Hair loss from chemotherapy or radiation therapy is a possible and very unwelcomed side effect.
These therapies target all rapidly dividing cells—healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Hair follicles are some of the fastest-growing cells in the body and divide every 23–72 hours. Within several days to a few weeks, you may experience hair loss. This may be gradual or dramatic, and can be startling and/or depressing.
Some chemotherapy drugs affect only the hair on your head, but others cause the loss of your eyebrows, eyelashes, pubic hair, and the hair on your legs, arms, or underarms.
Coping with hair loss may include choosing a shorter hair style, using a gentler shampoo and softer hairbrush, and changing to cotton pillowcases.
Another possibility is the use of a cold cap. Some clinical studies have shown a success rate of up to 85%, particularly with certain chemotherapy medications. Ask your medical team if this could be an option for you.
There are two pieces of good news in all of this. One is that although it may take six months or more, the hair lost during chemotherapy will grow back.
The second bit of good news is there are a number of attractive solutions to those who wish to camouflage their hair loss until natural hair growth returns.
Beautiful scarves and hats are functional as well as practical. Wigs are also an option. Some women choose to go “au naturel,” but if this is your choice, remember to apply a healthy dose of sunscreen to your head when venturing outdoors.
The American Cancer Society has a program called “Look Good, Feel Better” to assist those undergoing treatment.
In Mountain Home, the Peitz Cancer Support House also offers services to assist. Their phone number is 870-508-2273.
Below are a few of the many helpful websites available:
breastcancer.org/tips/hair_skin_nails/regrowth.jsp
M! October/November 2011
Be sure to see Catherine Sawyer’s inspiring story, and Katy Tessman Stanoch’s and Jan Price’s mini-profiles.
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