How common is hair loss?

Question

So I still don't have alot of answers yet but I go see the doc in 11 days and maybe I'll get a little help then. I read post where people are talking about buying wigs and in one of the pamplets that my old doc gave me it says hair loss is a possible side effect. Can anyone tell me how common this is? Looking for personal experiences and any facts known here. I'm just not sure how well I would handle losing my hair.

lakegirl26 · Answer

I know from everything I read that the sides or definitly not easy but like everyone has said it's only temporary. It's much more important to me to get treated and hopefully get to svr. So I can be the best Momma I can be to my 3 beautiful children:-)

nygirl7 · Answer

I lost about 75-80% of my hair between it falling out and cracking off. But it was most likely compounded by the fact that somewhere around week 20 - 24 my thyroid went wonkers and croaked...that leads to hair loss too.

curiouslady1 · Answer

Lake girl, you may want to check the archives as there are numerous posts on this subject.  But (hint) don't make any wig purchases on line you wouldnt ordinarily make before you know you are really losing your hair LOL!!!!

suezeeque · Answer

I commented on the other thread about buying numerous hairpeices.  However, these were not purchased because of treatment related hair loss.  I'm just terribly vain.  ;)

I'm only going into week 7 today and have not noticed any hair loss yet.  But 7 weeks is probably not nearly long enough to say I won't.

frijole · Answer

I did not notate my hair loss until week 16 last treatment and by week 24 I noted that hair loss seemed to be subsiding.  My hair loss was noticable to me, and the texture went from lots of body to no body and straight, but like wildochild, I didn't mind it.  It was just different.  I never would have considered a wig. Maybe you won't have a problem.  However, Isuggest Nioxin -- I think it is for thinning hair but maybe it was specific to chemotherapy.  Do not get the one for colored hair.
frijole

Wildorchid1121 · Answer

Sorry for the error, put my finger on the wrong key!!! Good LUCK to you is obviously what I meant to type!!!!!

Wildorchid1121 · Answer

Hi lakegirl,

It is very common unfortunately. During my first treatment (2004) I lost a lot of hair, but nothing noticeable. Now I am on week 21 and I am leaving hair everywhere I sit or lay down. I am losing more hair than my dog and my son's cat together...LOL!!!  

I will admit, sometimes I feel like crying, specially when I wake up and see so much hair on my bed and pillow. But no bald spots so far.

My hair structure has changed a lot too, I used to have a lot of hair before and wavy too, now it is straight and thinner. I love it even more. My hair was always very short, and for the first time in my life, my hair is down to almost the middle of my back.

So sometimes in life, one bad thing might bring a good one with it. You  just need to stay positive. If you find yourself needing a wig, which maybe you won't, it's not the end of the world. There are gorgeous wigs out there, and this is only temporary. I have noticed that as I am losing hair, others are beginning to grow out so I don't have bald spots, and no need for a wig.

The most important thing is to treat the Hep C, the side effects will eventually be there, but you are out to beat this disease, and you must have Faith that you will. 

Good lick to you.