Hair Hair Hair - Another question
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Nancy:
That is a riot! I make sure I stick at least 4 double back adhesive tapes to my head before I go outside. Especially around the Holidays, everyone wants to give me a hug and the first thing I worry about is that first tug on my hair.
Sally's Beauty Supply is my new store for wig supplies www.sallybeauty.com
Cute picture is that your wig? It looks nice!
Stay strong.
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Yep, that's my wig. I have a couple of others that are much shorter and lighter colored (and cheaper) that I wore during the hot summer, but this is the original that I paid big bucks for back in April. It's pretty close to the style my hair was before I lost it. The color's a little off (dark), but it's nice. I may try to stay close to it when I ditch the wig.
When I started wearing my wig, I used that adhesive, but now that I've been through all kinds of weather, I realize it doesn't really come off that easily. Even walking down a windy NYC street, it has stayed on. Maybe it's the little bit of hair I have growing now that causes it to stay. Kind of acts like velcro, LOL.
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Here is a laugh.... This morning, I got ready for work, I hopped in the car backed out of the garage, it's still warm here, thank goodness I looked in the mirror OMG no wig....I really need some of that whiskey and hotsauce!
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LOL Sunshine...been there and done that so often recently. Not with a wig though. Chemo made my eyes better enough so I can wear a contact and I've left and done errands now while forgetting my contact! Also, I was nevre one to wear a bra on home days and errands pre-bc. Now I have problems remembering to do so, and without it I feel naked. Weird, but I've panicked leaving and realizing I am not wearing one. How can we not forget, they aren't out bodies, just additives/ supplements and supportives
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Wishiwere hehehe glad it's not just me! Of couse I blame it all on chemo brain!!!
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OK I have the whiskey and hotsauce in case anybody wants some!
Nancy, LOL! Good thing nobody was around!
I started using the Nioxin Follicle stimulator juice. I can see why my friend's father used hot sauce. It sort of warms up your whole head, and turns a little pinkish for a bit!
Spring.
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Hey guys - just learned another reason why there might be an issue in regrowing hair - hypothyroidism. I was diagnosed with really bad hypothyroidism based on a blood test I took yesterday. According to webMD, one of the causes is radiation therapy.
I was happy to know that maybe my hair will grow faster/thicker once they start giving me medication.
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OK, ladies - today is the first day I've gone out commando. Chemo was over in June, and it's taken me this long to give up the security of baseball caps. My hair is only about an inch long, but is nice and thick with a lot of body. (It's not long enough yet to see if it's going to be curly - I hope so!!).
DH has been encouraging me for a week or so and I just decided today was the day. And guess what? No one stopped or pointed, I didn't cause any car accidents, no one fainted in horror - basically the world went about its business despite the fact that I was minus my baseball cap.
I'm now experimenting with gel and mousse, but there appears to be a fine line between stylishly spiky and stuck-my-finger-in-a-light-socket. I'm still trying to figure out where that line is.
Be encouraged ladies - IT DOES GROW BACK!!!!!!!!!!
Now if I could just lose the lovely chemo facial hair!
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Still don't have the guts to go commando. good for you i will try to have the courage.!!!! Finished chemo in Oct surgery in Nov not in much of a xmas spirit.More upset about the lack of facial eyebrows and lashes than my head. cancer sucks
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Hi ladies,
This is my second round with bc, and my second time with chemo. Last time(05) it was mid spring so not too cold, but my sleep cap kept coming off at night, not a big problem as I was having hot flashes at the time and it was a lot easier to cool off
Mary
. This time I believe I have been finally pushed into menopause as I haven't had any hot flashes or periods since April. Had my first TC tx yesterday and want a nightcap which won't fall off. What type of hat do you wear at night? 
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ChrislC
my boyfriend too has been so supportive. I am the one who is too self concious about the no hair. I think, how could he stay attracted to me and I get all self pity. I have stayed strong and done well, but my self esteem as to my looks is the hardest part. I did not realize I was so vain! I am all done with my treatments, had a repeat mammogram (had lumpectomey) and all is great. Just no hair. This has been the hardest part and I just want to look normal. I just bought a wig and not sure if I like it, but I keep trying it. Thank goodness my boyfriend is so supportive and easy going. I can be so difficult!!
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Thai, I don't think your are vain. For me, losing my hair was losing a part of my identity. It was a very deep sense of loss and it affected me more than anything else in this bc journey. Don't let anyone imply that you are bing vain!
My first trip out without a hat or wig was about 3 months post chemo. My seven-year-old son offered to hold my hand and reassured me that no one would make fun of me. It was very sweet - kids are the best!
Lauren
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Lauren, I don't think Thai meant anyone else said she was vain, I think she herself was surprised and felt she was being vain by her feelings of losing/having lost her hair. I know that feeling well, b/c I too was there last year. It's always MORE important how you feel about yourself than what anyone else thinks, but while going through, it's hard to decifer which one is affecting you most.
Truly, I felt MORE comfortable once it was gone than before it felt out or while it was. Seemed so dramatic, but in the end, it was just another SE, that too, went away.
