When I had my first transplant in 2004, I would say I lost about 80% of my hair (and I am a relatively hairy guy). During the 2nd transplant in 2009, I hardly lost any.
Allen B
Forums
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allenbonslett - Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 12/2003
- Age at diagnosis: 43
Re: Hair loss during multiple myeloma treatment?
Like others here, my mom's hair started to come out in clumps 11 days after her transplant and 12 days after the high dose of melphalan. On Day 12, she had it shaved off. During the chemo in advance of the transplant, she did not lose any hair. She had lots of warning to the hair loss from the doctor (due to the melphalan) and had a wig and lots of hats ready to go.
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Leealli - Name: Allison
- Who do you know with myeloma?: My Mom
- When were you/they diagnosed?: July 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 70
Re: Hair loss during multiple myeloma treatment?
My hair started falling out before I was diagnosed with myeloma the first time, I just thought it was my age at the time 74. While I was on chemo, my hair grew back and only the usual amount of dead hair came out.
I have been in remission for months now, my protein is going up, and I am expecting to be told I have to start a new regimen of treatment. I am now 76 and my hair has a life of its own. It is thick, shiny, and has a life of its own, I have to cut it every 2/3 weeks otherwise I wouldn't be able to deal with it. This is very strange, as I have never ever had abundant hair. Even when young I looked like drowned rat some of the time! I have very hairy legs and other bits so I think I may just be lucky.
Good luck to everyone who has this annoying disease and I wish you all well
I have been in remission for months now, my protein is going up, and I am expecting to be told I have to start a new regimen of treatment. I am now 76 and my hair has a life of its own. It is thick, shiny, and has a life of its own, I have to cut it every 2/3 weeks otherwise I wouldn't be able to deal with it. This is very strange, as I have never ever had abundant hair. Even when young I looked like drowned rat some of the time! I have very hairy legs and other bits so I think I may just be lucky.
Good luck to everyone who has this annoying disease and I wish you all well
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noni griffiths
Re: Hair loss during multiple myeloma treatment?
I lost my hair. I assumed it was due to the chemo during the transplant. I had gone into the hospital fully armed. Wig, turbans, scarf, the lot. The young female doctors were very complimentary about them, even though they must be used to bald heads. They obviously knew it mattered.
On my return home, my husband was cooking me a special dinner, so I dressed for the occasion complete with wig. He said how lovely I looked and gave me a kiss. I tilted my head back, as you do, and the wig slid off. All we could do was laugh. Thank goodness it had happened at home and not the first time I went out wearing it. The moral: when I bought the wig in the shop, I had hair and it stayed put; on a bald head you need a little cap under it.
I have lost some body hair too which has not grown back. Cuts down on the depilatory creams etc.
My own hair has always been very fine and this summer it has thinned, I am giving it very high dose heat styling conditioners, which seem to be helping.
I found wearing a wig a lot less of a chemotherapy-related advert than a turban, but that depends on how much the locals stare. The downside for me was that it was very hot in the summer.
I hope some of this helps.
As so many people have said, it is important, but so is still being here, and my transplant was 18 months ago, and I have been drug free to date. Other issues, but who said it was a walk in the park?
On my return home, my husband was cooking me a special dinner, so I dressed for the occasion complete with wig. He said how lovely I looked and gave me a kiss. I tilted my head back, as you do, and the wig slid off. All we could do was laugh. Thank goodness it had happened at home and not the first time I went out wearing it. The moral: when I bought the wig in the shop, I had hair and it stayed put; on a bald head you need a little cap under it.
I have lost some body hair too which has not grown back. Cuts down on the depilatory creams etc.
My own hair has always been very fine and this summer it has thinned, I am giving it very high dose heat styling conditioners, which seem to be helping.
I found wearing a wig a lot less of a chemotherapy-related advert than a turban, but that depends on how much the locals stare. The downside for me was that it was very hot in the summer.
I hope some of this helps.
As so many people have said, it is important, but so is still being here, and my transplant was 18 months ago, and I have been drug free to date. Other issues, but who said it was a walk in the park?
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Millie 1
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