What? Not time for hair???

rene9
rene9 Member Posts: 214
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hi everyone. I had my 1st radiation yesterday then I had an appt. with my medical oncologist. She said something that kinda startled me. Now, it has been 4 1/2 weeks since my last chemo and yes I think I see potential...But, she said it's not time for me to have hair yet? Does she mean real hair? or chemo hair? I was lost and did not ask any questions...Now, I'm thinking in the next few weeks I might see something...Maybe, maybe not huh? I know I need to stay out of my head, but I'm ready and anxious...I do see sparse hair and it is also growing sparse in other areas...But, isn't it almost time for hair???



rene9
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Comments

  • jo jo
    jo jo Member Posts: 1,175 Member
    #2
    I was told about 2 months
    I was told about 2 months after chemo. I dont know about radiation if it has any effect...cuz i didnt go through that...but my hair started growing back about 2 weeks BEFORE my last chemo treatment (I even had to shave my legs!!) and its been since April 26th (my last chemo) and im finally getting out of that reeeaaallllyyy itchy stage.

    But my doctor told me i was crazy...that its probably peach fuzz, which i guess is not uncommon...but there was no mistake my hair was growing back...then again im just not normal anything weird and unusual i seem to get! It makes life so much more interesting!!
  • GayleMc
    GayleMc Member Posts: 311 Member
    #3
    jo jo said:

    I was told about 2 months
    I was told about 2 months after chemo. I dont know about radiation if it has any effect...cuz i didnt go through that...but my hair started growing back about 2 weeks BEFORE my last chemo treatment (I even had to shave my legs!!) and its been since April 26th (my last chemo) and im finally getting out of that reeeaaallllyyy itchy stage.

    But my doctor told me i was crazy...that its probably peach fuzz, which i guess is not uncommon...but there was no mistake my hair was growing back...then again im just not normal anything weird and unusual i seem to get! It makes life so much more interesting!!

    I am 2 months since the end
    I am 2 months since the end of chemo and my head is almost covered with very short, very dark and grey hair. The fiest month I could see fuzz but in the last 2 weeks it has really grown a lot more. I think everyone is different and I truly believe you are growing hair. My onc suggested that I shave mine a second time when I started getting fuzz, but I could not do it and am glad I didn't. I hope by mid- july to be able to ditch the wig. Good luck.
  • rene9
    rene9 Member Posts: 214
    #4
    GayleMc said:

    I am 2 months since the end
    I am 2 months since the end of chemo and my head is almost covered with very short, very dark and grey hair. The fiest month I could see fuzz but in the last 2 weeks it has really grown a lot more. I think everyone is different and I truly believe you are growing hair. My onc suggested that I shave mine a second time when I started getting fuzz, but I could not do it and am glad I didn't. I hope by mid- july to be able to ditch the wig. Good luck.

    Hi-
    I don't know how this posting was placed on the board twice...weird...But, I am hoping to ditch the wig before August! I've heard it will grow like a weed once it really starts...I am looking forward to healthy hair!!!Since, my head is not being radiated that is not an issue...Ummmhmmm...I'm watching...

    rene9
  • GayleMc
    GayleMc Member Posts: 311 Member
    #5
    rene9 said:

    Hi-
    I don't know how this posting was placed on the board twice...weird...But, I am hoping to ditch the wig before August! I've heard it will grow like a weed once it really starts...I am looking forward to healthy hair!!!Since, my head is not being radiated that is not an issue...Ummmhmmm...I'm watching...

    rene9

    I watch every time I get
    I watch every time I get near a mirror. At one time I could almost count each hair as it started growing, now I'm happy to say there are too many to count. FINALLY!!!
  • laurissa
    laurissa Member Posts: 773
    #6
    Hi rene
    Mine started growing again after 4 weeks from chemo. Its so slow. My last was Jan. 18 and now have almost 1 inch. I didn't shave as suggested so it is a bit uneven. It now looks like a bad short haircut. I'm still wearing my pink ribbon cap and soon will be able to put that away along with the wigs. I've been coloring my hair since it came in silver and dark gray. Its also very soft like puppy fur. It will come back, just slowly.
  • rene9
    rene9 Member Posts: 214
    #7
    laurissa said:

    Hi rene
    Mine started growing again after 4 weeks from chemo. Its so slow. My last was Jan. 18 and now have almost 1 inch. I didn't shave as suggested so it is a bit uneven. It now looks like a bad short haircut. I'm still wearing my pink ribbon cap and soon will be able to put that away along with the wigs. I've been coloring my hair since it came in silver and dark gray. Its also very soft like puppy fur. It will come back, just slowly.

