Hair loss is never easy. After all, we tend to associate thick hair with beauty, femininity and youthfulness. But on the other side, if hair becomes thin, dull or brittle, we view that as a sign of age, stress or sickness. If you had to battle breast cancer, you may have been given Taxotere or docetaxel to treat this disease. After taking this medication, many women are now struggling with permanent alopecia (hair loss). If you are embarrassed by your Taxotere hair loss, here are some ways to help you to feel confident again.
Experiencing hair loss due to Taxotere or docetaxel is unlike other forms of hair loss. The sad news is that creams and topical treatments aren’t going to help your condition. Permanent alopecia due to this medication is irreversible and we would hate for you to spend your hard-earned money and get your hopes up on something that just isn’t going to work. We don’t want to sound harsh, but you have a right to know the truth so you can focus on other options that WILL help you.
The evolution of wigs has come a long way from the stiff, unmoving wigs that were worn a generation or two ago. There are tons of options that include real human hair, synthetic hair, hand knotted wigs, various types of adhesives and so much more. I know it can be tempting to order cheaper options off the Internet, but this is a necessity that is really worth investing in (or else you might get something that does look like your grandma wore it).
You’ll need to try on your wig to make sure that it’s comfortable, looks natural and that the color suits your skin tone. You’ll also need a professional to trim your wig to customize it to your features and face shape. If you compromise with this, you’ll never quite feel your best.
I came across an article in Vogue a couple of years ago and found it beautiful and inspirational. It’s called 9 Women on the Stylish Possibilities of Hair Loss and it features how different women are handling this same dilemma with style, grace, and flair. Yes, permanent alopecia is traumatic, but it’s also an opportunity to try a new look that you wouldn’t have before. When you visit a wig salon, take a risk by putting on wigs that are in colors and cuts that you would never have dreamed of experimenting with before. Go shopping at the mall and explore hat and scarf options or even try on outfits that you may have been intimidated to wear before. Model and ovarian cancer survivor Elly Mayday shares, “I started wearing combat boots, tight pants, and jackets [after experiencing hair loss]. This is coming from a girl that used to do pinup and wore polka dots and pink.”
If you took Taxotere or docetaxel for breast cancer, you got a bad deal. Taxol is an equally effective chemotherapy treatment, but many women that we’ve talked to said that they weren’t told of their options and weren’t warned of the risk of permanent alopecia that is linked to Taxotere and not Taxol.
Since you are paying for wigs, scarves and other necessities to cover this adverse effect, you may be able to receive financial compensation. Take you power back by holding Sanofi-Aventis, the makers of Taxotere, accountable. Call us today to see if we’re able to help you.
