Hair loss

I lost my hair after the first round, and cut and shaved what remained until 3 weeks after the chemo, then started letting it grow. My last round was Jan. 21, '03, and by early May I was comfortable to leave my wig at home and go to work without it. We had a hard winter last year, and the wig was warm and just a good thing to wear. I'm just guessing, but I would guess that 4" may take 6 or 8 months to grow-I'm sure others will give an estimate.

I interviewed at a few places (and hired) while wearing a wig (I was diagnosed after being laid off), and while I wasn't embarassed about going without one, it was a relief to get my own locks back.

Do you wear a turban or hat? The "Nancy's Notions" website has a "Chemotherapy Beret" pattern that's free to use, and simple to make. I made 3 for myself to wear at home, and have made them for a couple of friends being treated for OVCA. They are comfortable enough to wear while sleeping.

Have you tried a wig liner? I've read that they can make a wig more comfortable.

After being told my straight hair would grow back curly, I'm slightly disappointed that it only has a little wave, but I was happy that I didn't suffer apparent ill effects from coloring it when it was less than an inch long...

Dear Veglady,

I had my last chemo Aug. 27, 2001. I had rescheduled my wedding (which was postponed when I was dx with ovca) for end of Nov. thinking I'd have at least short hair back, but alas, I did not! In my wedding pictures I look like GI Jane...a dark covering on my head, but no hair to speak of. And I think I look beautiful!

It took about 4 months for me to have enough hair to cut. I have never bothered growing it back in so I don't know how long it will take you to get it to four inches. I had shoulder length hair when I started and never, ever thought I'd want short hair. Now I can't remember why I wanted it long.

By the way, when I was undergoing chemo I never once wore a wig, turban or anything other head covering and never felt so strong in my life. Throw off that wig and let it all hang out!!!!

Pamela

Hi. I finished by last chemo treatment in January and ditched my hats and turbans 3 weeks ago. My hair is about an inch long now and was about 1/2 inch when I decided to let my head be free. I have never felt so powerful in my life. People know, people understand, and people enjoy seeing the strength of recovery. So be you, hair or no hair... you won't have any regrets! Diana

Hi Fran...I, too, had taxol and carbo for stage 3 O.C...lost all my hair and it started to grow back approx. 3 months after chemo ended. I've had curly hair all my life and always wanted straight hair...was totally thrilled when it came back in STICK STRAIGHT...but it started to curl up again after about 6 months. It's now pretty much the way it was before I was diagnosed. I opted for the "au natural" look, didn't feel like bothering with a wig or scarf. My friends told me I had a very nice shaped head:)