Effects of cancer meds driving me to distraction.

JanetMor

My mental health is going downhill due to the effects of cancer medication. It has affected my mobility and now its driving me crazy because my hair has thinned and is dropping out all the time. Every time a hair falls out it itches until I can comb it out, this happens all the time and I spend all day doing it. I have spoken to a doctor but she wasn't very helpful, she suggested I massage with coconut oil which makes my hair more greasy than it already is. She would not have it that the cancer meds are causing it when I know it does because I have investigated online about it. She says its my age, I am 70. I have asked to be referred to the orthotics department as I have spoken with them, they said they could supply me with a wig but the doctor refused to do this. I just want to get rid of all my hair to stop the irritation. Where should I go from here, I got so upset last night after holding it in for so long and I am in tears now as I write.

janer1967

Hi and welcome to the community 

Sorry to hear about how you are feeling 

Just a thought which you might not want but have you considered shaving your hair off and wearing hats or head scarf a bit drastic I know.  You can also purchase a wig 

As above mcmillan maybe a good source or Marie curie charity

I thought orthotics was about footwear to support orthopedic problems not wigs but I may be wrong 

JanetMor

Thank you Teddybear, I haven't tried them but I will do.

JanetMor

Thanks Janer, it was definitely orthotics I spoke to at the hospital and they said I needed a doctors referral. I have been thinking about buying a wig and shaving all my hair off, my husband says this will make me itch more, I don't think anything could make me itch more. I am now waiting to be called back by McMillan, I will also try Marie Curie. Thank you

janer1967

I haven't had cancer so don't expect you will be the same but I have had all my hair shaved off twice for charity and didn't experience itching but of course I wasn't on any medication 

JanetMor

Thank you mikehughes, I will look into that.

JanetMor

Thats good news janer

Sandy_123

Hi @JanetMor I hope you get some solutions from the advice above. 

L_Volunteer

Hi @JanetMor

Thanks for reaching out to us. I always appreciate how much courage it must take to reach out.

I am really sorry to hear you having a tough time with the effects of cancer meds. In addition to the wonderful support already provided, I am just wondering if you have a cancer nurse? or a mediator?

Both of these professionals might be able to support you more than the GP has! Thinking of you, sending you hugs, and always listening to you if nothing else 

JanetMor

Thank you L, I do not have a cancer nurse or a mediator.

JanetMor

Thank you Sandy

L_Volunteer

Hey @JanetMor

Thanks for your response. I am sorry to hear you don't have that support. In that case, cancer-specific resources, such as Macmillan could be your best go-to.

I believe the contact details have already been provided by @Teddybear12 and @Libby_Scope. However, if we can do anything else to support you please just let us know.

You deserve to feel supported and heard. I am really sorry again that you are experiencing this! 

JanetMor

Further to my initial post, I have taken the plunge and shaved my head and bought a wig as shown in my profile pic. It has taken a bit of getting used to but I am getting there

JanetMor

Thanks Teddy Bear, it was far more preferable than itching all day long and having to remove all the loose hairs as they dropped out.

janer1967

Loving the wig you look amazing 

JanetMor

Thank you Janer x

JanetMor

Thank you Klara. I have got used to wearing a wig now , it doesn't bother me now. I think the hair loss was caused by a low vitamin B level, I am about to have injections for this. I have bigger fish to fry now, I have just been diagnosed with Parkinsons

janer1967

Sorry about your diagnosis how are you feeling about it we are all here to support you whenever you need friendly support 

JanetMor

Hello Teddybear, thanks for the offer. I know i have had it for a couple of years but taken a long time to see a neurologist and a GP before that. No point in stressing about it, these things happen and I just have to take it in my stride. They have given me patches to use, Dopamine Agonists and will start B12 jabs on Monday. Its a good thing I am a strong person.

JanetMor

Thanks Janer, it really wasn't a surprise. I've been spilling drinks and food over me for a long time but this summer it just got worse. I have decided to just go with the flow as there is not much else I can do.

L_Volunteer

It sounds positive that you are finally seeing the professionals you need and deserve to see @JanetMor.

I can also see you have a positive outlook, trying not to stress about it and taking it in your stride.

Hopefully, the patches, dopamine agonists, and B12 jabs will help. You certainly are a strong person and it is really positive that you are able to recognise this. 

Please don't hesitate to let us know if we can do anything to support you. We are all here for you and listening to you.

Take care for now and we will look forward to, hopefully, hearing from you again soon