Chemotherapy and Hair Loss: What to Expect During Treatment - My CareCrew

CHEMOTHERAPY AND HAIR LOSS: WHAT TO
EXPECT DURING TREATMENT

My CareCrew

Many women struggling with breast cancer undergo severe
hair loss during chemotherapy. Here are some insights
from one cancer survivor’s experience as she dealt with an
evolving self-image.
Hair loss was definitely one of the more traumatic side
effects of cancer treatment. Nothing prepared me for the
sight of cursed hair strands in my hands every time I ran my
fingers through my hair. I struggled to look at myself in the
bathroom mirror—it was like I was slowly losing a part of
what made me, me.



THE STRUGGLE The reality of my cancer diagnosis first hit
me when I first saw huge clumps of hair
on my pillow about two weeks after my
first treatment. It was like the wind had
been knocked out of me. I knew that hair
loss was a common side effect of chemo.
Through research, I had found that about
65 percent of cancer patients undergoing
chemotherapy experience hair loss. I told
doctors I understood but secretly I hoped
and prayed that it wouldn’t happen to
me.

COPING WITH THE My family was a major reason for
CHANGE helping me through this distressing
time. One thing that really helped me
move past the grief were the little
notes they left around the house—
messages of positivity,
encouragement, and little chores to
keep me busy. The same mirrors that I
was previously unable to face were
filled with heartfelt (and often funny)
notes of reassurance and inspiration
that kept me going.

FOCUSING ON THE The good news is that hair loss isn’t all bad,
POSITIVES there are some perks that can ease the pain
a bit. For instance, you can try out new and
bolder looks with wigs and head coverings. It
can even be a fun experiment to try out
henna crowns and different makeup
techniques.
By far, the best part is that you don’t have to
shave as often. One peek at my smooth legs,
and I’m reminded that this benefit isn’t all
that bad. And eventually, I know that my hair
will grow back in time.

Dealing with cancer is undoubtedly a challenge, but things
can get easier when you have friends and family members to
support you during rough days. My CareCrew is one of the
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