Ladies, your hair will return.. On it's own and in good time and be healthier than pre-BC as it's baby-fresh! 
A new start! Good Luck0 -
Mary, so sorry you had to join us for the 2nd time.
I got a soft beanie type cap from TLC that I sleep in most nights. It sometimes "moves around" a little at night, but stays on. I also have some turbans with a little elastic in the back (also from TLC)and I find that they stay put pretty well.
I used to have long hair, and I was surprised at how cold my head and the back of my neck get.
Chris
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Its been ridiculously cold here in Boston and my head and body seem to be cold no matter what. I took a salsa class this morning and wore a knit skull cap the whole time. The bandana screamed chemo girl because I don't have long enough hair around the edges to just make it look like I have short hair. One woman asked me if I was hot with the hat. I said. " No, I sweat alot". The hair thing HAS to be the worst of it because even on good days that baldness is a constant reminder and downer..Looking at my big fat thighs in the aerobic room mirror was no fun either...a BIG FAT CANCER SUCKS from me today!!
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PA Lady.....just wondering what part of PA you are from? I'm in PA also, near Pittsburgh. Four year survivor ladies and yes, it does come back. Mine came back thick, dark and curly but has since straightened out with a slight wave if I let it go natural....I like to straighten it. I'd say it was 8 to 10 weeks when it started growing and then it goes nuts. I know I was having my radiation about a month after my last chemo and it was there but I was still wearing my wig. Wore the wig to work to feel normal but at home, it was natural or bandanas. I'll never forget the day I went to pen the door when someone was knocking and I forgot I didn't have anything on but my bald head.......my poor brother was standing there and had never seen me bald.....I think his eyeballs popped out. My eyebrows and lashes thinned but didn't lose all of them. I am a hairy person by nature and I don't mind telling you that there are times that I wish my body was back to the days when I didn't have some of the hair......like my fuzzy facial hair. I had an absolutely flawless complexion when my hair was back in short and the facial hair hadn't really come back yet. Now don't think I have a beard ladies.....just that light fuzzy face hair that no woman wants. haha
I spent my 1 year cancer free in Aruba for Thanksgiving and it was incredible.....totally wig free and it was wonderful. By the way, I did use the Nioxin also when my hair was coming back in and I know it helped it to come back in more even and healthy.
p.s.......how do you insert pics? I don't seem to be able to get it to work.
Judy
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drag the pics and drop them into the reply box Judy and congrats on your 4 year cancerversary!! If it were summer I would go wig free right now. Buts its 10 degrees. I am wearing a wig and a hat..lol
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ShellyJo.....I love that word, CANCERVERSARY.......I say we make it an official cancer survivors word! Should be take a poll? lol Boston huh? I bet you are cold. I am in PA and it has been freezing this week, hasn't gone about 30, last night was in the single digits with wind chill. Bbbbrrrrr, only thing it's good for is hot flashes. I'll try the drag and drop, see if it works. I created a panoramic pic of some before, during and after pics.....want to see if I can transfer it. Last pic on the view is me and my mom......we are both survivors.
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Goldendragonlady ~ This is my second time around too. '03, I had a lumpectomy and radiation. This time, a bilat and chemo. I've always been hot, either menopause or Arimidex or both. Since stopping the AI in March and being hairless (have 1 + inch now) since May, I'm cold. It's 18 degrees in CT now. I can finally appreciate having to wear the wig but still rip it off as soon as I walk in the house.
I started with a night cap but the elastic always dug in. I've had a buff, 20 inch long stretchy tube with no elastic since early summer and love it. It can be worn 12 ways (according to the website) comes in many colors, weights and designs, stays put, keeps you warm and is so comfortable. www.buffwear.com I've posted this before but am happy to do it again. There's a buff howto video on youtube. I've purchased my buffs from www.planetbuff.com Service is quick. I guess they were designed for bikers etc but have found their way to many cancer sites. I usually wear my wig out but wore the buff to the amusment park this summer with the grandchildren when I didn't dare chance losing the wig. It does scream cancer with no hair to peak out but I was comfortable and secure. Around the house, it's the best.
Diamond JAL ~ I was born in Pittsburgh but moved when a child. I still have family there. It's reassuring to hear from a 4 year survivor. My complexion was the best during chemo. So smooth. I have oily skin and it dried up just enough. Now the fuzz is back big time. What to do???
ShellyJo ~ Salsa class! Good for you. I keep thinking I'll get back to the gym but use my lack of hair for an excuse since I won't try it with the wig. Guess my buff could be the answer. If I could wear it to the amusment park, right? Your picture is so cute. That's your son? He looks so much like you.
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Hi All,
New to this Page but I'm having my first Chemo on Tuesday but have already bought a couple cute hats and was trying them on to show my Husband and my pup who adores me really starting growling at me I guess she didn't recognize me. It was so cute but I hope she gets over that. I have Very Long hair so it will be an adjustment to say the least.
I love reading everything you all have to say and the great hints you all have. Very helpful to a newbie like myself.
