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Carol Ann · 02-28-2014, 10:02 AM

Hi crb, I didn't lose my hair until after the second TCH infusion, and I did NOT shave my head. I still have wisps all over. For me, shaving it meant surrendering and smacked of barbed wire and entering a concentration camp.

I stopped washing it and kept brushing it out. I did have an appointment to have it buzzed off with my hairstylist (she cut it to chin length for me right before I started chemo, it had been halfway down my back) but then I just couldn't go through with it.

I know I'm in the minority here on this ... but I wanted to share my perspective on it. I go around here at home without wearing anything on my head, and I nearly always just wear a turban when I go out. I have a wig that I have worn exactly once because it feels so uncomfortable.

If the chemo drugs want MY hair, they're going to have to come and get it, because I'm NOT giving it up!

BUT -- I also didn't have much scalp pain, like others here. Just like everything else in this ... you have to do what YOU feel comfortable with.

I keep telling myself it will grow back, and it will! And you're not alone with crying, I have too ... LOTS!!

Carol Ann

02-28-2014, 10:02 AM	#11
Carol Ann Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 1,045	Re: How long do you think I have?? Hi crb, I didn't lose my hair until after the second TCH infusion, and I did NOT shave my head. I still have wisps all over. For me, shaving it meant surrendering and smacked of barbed wire and entering a concentration camp. I stopped washing it and kept brushing it out. I did have an appointment to have it buzzed off with my hairstylist (she cut it to chin length for me right before I started chemo, it had been halfway down my back) but then I just couldn't go through with it. I know I'm in the minority here on this ... but I wanted to share my perspective on it. I go around here at home without wearing anything on my head, and I nearly always just wear a turban when I go out. I have a wig that I have worn exactly once because it feels so uncomfortable. If the chemo drugs want MY hair, they're going to have to come and get it, because I'm NOT giving it up! BUT -- I also didn't have much scalp pain, like others here. Just like everything else in this ... you have to do what YOU feel comfortable with. I keep telling myself it will grow back, and it will! And you're not alone with crying, I have too ... LOTS!! Carol Ann __________________ July 24, 2013: "Infected" Right Nipple and benign cyst removed, pathology report revealed Paget's, DCIS, and ILC 1.25 cm, ER+/Pro+/HER2 equivocal, Grade 2 under benign cyst, previous diagnostic mammo/ultrasound said I was perfectly healthy in both breasts. Aug 18, 2013: MRI report says Left breast is perfectly healthy "consistent with previous studies". Sept 2013: I insist on a bilateral mastectomy anyway. Too nervewracking to let left breast remain with higher risk after 3 cancers in right, nipple in right is already gone anyhow. Sept 18, 2013: Bilateral mastectomy, 11 right nodes removed, ALL negative BUT -- ER+/PRO+/HER2+ tumor, 1.0 cm, Grade 2 found in a piece of "grossly unremarkable" breast tissue from prophylactic mastectomy of left breast, no nodes removed. Oct 25, 2013: 13 left side nodes removed, ALL negative, Stage 1 across the board, NO RADS needed, YAAAAY! Port also installed. Nov 25, 2013 Begin 6 rounds TCH. March 10, 2014 Just finished 6th and LAST Chemo today, YAAAAAY! March 24, 2014 Echocardiogram to make sure I'm still good for Herceptin every 3 weeks. March 31, 2014 Echo results NORMAL, first Herceptin all by itself. Now if only my eyes would stop streaming from the Taxotere ... :) April 21, 2014 Started Arimidex and therapy for "mild" lymphedema in left hand and arm May 2014 Therapy completed, I have sleeves and gloves for both arms, a Flexi touch lymph pump to hook up to for an hour every day, and I've become an arm bandaging expert. :) June 2014 Begin Fosamax to prevent osteoporosis; bone scan revealed osteopenia Nov 17, 2014 FINAL Herceptin! Dec 4, 2014 My right thigh muscle has been extra achy for days ... I discover a blister rash cluster on the side of my right thigh while taking a shower. Port appointment cancelled until Dec 17, my doc is working me in tomorrow afternoon to see me and the rash. My muscle at least feels less achy. Dec 5, 2014 Yep, I have shingles. Boo! I start acyclovir and also have a prescription for a painkiller just in case for over the weekend. Dec 17, 2014 Port is OUT! January 2016 Shingles again and this time it started where my left breast (where the hidden HER2+++ tumor was!) used to be. My onc nurse got me a same day appointment to see my doc when I called and told her I had a rash on the site. The antiviral meds are working once again, though, so that is good news. :)