Chemotherapy - will I lose hair and or eyebrows ?

[JeanneFrench]

Had a small lump removed 2 weeks ago. Subsequent MRI, PET scan, and a surgical examination, and blood tests, are all clear, so it seems they got it all. Having 25 days of radiotherapy and 5 doses of chemotherapy (once a week, during the same period as the radiotherapy) as a precaution.

Apparently it is a light dose, and I can go to work and exercise during the course of treatment. Realistically, can I expect my head hair and / or eyebrows to fall out?

Do those cooling caps work, do many people use them, can anyone recommend one?

Thank you in advance.

I was given high doses of pre-meds before chemo-steroids/ondansertron/ chlorphenamine . Knocked me out. I was too sleepy to read and certainly couldn't drive afterwards. So yes to a nap. I managed to listen to some podcasts. Other people read or knitted.
Most hospitals provide tea, coffee and a meal over lunchtime but mine didn't. I took a flask and sandwiches after the first time.
Wear something very comfortable, take a fan and a cardigan.

Good luck with the treatment OP

Thank you, everyone

Hi, Op. I had chemo 10 years ago as I was diagnosed with lymphoma. I didn't use a cooling cap as I heard they were uncomfortable and don't always work. I had my hair cut in a short style before chemo and it then thinned quite quickly. I remember being distraught though because I thought I had escaped with thinning hair but as I finished my chemo my hair started to literally fall out in clumps. My consultant told me that can happen. However I was extremely poorly, had just had emergency surgery, been in intensive care and had an emergency ileostomy. I was off work for 2 years. If you are able to work and the chemo dose is lower, you are less likely to lose your hair. The very best of luck, Op and get well soon.