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Recurring squamous cell cancer

Head & Neck Cancer | Last Active: 5 hours ago | Replies (10)

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@hrhwilliam

Hi @drhill and welcome. I as well as a few others on this feed have had hair loss in the beam path from radiation only to have it grow back within a few months. For me it was a very straight line loss border so I resembled a monk from the twelfth century. I was in my fourties’ then. My beard however never grew well on the radiated side and is rather frightful during deer hunting season yet the scary appearance is my excuse for my dismal hunting results.
For you I cannot know. I understand your angst. We all will die someday but one should never die from vanity. That would be tragic. Let’s get you cured first. Then to a wig shop perhaps which in itself can be a fun experience. And after that let’s see what time brings.
Ask the doctor about the possibility of proton radiation. It is often more costly but is pinpoint compared to the vastness of photon. With the brain so close I would insist on proton. Your oncologist may not have access to a proton machine however you likely do.
I also see that the hair can be protected somewhat with a lead scalp cap or guard wrap.
How soon before this begins?

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Replies to "Hi @drhill and welcome. I as well as a few others on this feed have had..."

Thank you William for your words:) I am getting two opinions from radiation oncologists in the next week. I know how aggressive this cancer can be because of have gone through it with my dad.
I am not trying to be vain, just real. I will ask about proton radiation. I’m not sure when it will start, but probably soon.
So was your cancer on your head?
Did you have proton radiation?
How long did it take to lose hair and get some back?
Was yours squamous cell? The cancer went deep so it got in the forehead muscle but was cut out. The doctor was excellent in closing my excision so it is healing. I’m going to UCLA and Cedar Sinai so I would think they should have the best radiation equipment.
Patricia