Regular mouthwashes are important and your nurse will show you how to do these properly. Unfortunately, some, but not all, of the drugs can also cause hair loss. Ask your doctor if the drugs you are taking are likely to cause hair loss or other specific side effects. People who lose their hair often cover up by wearing wigs, hats or scarves. Hospital in-patients are entitled to a free wig from the NHS and your doctor or nurse will be able to arrange for a wig specialist to visit you.
People being treated as outpatients, however, usually have to pay for their wigs.
If you do lose your hair as a result of chemotherapy, it will grow back over a period of 3-6 months. Although they may be hard to bear at the time, these side effects will disappear once your treatment is over. It is important to remember that chemotherapy affects different people in different ways. Some find they are able to lead a fairly normal life during their treatment, but many find they become very tired and have to take things much more slowly. Just do as much as you feel like and try not to overdo it.