Hair regrowth

blossomtime
blossomtime Member Posts: 98
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I am 2 yrs out from diagnosis. I had pretty heavy duty chemo, 4 rounds of FAC and 4 rounds of taxotere and 12 weeks of herceptin plus radiation even though I had a mastectomy, not a lumpectomy. This was due to the size of tumor, 5 cm. But here I am with my hair still so thin. I am very sensitive about this. I work in a hospital and have always felt so safe here even though my hair situations is a source of anguish for me. My friend diagnosed 1 yr after me, had a lumpectomy and 4 rounds of chemo and her hair came back beautifully. We were both at work yesterday and a doctor commented on how her hair was so thick and prettty. He asked me had I considered using anything. Well yes, lots of things I have tried, such as nioxin and even minoxidil. My feelings were horribly hurt. I am relatively young, 51 yrs. Has anyone else had prolonged trouble with hair returning to what we would consider normal. I am considering returning to a wig. Have the drugs permanently ruined the hair follicles. I know I should be thankful to be here, but I am still distressed. Help!!!

Comments

  • newboobs
    newboobs Member Posts: 121
    #2
    Blossom! Hi! Haven't chatted with you in so long. Glad to hear you're back to work. Could the hair growth be from hormones? What does your onc. say? I just don't know. Hugs to you- hope to see you soon.
  • blossomtime
    blossomtime Member Posts: 98
    #3
    newboobs said:

    Blossom! Hi! Haven't chatted with you in so long. Glad to hear you're back to work. Could the hair growth be from hormones? What does your onc. say? I just don't know. Hugs to you- hope to see you soon.

    Oh my gosh new boobs so good to hear from you. I haven't been here in a while. I hope all is well with you! Just having a hard time adjusting to change. Sorry no hormones, can't take them. Please keep in touch and hope life is treating you well. Love ya!!!
  • Idalia
    Idalia Member Posts: 76
    #4
    My hair grew back normally on my head, just curly and darker than before. I notice my body hair didn't come back as thick and grows more slowly than before. If this is bothering you, see a doctor about it! It is important that you do everything you can to feel better about yourself. Personally, even the thought of wearing a wig made my scalp itch! Good luck.
  • SusanAnne
    SusanAnne Member Posts: 245
    #5
    Hi blossomtime. I had 4x AC, 12 wks of taxol and a year of herceptin. I just finished 1 1/2 months ago. My hair is definitely no where near as thick as it used to be and my nails are paper thin. I'm hoping as time passes things will improve. I do use nioxin but haven't tried minoxidil (I'm 47). My friend, who finished same treatment a few months ahead of me says that her situation is improving. I'm still waiting to see. Do what you need to do to feel at ease, don't worry about what others think. Find a cute super short haircut to keep until things get better. This too shall pass.
    Susan
  • jrowe
    jrowe Member Posts: 13
    #6
    I had 4 rounds of AC; 4 rounds of taxotere; mastectomy and radiation. My last chemo was 12/1/03 and my hair is very thin and still short. I am hoping time will improve it...I too am 51 yrs. I feel distressed to; and have bought some attractive hats to wear when I can't stand it. And all the hot flashes make my hair curl right up; and I don't like it!

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