    LOL!
    Now, I don't feel so bad looking in the mirror all the time, just not every time I walk by, but first thing in the morning, I'm inspecting. Tomorrow will be 5 wks post chemo and like I said I see new hair coming everywhere, so I guess this is a good sign. I guess it doesn't seem like much when you're watching it every single day...I really do see potential!


    rene9
  • Balentine
    Balentine Member Posts: 393
    #8
    rene9 said:

    LOL!
    Now, I don't feel so bad looking in the mirror all the time, just not every time I walk by, but first thing in the morning, I'm inspecting. Tomorrow will be 5 wks post chemo and like I said I see new hair coming everywhere, so I guess this is a good sign. I guess it doesn't seem like much when you're watching it every single day...I really do see potential!


    rene9

    You are not alone
    Everyday I say I am not going to inspect my head today and look at myself in the 3 fold mirror but before the day ends, I am in there looking. It hasn't even been a month yet so I know I am expecting a bit much. I am just thankful that something is sprouting up. Make sure you are massaging your head in cirular motions when shampooing. That is supposed to stimulate the hair follicles. I wish you the best!
    Lorrie
  • rene9
    rene9 Member Posts: 214
    #9
    Balentine said:

    You are not alone
    Everyday I say I am not going to inspect my head today and look at myself in the 3 fold mirror but before the day ends, I am in there looking. It hasn't even been a month yet so I know I am expecting a bit much. I am just thankful that something is sprouting up. Make sure you are massaging your head in cirular motions when shampooing. That is supposed to stimulate the hair follicles. I wish you the best!
    Lorrie

    Hey Lorrie-
    I am still doing research on natural products I want to use once I have hair again. Even if I get another perm, I want to keep it healthy. I went and bottle a small bottle of Fantasia Tea Tree Naturals shampoo and conditioner because it will penetrate my scalp, unclog pores and increase circulation. It has some good ingredients and some I do not like, but if it helps to wake up my scalp, I will use it until I have hair. I don't plan to use it after I grow hair. I'm going to watch what I put on my scalp and skin. But, I'm told its very soothing, so I'll see this weekend as I massage it in! Have a good weekend!
    Oh yeah! 5 weeks post chemo today!!! and 1 week of rads done!!!


    rene9
  • Balentine
    Balentine Member Posts: 393
    #10
    rene9 said:

    Hey Lorrie-
    I am still doing research on natural products I want to use once I have hair again. Even if I get another perm, I want to keep it healthy. I went and bottle a small bottle of Fantasia Tea Tree Naturals shampoo and conditioner because it will penetrate my scalp, unclog pores and increase circulation. It has some good ingredients and some I do not like, but if it helps to wake up my scalp, I will use it until I have hair. I don't plan to use it after I grow hair. I'm going to watch what I put on my scalp and skin. But, I'm told its very soothing, so I'll see this weekend as I massage it in! Have a good weekend!
    Oh yeah! 5 weeks post chemo today!!! and 1 week of rads done!!!


    rene9

    I bought tea tree shampoo also
    I also bought tea tree shampoo and from what I hear it is good for your scalp and hair. All shampoos, that I know of, have that one ingredient (sodium laureth sulfate) in them which is supposed to cause cancer so I really don't know if you can ever get away from that and I shampoo my hair twice a day. I have oily hair so I have to. Monday will be 4 weeks post chemo for me. Yes...I am still looking in the mirror. How did your rads go? Were you tired from them or have any other side effects?
    Lorrie
  • rene9
    rene9 Member Posts: 214
    #11
    Balentine said:

    I bought tea tree shampoo also
    I also bought tea tree shampoo and from what I hear it is good for your scalp and hair. All shampoos, that I know of, have that one ingredient (sodium laureth sulfate) in them which is supposed to cause cancer so I really don't know if you can ever get away from that and I shampoo my hair twice a day. I have oily hair so I have to. Monday will be 4 weeks post chemo for me. Yes...I am still looking in the mirror. How did your rads go? Were you tired from them or have any other side effects?
    Lorrie

    Heeey!
    Hey, yes that is 1 of the nasty ingredients I do not like that's in the tea tree products. But, I do have products to use when I grow hair that do not contain any nasty SLS, parabens, alcohol, dyes, silicone, etc. - all natural stuff only. That's why I said I will use it to stimulate my scalp. I only bought a small bottle of each (1.99 ea.) Then, natural stuff! Rads went well these 4 days. I have not felt any side effects yet. I made myself lay down the first day, but I am feeling good. I get a little anxious headache on the way because it is close to where I had chemo, but that's a mind thing. So, I'll be ready for Monday! Take care and have a good weekend!