Thank You,
Jerri
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Hey sandy.......cool, right in Pittsburgh or suburbs? I live near the airport in the country. Figure a little bit of facial hair, even if it is fuzzy is a small price to pay for being alive. They have things to remove hair. Damn, we cry cause we lose it and we cry cause it comes back, huh/ lolol
Don't have near the oil that I used to, menopause is taking care of that now. I used to be able to fry an egg on my face. I'm sitting here looking at my treadmill collect dust and playing on the computer.
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Judy ~ my geography is lacking. I remember hearing about Squirrel Hill, Shady Side and Penn Township. That's the city? It was always a house rather than an apartment but I recall the houses being much closer together than here in CT. My stepmother lives on 5th Avenue, zip 15232. I guess that's the city. We haven't been back for 10 years since my Dad died. I guess we're due.
I think I'm fuzzier than I was before chemo but wonder if that's because I'm off the Arimidex. I am due to start Aromasin in Jan. The oiliness is about back to what it was. You're right about all the complaining but after all we've been through, I think we deserve it. r
I've actually been pretty good about the treadmill. Everything feels better if I exercise. My knees started to bother me after chemo and walking on uneven ground is uncomfortable so I do better on a machine. Remind me to get up early tomorrow to get in a walk before church. If I don't do it first thing, I never get to it. I've been lazy the last couple of days. Oh well, back to the computer. It's too late to think about exercise now.
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Yep, know them all.....squirrel hill, shadyside, that's all right in the heart of Pittsburgh. Matter of fact, Shadyside is connected to where my Oncologist is at Hillman Cancer Center. Had to laugh, yes you are right, after everything we endure, we are permitted to complain about anything we want. lol
I feel great when I exercise, just don't have the motivation to get moving lately. I prefer to be outside working but now it's too cold. When it's nice, I'm outside cutting grass, weed wacking, cutting down trees, whatever needs done.......feel great when i put in a days work like that.
Well, I gotta get to bed, my 16 year old son has a fashion show tomorrow. Junior class fundraiser for the prom. Oh how fast they grow up. He was just a baby, now he's 6' tall.....ugggggggggg.
I lost touch on this site for awhile since I've been clean but it's nice to be back and talking to people again. Stay in touch and good luck......my prayers are with you.
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Thanks all for your words and support. It is me that is so vain. I know I am my own worst enemy, But Lorena, you are right, my hair was part of my identity. I know I keep repeating myself, but I just want to look normal. My wig does help, especially at night if my boyfriend and I go out for dinner and/or drinks. The lighting is always darker and I look normal, so I feel normal. My attitude is good, but is better when I feel good about myself. As we all know who are here, some days are better than others, even post chemo and radiation. I feel for all you in the North. It is cold, but what a great time to wear your wigs and hats and scarfs. I miss it. I am here in Florida and it has been cold for here. I do miss th New England weather, I originally came from Cape Cod, so can appreciate your cold days! Okay, time to start this day in a good mood. Hope everyone does the same! Thanks again everyone!
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ARG!! I don't know what to do.... I thought maybe I was prepared mentally somewhat for this. All weekend I was shedding like crazy. I have pretty fine thin hair to begin with. Now I am afraid to wash it or touch it. I work full time so am here today with strands of hair all over. I am trying not to move too much. :-( I am trying to decide if I just go get it shaved. My hairdresser has given me a good human hair wig and he said when I am ready to go in, he will shave it and stick that wig on my head. I just don't know how I can bring myself to do it. I guess I will know when it is time?????
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Cristi, If you are afraid to wash it or touch it, I think it's time!! I know that I was actually relieved to have it shaved because it became so upsetting seeing it all over the place.
Don't worry, it will come back. I am just 8 days after my last treatment and I can see a little growth already.
Chris
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ChristiC
I agree with Chris. Sounds like you are ready! Why put yourself thru this. I had my sister and boyfriend shave my head one day. I woke up, hair was coming out in handfuls. I called out sick to work, and they shaved my head. I went to work the next day with a wig. That lasted a few months, then I started wearing just a bandana. It got too hot here in florida for the wig. I just started 2 weeks ago wearing the wig again. It is hard to see your self in the mirror daily. It is a constant reminder of what we are going thru, but you do get thru it. I cry a few tears almost every morning, but I am here, alive and beating this! So a few tears and self pity is ok. Shave away and grab that wig and be yourself!
Deb
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Cristl,
I put a hat on to quell the shedding! I agree, I think it is time. You don't have to shave it, you can get it cut really short, and then let the rest fall out. That's what I did. I never had the heart to shave it all offf. Do what feels best for you.
Once it is behind you, you will feel better. I am 15 days post my last chemo, and I have all sorts of peach fuzz!!! It will come back...
It just sux right now is all... I hear you!!!
Spring...
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Spring/Deb/Chris,
Thank you for your responses. I am so stressed about this. Jeez! I wish it wasn't happening this week with Thanksgiving. My boyfriend is leaving to see his mom, I am suppose to go to Austin to my brothers, cousins are in different ways...... Anyway, thank you!
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Cristl,
Report back! Let us know what you end up doing! You are not alone, girl!!
Spring.
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