Hello,
My Dad had an autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) approximately 10 months ago. Now most of his hair has regrown, although not 100%.
Since a few days ago he's been complaining about how his pubic (gross) and leg hair started falling out. He argues that it mimics his days post ASCT. Is second "shedding" possible?
Aside: What's the typical "shelf life" of melphalan in one's body?
Many many thanks.
Forums
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Re: Second round of hair loss post transplant?
Hi tpt,
Can't say I've heard of people having a second round of hair loss after an autologous stem cell transplant, but I leave it to others to say whether they experienced one or not.
This abstract suggests that, after an infusion of melphalan, the concentration of the drug in the blood decreases by half an average of about every 83 minutes.
That would mean, for example, that after 166 minutes, the concentration in the blood would be just one quarter of its peak level. After 249 minutes, it would be just an eighth of its peak level. And so on.
Can't say I've heard of people having a second round of hair loss after an autologous stem cell transplant, but I leave it to others to say whether they experienced one or not.
This abstract suggests that, after an infusion of melphalan, the concentration of the drug in the blood decreases by half an average of about every 83 minutes.
That would mean, for example, that after 166 minutes, the concentration in the blood would be just one quarter of its peak level. After 249 minutes, it would be just an eighth of its peak level. And so on.
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Boris Simkovich - Name: Boris Simkovich
Founder
The Myeloma Beacon
Re: Second round of hair loss post transplant?
Hi tpt,
I lost all my hair except eyelashes and eyebrows after my harvest and transplant. Then, when everything was beginning to grow back about 2 months later, all of my eyelashes cracked off. Then they came back. Still don't know what that was about. Strange!
I lost all my hair except eyelashes and eyebrows after my harvest and transplant. Then, when everything was beginning to grow back about 2 months later, all of my eyelashes cracked off. Then they came back. Still don't know what that was about. Strange!
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Joy - Name: Joy
- Who do you know with myeloma?: myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: May 2013
- Age at diagnosis: 52
Re: Second round of hair loss post transplant?
I have never heard of a second round of hair loss 10 months after SCT. I can see if somebody was just losing the hair on their head -- that could just be the normal progression of age related hair loss -- but your father is losing body hair.
I would suggest that he mention it to his doctor at his next appointment. I suspect there could be a lot of medical reasons for body hair loss and this may be something his doctor would want to know about. And if the loss seems really extreme, maybe it would be good to see the doctor sooner than his next appointment.
I would suggest that he mention it to his doctor at his next appointment. I suspect there could be a lot of medical reasons for body hair loss and this may be something his doctor would want to know about. And if the loss seems really extreme, maybe it would be good to see the doctor sooner than his next appointment.
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Eric Hofacket - Name: Eric H
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 01 April 2011
- Age at diagnosis: 44
Re: Second round of hair loss post transplant?
Tpt,
While it is not seen in the majority of patients, a second round of hair loss post transplant is not uncommon, and probably more common that we know about since it is not often shared.
Hypothyroidism and hypogonadism (which are also relatively common) can result in hair loss so he should be checked for those disorders.
Otherwise, unless he is sick, there is no reason to worry that this signifies another important medical condition. Hope that helps!
While it is not seen in the majority of patients, a second round of hair loss post transplant is not uncommon, and probably more common that we know about since it is not often shared.
Hypothyroidism and hypogonadism (which are also relatively common) can result in hair loss so he should be checked for those disorders.
Otherwise, unless he is sick, there is no reason to worry that this signifies another important medical condition. Hope that helps!
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Dr. Heather Landau - Name: Heather Landau, M.D.
Beacon Medical Advisor
Re: Second round of hair loss post transplant?
I did have the whole experience of hair loss, which lasted for awhile. I had a whole different hair style for awhile, since I had waves and curls, whereas now I am back to my straight hair! Nothing would really surprise me about that really! But hair loss is not a serious problem, maybe could be a symptom of a problem, but not a problem in and of itself.
I so appreciate all of the doctors posting in to the Beacon, and always read their postings with interest, whether or not I have experienced any of the issues being discussed. Considering how busy they are, and what hectic lives they live, and also just how many patients in their clinics who have very severe problems with myeloma and amyloidosis that they see, I am so impressed that they take the time for us readers here.
Anyways, on a different note, Happy Canada Day to everyone, whether or not you live here, or even have visited our country. Wishing everyone a great day! Because of the treatments I received for my myeloma, I am able to go on a 3 km walk while listening to good music thru my iPod, and then later today go on a bike ride to a central park to see the Canada Day festivities!
I so appreciate all of the doctors posting in to the Beacon, and always read their postings with interest, whether or not I have experienced any of the issues being discussed. Considering how busy they are, and what hectic lives they live, and also just how many patients in their clinics who have very severe problems with myeloma and amyloidosis that they see, I am so impressed that they take the time for us readers here.
Anyways, on a different note, Happy Canada Day to everyone, whether or not you live here, or even have visited our country. Wishing everyone a great day! Because of the treatments I received for my myeloma, I am able to go on a 3 km walk while listening to good music thru my iPod, and then later today go on a bike ride to a central park to see the Canada Day festivities!
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Nancy Shamanna - Name: Nancy Shamanna
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self and others too
- When were you/they diagnosed?: July 2009
Re: Second round of hair loss post transplant?
I had a stem cell transplant in May of 2015 and of course went through the usual hair loss, but it came back and just a little curly and fairy thick, so I was very pleased.
Recently in the past couple of months my hair is falling out like crazy, is getting very thin and extremely fine, and it is very upsetting.
So the topic of a second round of hair loss is also one of interest to me, as I'm curious how often it happens.
I see my oncologist in two weeks for my 6 month check up and I will talk to him about this, but he only has about 2 cases a year of my particular form of multiple myeloma. It is light chain disease, different from regular myeloma, and he said it is quite rare, so I don't think he will have many people to compare me to.
Thank you,
Lynne Holle
Recently in the past couple of months my hair is falling out like crazy, is getting very thin and extremely fine, and it is very upsetting.
So the topic of a second round of hair loss is also one of interest to me, as I'm curious how often it happens.
I see my oncologist in two weeks for my 6 month check up and I will talk to him about this, but he only has about 2 cases a year of my particular form of multiple myeloma. It is light chain disease, different from regular myeloma, and he said it is quite rare, so I don't think he will have many people to compare me to.
Thank you,
Lynne Holle
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