    rene9
  • dianebraun
    dianebraun Member Posts: 51
    #12
    rene9 said:

    Heeey!
    Hey, yes that is 1 of the nasty ingredients I do not like that's in the tea tree products. But, I do have products to use when I grow hair that do not contain any nasty SLS, parabens, alcohol, dyes, silicone, etc. - all natural stuff only. That's why I said I will use it to stimulate my scalp. I only bought a small bottle of each (1.99 ea.) Then, natural stuff! Rads went well these 4 days. I have not felt any side effects yet. I made myself lay down the first day, but I am feeling good. I get a little anxious headache on the way because it is close to where I had chemo, but that's a mind thing. So, I'll be ready for Monday! Take care and have a good weekend!


    rene9

    Talk to a hair professional
    Talk to a hair professional and ask them about Nioxin. I was told it was the only thing out there which will make your hair "possibly" come in healthier, fuller and faster. I haven't read up on it completly, because I have one more chemo treatment to go, and I'm not quite ready for it. I did have a friend of mine who has a beautician's license get me the Nioxin starter kit because someone with a license can get it half price at the beauty supply places. I think there are three sizes to choose from, and she bought me the medium sized bottles and the total cost was $32. I don't know if they work on all hair styles. I am Caucasian, and I know it is supposed to help my hair type. Good luck! I sure miss my hair too, and I can't wait for it to come back. I'm hoping for curls, since my daughter has naturally curly hair and mine is as straight as a pencil!
  • ms.sunshine
    ms.sunshine Member Posts: 707 Member
    #13
    My hair started growing back
    My hair started growing back while I was on my last round of chemo. Doc said that was unusual. I love my hair it has a pretty color and is so soft. This is funny, when my hair started to grow, jet black, I thought my head was turning black a side effect my doc didn't warn me about. I was freaked out then my husband, the cool calm controled one in our relationship, said baby it's your hair. We both busted out laughing.
  • ms.sunshine
    ms.sunshine Member Posts: 707 Member
    #14
    rene9 said:

    Heeey!
    Hey, yes that is 1 of the nasty ingredients I do not like that's in the tea tree products. But, I do have products to use when I grow hair that do not contain any nasty SLS, parabens, alcohol, dyes, silicone, etc. - all natural stuff only. That's why I said I will use it to stimulate my scalp. I only bought a small bottle of each (1.99 ea.) Then, natural stuff! Rads went well these 4 days. I have not felt any side effects yet. I made myself lay down the first day, but I am feeling good. I get a little anxious headache on the way because it is close to where I had chemo, but that's a mind thing. So, I'll be ready for Monday! Take care and have a good weekend!


    rene9

    Rene
    We started rads at the same time. I thought about you today when I was on the table, for some reason your smilin face popped into my head. I know you will breeze right thru just like I'm gonna do. 1 week down 5 more to go. I have met the most sweetest people while at my rads appointments.

    Take care
    Jennifer
  • Kat11
    Kat11 Member Posts: 1,931 Member
    #15
    ms.sunshine said:

    My hair started growing back
    My hair started growing back while I was on my last round of chemo. Doc said that was unusual. I love my hair it has a pretty color and is so soft. This is funny, when my hair started to grow, jet black, I thought my head was turning black a side effect my doc didn't warn me about. I was freaked out then my husband, the cool calm controled one in our relationship, said baby it's your hair. We both busted out laughing.

    My hair is also coming in
    My hair is also coming in slow. I was done with chemo in November. I did do rads, but that has nothing to do with the hair. I have about 2 inches now. I use nutri ox 1 and 2. It's the same as nioxin, but it's bought at Sally's. It seems to be helpful. Hair is full and thick and not to soft or frizzy. No curl yet. I started with bottle # 2 until I had hair to wash, and then I used bottle # 1 which is the shampoo. The best part is no more wig no more scarfs, just my hat sometimes, but thats in style. LOL
  • rene9
    rene9 Member Posts: 214
    #16
    ms.sunshine said:

    Rene
    We started rads at the same time. I thought about you today when I was on the table, for some reason your smilin face popped into my head. I know you will breeze right thru just like I'm gonna do. 1 week down 5 more to go. I have met the most sweetest people while at my rads appointments.

