Hair loss, also known as alopecia, is a common side of many, but not all, chemotherapy drugs. The drugs affect cells that are growing quickly. Hair is lost within a few days or weeks after chemotherapy starts and usually grows back once you finish chemotherapy.
- Look Good Feel Better
- A variety of in-person and online workshops, as well as resources for cancer support
- Managing hair loss
- Losing your hair may feel difficult and challenging. Look Good Feel Better provides hair alternative solutions to meet this challenge.
Thinning hair
If you notice your hair thinning:
- Avoid hair sprays or alcohol based hair products
- Avoid coloring your hair
- Use a gentle, hydrating shampoo and conditioner
- Consider cutting your hair shorter than you usually would (this helps the hair look thicker and does not put stress on the already weak hair follicles
- Sleep using a satin pillow case
Adapted from Look Good Feel Better
Cognitive function refers to the abilities for speaking, thinking, your awareness, decisions, learning, attention, memory, organizing, or problem solving.
Problems with your cognitive function can affect your emotional well being and quality of life.
You may have problems at work, school, or with daily activities.
Cancer or its treatment can affect cognitive function.
Learn more
Chemo brain/chemo fog
Chemotherapy may cause problems with the ability to pay attention, to remember, or to problem solve. High doses of chemotherapy and/or chemotherapy given for a long time are more likely to cause cognitive problems.
Cognitive problems caused by cancer or its treatment may go away after treatment is finished or continue for a long time or become permanent.
There are many strategies and tools to cope with chemo brain and chemo fog such as recording your thoughts, identify if your memory is worse when you are tired or hungry, or use a calendar to organize and keep track of records, appointments, activities, etc.
Taking care of yourself with physical activity that can help you stay mentally alert, getting plenty of rest, reducing stress, practising yoga or meditation are all things that can help you relax and think clearer.
Also, speak with your caregivers and health care providers regarding how you are feeling.
Learn more
