Breast Cancer and Hair Loss

Donna Nichols • October 10, 2022

Breast Cancer and Hair Loss

A woman with cancer is smiling and flexing her muscles.

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!!

Why Are Seniors Always So Cold?

By Donna Nichols • March 9, 2026
If you’ve ever walked into a room full of older adults and noticed the sweaters, shawls, and space heaters humming in the corner, you’re not imagining it — many seniors really do feel colder than everyone else. And it’s not just a quirk. There are real, physical reasons behind it, and understanding them can make daily life a lot more comfortable. 1. Our Internal Thermostat Changes Over Time As we age, the body becomes less efficient at regulating temperature. The internal “thermostat” in the brain doesn’t respond as quickly to cold, so seniors may feel chilly even when the room is warm enough for others. 2. Less Muscle = Less Heat Muscle mass naturally decreases with age, and muscle is what helps generate body heat. With less of it, the body simply produces less warmth. Even active seniors may notice they get cold more easily than they used to. 3. Thinner Skin and Reduced Circulation Skin becomes thinner over time, offering less insulation. On top of that, circulation often slows, meaning warm blood takes longer to reach hands, feet, and other extremities. This is why fingers and toes are often the first to feel icy. 4. Medications Can Play a Role Many common medications — including those for blood pressure, thyroid issues, or depression — can affect how warm or cold someone feels. It’s not always the medication itself, but how it interacts with the body’s temperature signals. 5. Underlying Health Conditions Conditions like anemia, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or poor circulation can all contribute to feeling cold. Sometimes, persistent chilliness is the body’s way of asking for a check-in with a healthcare provider. 6. Hydration and Nutrition Matter More Than You Think Dehydration and low-calorie intake can both make the body feel colder. Seniors who don’t drink enough water or who eat lightly may notice they’re chilly more often. Simple Ways to Stay Warm and Comfortable • Layer up with breathable fabrics • Keep moving — even gentle stretching boosts circulation • Warm beverages throughout the day • Use blankets or heated throws safely • Check room drafts and adjust thermostat settings • Talk with a doctor if coldness is new or worsening A Warm Note to Close Feeling cold isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s a natural part of aging. With a few small adjustments and a little awareness, seniors can stay cozy, comfortable, and confident all year long.

How the Spring Season Helps Us Heal

By Donna Nichols • March 3, 2026
Spring has a way of softening the world. The air warms, the light lingers, and suddenly the small things — a bird call, a new bloom, a gentle breeze — feel like invitations to breathe a little deeper. For many seniors, especially those carrying grief, stress, or the weight of a long winter, March can feel like a quiet turning point. Here’s why spring so often brings emotional renewal, no matter your age. 1. Light Returns, and So Does Energy Longer days naturally lift mood. More sunlight helps regulate sleep, boosts energy, and gently nudges the body out of winter’s heaviness. Even a few minutes outside can shift the way the day feels. 2. Nature Models Healing Spring is a season of second chances. Trees bud again, flowers push through the soil, and the world rebuilds itself without rushing. For seniors navigating loss or change, this slow, steady renewal can feel reassuring — a reminder that healing isn’t linear, but it is possible. 3. Movement Feels More Natural Warmer weather encourages small steps: a walk to the mailbox, a few minutes on the porch, tending to a plant. These simple movements help ease stiffness, improve mood, and reconnect the body with the world around it. 4. Social Life Blossoms Too As the weather improves, people naturally come out of hibernation. Neighbors chat outside, community events pick up, and families gather more often. Even brief interactions can brighten a day and reduce feelings of isolation. 5. Spring Encourages Reflection — and Release There’s something about fresh air and open windows that invites a mental reset. Many seniors find themselves sorting through memories, letting go of what no longer serves them, and making space for what’s next. A Season That Meets You Where You Are Spring doesn’t demand big changes. It simply offers gentle reminders: you’re still growing, still healing, still here. Whether you’re grieving, rebuilding, or simply ready for a lighter season, March brings a quiet kind of hope — one that arrives softly and stays.

Winter Wellness: Staying Safe and Steady in February

By Donna Nichols • February 5, 2026
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