    Take care
    Jennifer

    Hi-
    Awwwwwww! you thought about me, now I know we're sisters! Yes, 5 more to go! There are some nice people working with me too. I believe the last day is July 15th! Yes, we are gonna get through this and fine! Keep me updated on your progress too. Still watching my peach fuzz though!


    rene9
  • rene9
    rene9 Member Posts: 214
    #17
    Kat11 said:

    My hair is also coming in
    My hair is also coming in slow. I was done with chemo in November. I did do rads, but that has nothing to do with the hair. I have about 2 inches now. I use nutri ox 1 and 2. It's the same as nioxin, but it's bought at Sally's. It seems to be helpful. Hair is full and thick and not to soft or frizzy. No curl yet. I started with bottle # 2 until I had hair to wash, and then I used bottle # 1 which is the shampoo. The best part is no more wig no more scarfs, just my hat sometimes, but thats in style. LOL

    Can't wait-
    I can't wait to say my hair is coming in and other people can see it! LOL! Yes, these wigs are too hot! Can't wait to have 2 thick inches!


    rene9
  • rene9
    rene9 Member Posts: 214
    #18
    dianebraun said:

    Talk to a hair professional
    Talk to a hair professional and ask them about Nioxin. I was told it was the only thing out there which will make your hair "possibly" come in healthier, fuller and faster. I haven't read up on it completly, because I have one more chemo treatment to go, and I'm not quite ready for it. I did have a friend of mine who has a beautician's license get me the Nioxin starter kit because someone with a license can get it half price at the beauty supply places. I think there are three sizes to choose from, and she bought me the medium sized bottles and the total cost was $32. I don't know if they work on all hair styles. I am Caucasian, and I know it is supposed to help my hair type. Good luck! I sure miss my hair too, and I can't wait for it to come back. I'm hoping for curls, since my daughter has naturally curly hair and mine is as straight as a pencil!

    Hi-
    I don't know why I have avoided Nioxin. I think when I was told it will just grow back, I decided I would at least find something to wake up my scalp. the tea tree I used this morning was great! I could feel the shampoo and the conditioner was soothing and tingly too. I'm gonna stick with these products until my hair grows. I also see new hairs for my eye lashes and eye brows coming in. Good luck on your last chemo...Its almost over!!!



    rene9
  • Balentine
    Balentine Member Posts: 393
    #19
    rene9 said:

    Can't wait-
    I can't wait to say my hair is coming in and other people can see it! LOL! Yes, these wigs are too hot! Can't wait to have 2 thick inches!


    rene9

    Glad rads are going well
    I am glad the rads are going well for you with no side effects. I have heard people say that you can get pretty fatigued by those as well as the chemo. Hair has just seemed to stop growing. A nurse yesterday told me not to be surprised if the peach fuzz falls out before your natural hair really starts growing in. She said within 3 months I should have hair so I guess I will still have to wait until the end of August or so. I have to just make myself stop looking and focus on other things like eating healthier and whatever else I can do to stay healthy.
    Lorrie
  • rene9
    rene9 Member Posts: 214
    #20
    Balentine said:

    Glad rads are going well
    I am glad the rads are going well for you with no side effects. I have heard people say that you can get pretty fatigued by those as well as the chemo. Hair has just seemed to stop growing. A nurse yesterday told me not to be surprised if the peach fuzz falls out before your natural hair really starts growing in. She said within 3 months I should have hair so I guess I will still have to wait until the end of August or so. I have to just make myself stop looking and focus on other things like eating healthier and whatever else I can do to stay healthy.
    Lorrie

    Hi-
    I guess we both need to stop looking so hard until August! I'm just 5 1/2 weeks out...But still I don't think I can really stop. I do see new eyebrows and eyelashes sprouting and on my legs too! Well, July is 2 1/2 weeks so it will be interesting to see what happens that month. Let's keep checking and taking notes and sharing our progress ok-



    rene9
  • Balentine
    Balentine Member Posts: 393
    #21
    rene9 said:

    Hi-
    I guess we both need to stop looking so hard until August! I'm just 5 1/2 weeks out...But still I don't think I can really stop. I do see new eyebrows and eyelashes sprouting and on my legs too! Well, July is 2 1/2 weeks so it will be interesting to see what happens that month. Let's keep checking and taking notes and sharing our progress ok-



    rene9

    I did not lose my eyelashes
    I never did lose my eyelashes and only lost some of my eyebrows. My sparse hairs are getting longer but the thickness has not kicked in yet so you can still see my scalp and as I have said...until I cannot see my scalp, I will be wearing my scarves. Lets not think about the time....just live one day at a time and do the best we can...that is all any of us can do. God is in control and He engineers our circumstances. WE have to trust Him.
    Lorrie

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