CHEMOTHERAPY

Chemotherapy is a difficult but necessary reality that most cancer patients must face in their fight against cancer. Chemotherapy treatment may cause a number of physical side effects. These may include nausea, diarrhea, low blood counts, and alopecia (hair loss).

Hair loss from chemotherapy happens because certain anti-cancer drugs can affect normal cells, such as those responsible for hair growth. Not all chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss, but most due. Hair loss from chemotherapy treatment can occur on all parts of the body. The degree of hair loss depends on the chemotherapy drug, the dosage of chemotherapy, or radiation, and how it is given.

Hair loss due to chemotherapy is very rarely permanent. The hair will usually grow back by about 3 5 months after the last treatment. Partial or complete hair loss is a small price to pay for an extended life or total cure from cancer.

However, the psychological impact on patients can be devastating. Chemotherapy patients do have options for their hair loss. Patients can chose to go uncovered or to use wigs, hairpieces, cranial prosthesis, hats, scarves and turbans. Consult with your medical professional; they will help you decide what options are best for you.

If a patient requires a hair prosthesis while undergoing alopecia or cancer-related therapy, they may be eligible for reimbursement under their health insurance plan. Most insurance companies cover between 80-100% of cranial hair prosthesis. Insurance companies are realizing that a hair prosthesis is becoming more and more a necessity for those recovering from alopecia and cancer related treatments. American Hairlines can assist you with information required by your insurance company.

We at American Hairlines offer many solutions to your chemotherapy hair loss. We specialize in custom made wigs and hair prosthesis. We have a very caring, friendly and professionally trained staff. American Hairlines also offers our Smilez for Kidz program for qualified chemotherapy patients 17 and under.