whatever you choose to do is OK if it works for you.
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