Ovarian Cancer

Hello ladies,

My friend just had surgery for o/c less than 2 weeks ago. She starts chemo 10/11 and was told by her onc. that she would lose her hair. We were wondering if you lose ALL body hair w/ chemo. She's concerned about eyelashes and eyebrows. I guess it depends on the type of chemo, her lymph nodes and lungs are clear.
Another ? she forgot to ask the doc was about her legs swelling, she has been wearing the TEDS, which help, but are still swollen. Any info would be appreciated.
TIA

Melissa

Hi, and welcome to the message board.   Losing hair is a very common side effect from chemo.  From personal experience, I can tell you that I did lose all facial hair ( eyebrows, eye lashes, nose hair), along with losing all the hair on my head.    Losing my hair was extremely difficult for me, but I dealt with it the best I could.  In fact, when I look back, losing my hair was a small price to pay for being cancer free.  I finished chemo 4 years ago, and have been healthy and very happy. 

Chemo sucks.  I won't try to sugar coat it. However, chemo is a necessary therapy in order to rid our bodies of this nasty disease.   Your friend needs to stay strong and keep her eyes focused on getting well.  There is life after cancer.  I am living proof. 

I hope I have been of help to you.  Regards, Glynne

I lost all of my hair as well. I finished Chemo in May, and my hair is now growing back in, probably almost an inch now.

I would suggest she go to her local American Cancer Society office (before she loses her hair if possible) and see about getting a free wig. They also have a free program called "Look Good, Feel Better" that will give her free makeup and show you how to fill in eyebrows and do your makeup, and even tie scarves and wear hats! It is a great program.

As for her legs swelling, I would make sure her doctor knows. Mine did swell as well, and my ankles still do. She needs to keep her feet up. Mine don't swell nearly as much as they used to. After surgery I wound up in the hospital for 13 days. They were giving me some kind of pill like a water pill because I was retaining so much fluid, especially in the legs.

I hope this helped, and I hope your friend is feeling better. She has a long road ahead of her and she will need you!

Thanks for the info. (Glynne too)! I will pass it on.
I live right next door and have told her I am always available, I hope to help her as much as I can. She has a great attitude and a good dr in Orlando (we live in FL too).
I think we are going wig shopping this week. :-) She wants to get it before she loses her hair. I gave her the web address for this site, hopefully she will join in. I told her I have gotten lots of support and info. from the ivillage message boards.

Melissa