The first concern is generally hair loss. If you are having CMF(cytoxan, methotrexate and 5-Flu)you probably will not lose your hair. It may thin a bit, but it will stay on your head. The general rule of thumb is that the hair falls out around 14 days after your first treatment. It starts as a few strands on your pillow, then clumps in your comb and wads in the shower drain. The bravest among us take matters into their own hands and shave it all off before the inevitable. Some make it a family affair, with various relatives taking a turn with the buzzer. Others go to the beauty parlor and get a new short hairdo before the alopecia (loss of hair) begins. Whether you decide to beat the chemicals to it and do it yourself or wait for each strand to fall out, make sure your oncologist gives you a prescription for a "cranial prothesis" (fancy name for a wig) before you start chemo. Insurance companies have to cover a wig as part of your breast cancer treatment. Make an appointment to visit a good wig salon and take an honest, trusted relative or friend with you. This is your big chance! Since most people will know that you are going through chemo, you can either get a wig to match your own hair, or be daring and go long, short, curly, straight, an outrageous color. It's your choice. Wigs come in human hair, synthetic and combination, with human hair being the most expensive and hardest to keep up with. The synthetic wigs are good and easy to take care of. You will also want to have a collect of hats and scarves. Wearing a wig can get tiresome. Suggest to a good friend that you could use a "hat and scarf" shower. It's a chance to get together with your pals, have a fun evening before you begin your chemo adventure and to collect some much-needed headwear. There are many salons that specialize in chemo patients; ask your doctor.
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