Breast Cancer and Hair Loss

Donna Nichols • October 19, 2021

Most people experience hair loss from chemotherapy as the treatment for breast cancer. The chemo drugs target the cells so some healthy cells get damaged along with the cancerous cells.

The good news is that not all chemotherapy causes hair loss ; how much hair loss you experience depends on the type of drug you are given and the dosage.

This can be devastating, especially for women, so how do you prepare for losing your hair?

You may choose to cut your hair short or start wearing headwear now in order for you to get used to the feel and look. If the cancer is caught early enough and you have long hair, you can cut it short and take it to an organization that makes wigs out of your own hair.

If this is not the case for you, you may want to start looking at wigs, or choose to go bald; after all bald is beautiful!!

Make sure you protect your scalp should you decide to go au naturel.

Your head will be particularly sensitive so be sure to use plenty of sunscreen underneath your hat; remember, your head hasn’t had the full effect of the sun, your hair was always there to protect it.

If your scalp becomes dry, flaky, or itchy, using a moisturizer or an oil such as almond or olive may help.

As I stated above, losing your hair can be devastating and some people tend to feel guilty because they get so upset over it. They feel there are many worse things to be upset over other than hair loss, but it can make you feel vulnerable and exposed.

There is no right or wrong way to feel about losing your hair or about getting breast cancer; you feel the way you feel and you have a right to be upset if you choose to be.

Hair loss is a noticeable side effect and can change how you see yourself. Men who experience breast cancer have a very difficult time with losing the hair from their chest. Losing your hair may be a constant reminder of your cancer, or perhaps you are a very private person and now everyone can see you have cancer; this can be extremely difficult to deal with.

Some people have no problem with hair loss, others find it terribly difficult to accept and adapt.

There are some cultures and religions where hair has a special significance and losing it may affect your religious identity as well as your self-esteem. If the latter is the case, you may need to speak to a counselor for additional support.

How are others going to react to your diagnosis?

Who cares?!?!

This is your journey and your journey alone; no one has to know unless you want them to know. Some people only tell their close friends and family, while many others want everyone to know.

Everyone will respond to your hair loss in different ways and some may be hard to understand. Not everyone will know what to say or do; if they say or do anything it may be the wrong thing because they won’t know what to say. Be patient, they try.

Whatever you do, don’t quit being social.

This is so important, you may not feel like socializing , but you must otherwise you may become isolated and depressed.

Hanging out with friends can also serve as a wonderful distraction and help keep some level of normalcy in your life. Other people’s reactions may bother you at first, but your reaction to them should improve over time. Talk to others who have experienced this to see how they handled it.

If you have children, please talk to them about your breast cancer AND your hair loss.

Children don’t want to see their mother lose her hair if they don’t know what’s happening; help them prepare for what they will witness. Life is so stressful on kids now-a-days, please don’t add to their frustration.

If you find dealing with breast cancer and hair loss overwhelming, please seek support.

There are many organizations who will gladly help you. You may just have to check with your doctor’s office for local support.

Facebook has support groups, you can go to cancer.org to find support, breastcancernow.org has many resources also.

PLEASE find the help you need!!

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Protecting Your Skin at Every Age — Especially Under the Florida Sun

By Donna Nichols • May 4, 2026
May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, an important time to talk about protecting the skin we live in. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and Florida’s year‑round sunshine makes awareness especially important for seniors. Many older adults grew up in a time before sunscreen was widely used, which means decades of sun exposure may increase risk today. Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, can develop quickly — but when caught early, it is highly treatable. Other types of skin cancer, like basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, are also common in seniors and often appear on areas that have seen the most sun over the years: the face, ears, neck, arms, and hands. What to look for: Early detection saves lives. Seniors should watch for: • New spots or moles • Changes in size, shape, or color • Spots that itch, bleed, or don’t heal • Anything that looks different from the rest Dermatologists often use the ABCDE rule to help identify concerning changes: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and Evolving over time. Simple ways to protect your skin: • Wear a wide‑brimmed hat and lightweight long sleeves when outdoors • Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply regularly • Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) • Avoid tanning beds • Schedule regular skin checks with a dermatologist, especially if you’ve had sunburns in the past Skin cancer awareness isn’t about avoiding the outdoors — it’s about enjoying it safely. Sunshine can lift our spirits, support healthy sleep, and encourage movement, but it’s important to protect ourselves along the way. With a few mindful habits and regular check‑ins, seniors can stay active, confident, and sun‑smart all year long.

Staying Active as the Weather Warms

By Donna Nichols • April 17, 2026
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Allergy Season Is Here: What Seniors Should Know

By Donna Nichols • April 2, 2026
April in Florida means sunshine, flowers, and… pollen. Lots of pollen. For many seniors, allergy season can bring sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and fatigue — symptoms that can be frustrating but manageable with awareness and simple habits. Here’s what older adults and caregivers should keep in mind as allergy season peaks. 1. Allergies Can Change Ov er Time Even if someone never had allergies before, they can develop later in life. The immune system shifts with age, and new sensitivities can appear. If symptoms show up suddenly each spring, allergies may be the reason. 2. Pollen Counts Are Highest in the Morning For seniors who enjoy morning walks or porch time, this can be a surprise. On high‑pollen days, shifting outdoor time to later in the afternoon can make a big difference. 3. Staying Hydrated Helps Ease Symptoms Water thins mucus, supports the immune system, and helps the body flush irritants. Seniors often drink less than they realize, so gentle reminders — a water bottle nearby, herbal tea, flavored water — can help. 4. Keep the Indoors as Allergen‑Free as Possible A few simple habits go a long way: • Keep windows closed on high‑pollen days • Change air filters regularly • Remove shoes at the door • Shower or change clothes after being outside These small steps help reduce the amount of pollen that sneaks indoors. 5. Pay Attention to New or Worsening Symptoms If allergy symptoms feel different than usual, last longer than expected, or interfere with daily life, it’s a good time to check in with a healthcare provider. Sometimes what looks like allergies can be something else entirely. A Breath of Fresh (and Cleaner) Air Allergies may be part of spring, but they don’t have to steal the joy of the season. With a little awareness and a few simple habits, seniors can stay comfortable, active, and able to enjoy everything April has to offer.