Hair Growth

changes from person to person

I finished chemo 8 weeks ago. I have a gary fuzz covering all my head. Not thick as my original hair. I heard it may take up to 6 months to know what you are going to have

It probably varies

I am believing that this is like about everything else is when dealing with cancer.  We are individuals.  I figured that out with chemo.  I figured that out with radiation therapy.  I figured that out with surgery recovery.  I decided that it is the same with things like hair growth.

I finished chemo July 16, 2012.  When I first began to see signs of my hair's return, it was August.  I could not see it until I got up close to the mirror and looked.  Then for a bit it was like having a light halo.  I thought my hair was going to come back white, not salt & pepper. As it grew out, it darkened to more its normal color.

Since I wear my hair short -- not excessively short, but wash-and-wear short -- I decided that I would quit covering my head when I was out when my hair covered my head and it was not splotchy.  It would be way shorter than normal, but I was ok with that.  So, I quit wearing a covering the end of September.  I made myself do it, knowing that once I got used to it, I would be good.  I was not at school, where I work, at the time because of dealing with some burning from the rads.  It seemed like a good time for me to make the change.  I had gone back to work, afternoons, wearing my wig at the start of the school year.  Being out of school for about two weeks or so, I thought the gap provided a good time for me to switch.  I returned to work mid-October.  None of the students I work with seemed to notice.  My colleagues thought I looked good.

Two weeks ago I finally was able to brush my hair back, like I used to, and so I like about like my old self.  My length is more like what I wear in the summer; but it works. 

The color is about the same as it used to be.  The texture still is oddly soft for me.  I have had some trims (sides, over the ears, back of the neck) but not a haircut yet.  Some of the wave has begun to be visible as the hair gets longer; I had no curlies.  I do not know if the softness will change, once I start getting haircuts.  I have been told by many people lately how fast my hair has grown and how thick it is. 

Like others here, I take tamoxifen.  It apparently has had no affect on my hair.

Probably I am a fortunate one.

You have to go with what you are comfortable with, when it comes to shedding your head covers.  Sure, you may be a little out of your comfort zone at the start, but it will be all right.

I do have a picture of my head/hair about the time I decided to go hatless/wigless, if you are curious.  It shows a part of the the top and back.

I quit wearing hats

as soon as my head was covered.  It was white and the beginning of summer...  I was one who didn't pay much attention to no hair after a bit, so the hat was for warmth. Only you will know when you are comfortable without it!