Does chemo always lead to hair loss?

[Bumperlicious]

This is a bit of an odd question. My aunt is being treated for ovarian cancer. We are not particularly close, I see her once or twice a year and she lives the other side of the country. But she is lovely and I would like to do something to show I am thinking of her and was thinking of crocheting her a hat. I am assuming that her treatment is likely to lead to hair loss and thought it would be a nice gift. Is it a bit random? I haven't seen her since the diagnosis, and can't really ask her. What do you think?

How thoughtful bumperlicious - a lovely hand crafted gift should always be appreciated.

A friends mum has had extensive chemo and still has lots of hair although I think it can affect the condition so it breaks even if it doesn't fall out,but she said her mum really felt the cold so did use the hats that she had bought.

Sorry should have added I hope your aunt makes a good recovery

That's a lovely idea, Bumperlicious.

Chemo does not always mean hair loss, it depends on the drugs being used. But it very frequently does, especially for those cancers that are hormone related - certainly breast ones, and I imagine ovarian as well. But it may be as well to check on the drug regime. Your aunt will know, as she will NOT be offered false hope on the hair front. If it's likely to go, they'll tell her.

A hat that lets the head breathe, but gives good cover so the baldness does not show through, would be a great idea.

I have had BC and, in my experience, she'd be wanting something slouchy that would follow (or at least cover) the hairline. (Something that just sits on the top - like a baseball cap, for example - is not so good, as it exposes the bald head lower down. Deeper colours are more flattering than pale ones, especially if she has dark natural colouring.

Feel free to ignore, of course, but this is my experience (I now have a full head of hair again . )

HTH

Sorry, just realised you said you don't feel you can ask. In that case I'd say, just go with it. it is a lovely idea.

Hmm - I don't want to dismiss the views of others, especially those with first hand experience of chemo, but if I was in your aunt's position I'm not sure how I would react to such a gift. If she hasn't lost her hair yet then receiving something which reminds her what may well be about to happen isn't necessarily tactful is it? Unless you could wait until you know she has lost her hair? Losing your hair must be so traumatic and I know, when it happened to my sister, she was very particular about what she wore - wigs and hats didn't feel right and she always wore a bandana type silk scarf which looked quite bohemian. It also looked better indoors than wearing a hat would do. Patients also have the option, during chemo treatment, of wearing a cold cap which in some cases can minimise hair loss.

You know your aunt better than us of course ....

I lost my hair last year due to chemo. I would have liked this gift as long as the material used is really soft - and I support Cakes's comments on style. If the hat sort of droops a bit at the sides and back it could be very flattering.

TBH, it would be a nice pressie even if she keeps her hair.

no - my mum was treated for ovarian cancer just over a year ago and she didn't lose her hair. It depends on which chemo they use. I think it is less common with ovarian much more common with breast cancer.

nope DH still has his hair 2 years into treatment. Maybe a care package with lip seal, a hat (its still cold enough) and books ect.

It does all depend on the type chemo and your aunt may well try the scalp cooling. Is there a family member that speaks to her frequently that you could find this information from?

If she's not using the cold cap and is on carbotaxol then she probably started losing her hair within 2-3 weeks of the first treatment.

I think a hat is a lovely present. She may well prefer a wig when out but still could wear it at home.