How Will AML And Is Undergoing 6th Round Of Chemo Help Or Is There Any Risk Of Doing So ?

Posted on Sat, 26 Dec 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 26 Dec 2020 Answered on

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : Asking for a family friend who is treated for AML and is undergoing 6th round of Chemo. Age is 38 years. He has extensive hair fall and wants to know if he can fully shave at this stage. How will it help or is there any risk of doing so ? When will hair regrowth begin ?

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes he can shave

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.

There's no benefit of shaving apart from comfort. Hair falling all the time is messy and sometimes residual hair can be quite tangly. After shaving, this problem is not there.

There's no major risk but care should be taken to avoid cuts.

It has no effect on hair regrowth. Regrowth will start one month after stopping chemo. To get full cover, it will take another 3 months approx.

Hope this helps.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (53 minutes later)

Thank you Doctor

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome

Detailed Answer:

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (34 hours later)

Hello Doctor,
He is suffering from fever upto 104 degrees for the past 4 days. Also, feeding only through food bag and even water they told to stop giving.
He is also starting to have breathing problem now. Is this condition risky? Can you please advise if there is any emergency.

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes this is serious emergency

Detailed Answer:
Most likely white cell count will be low with a serious blood infection. He must be on antibiotics, let's hope those work.

Also, for breathing problems, a CT chest should be done which confirms lung infection and the type if any. Depending on that, antifungals may be needed.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (25 hours later)

Thank you Doctor. Yes, he is on antibiotics and fever reduces after every dose of antibiotics, again comes back. There is chillness and shivering before fever starts.
They had done CT scan of Chest and also took blood samples and they have said infection in intestine. Hence they have avoided even providing water. There is slight bleeding along with loose stools. Is this a dangerous condition ? What is the reason for the same.

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Yes it is dangerous

Detailed Answer:
Infection in intestine can cause fever with bleeding in stools. Chemotherapy reduces immunity and leads to bacterial and fungal infections. That's the cause.

Antibiotics are the only treatment, along with supportive care. When WBC count increases again, it will control the infection too.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng