Trouble Growing Your Hair Back?

Joan2844

Is anyone having trouble growing their hair back after chemo? My last chemo was 11/08. Today, more than 7 months later, my hair is still thin and has grown less than 3 inches. I'm trying to decide if I should suffer through trying to grow it out or just have it cut pixie short and embrace the new me?

I've been on loads of chemo -- TAC for the first ca, and then taxol+gemzar and carboplatin for a local recurrence.  I've also had oral Xeloda. My body has been hammered.

otter

Joan, the normal growth rate for hair is only 1/2 inch per month (technically 1 cm per month).  That first month after finishing chemo, your hair follicles are still being poisoned.  (Think of how long it took after the first dose of chemo, for your hair to start falling out.  For most of us, it was 14 or 15 days.)

So, although it may seem hugely frustrating, IMHO, you are lucky to have nearly 3 inches of hair after just 7 months.  That would be an average rate of hair growth under normal circumstances.  Some of us have post-chemo regrowth nowhere near that fast.

I'm a year out from my last dose of Taxotere & Cytoxan.  My hair is considerably thinner than it was (fewer hairs per square inch of scalp).  I am pretty sure it's because I am on Arimidex, which will do the same thing to my hair that another 20-or-so years of age would have done.  I have decided to wear my hair shorter than it was pre-chemo.  For one thing, it's a lot easier to care for than it used to be.

Hugs, though.  I know how frustrating this is.  Give it more time.

otter 

noellech

Hi Joan, I am six months out of chemo TCH and I only have about 1.5 - 2 inches. So I would say 3 inches is alot. Mine is still very thick and is now starting to get wavy - but very short. I am thinking I am not going to grow it long again. I love the short do. My friends say it takes 10 years off me. I think they are just trying to be positive. But I love that it only takes 2 minutes to fix.

 Good luck. Noelle.

abbadoodles

I  want to ask you ladies if anyone has found that their post-chemo hair sheds at a great rate.  I have always shed a lot, but I am finding that now, 2 yrs. post, it keeps falling and falling.  It's a good thing I started out with LOTS of hair!

I'm wondering if this is the same phenomenon that has had my eyelashes falling out every three months for the past two years.  Not all of them at once, like the first shed, but still noticeable.  As  time goes by, they are less and less in synch,which is a good thing.  Still, I am wondering if the head hair shedding is related or if it's just age-related?  I don't remember anyone in my family having thin hair as an old lady and I'm hoping I'm not the first!

Joan2844

Abbadoodles,

I have not noticed my hair shedding, but I HAVE noticed my eye lashes falling out. They have started to grow back, but are very thin. 

Also, I've noticed that my post-chemo hair is very dry and frizzy -- anyone else notice similar?

 Oh, the woes... :-)

GaiusJulia

Chemotherapy is such a difficult thing, and I hope you know there are lots
of women out there who share your struggle with simply getting back to
life as normal. I know for many women looking normal can lead to feeling
normal, so I wouldn’t give up on the idea of regrowing your hair.
You should try Dr. Lewenburg’s formula. It may not be the best known
product but trust me this stuff works: it truly makes your hair thicker
and fuller than anything else I’ve ever seen. You can get a prescription for Dr. Lewenberg's formula by calling his NYC office (you can get the contact info at www.hairformula.com).  I have to admit I was pretty
skeptical about most hair regrowth medicines because they tend not to
work, but this stuff has really done wonders for the people I know who’ve
used it, and I know it can for you too.
Good luck in everything! I know your life must be pretty hard right now,
but I want to wish you the best of luck in getting back to normal, or at
least a new normal. God Bless.

hrf

GaiusJulia, I have reported your post as I feel you are here just to sell your own brand of snake oil. Shame on you for such disgusting behaviour and trying to take advantage of women who are vulnerable.

otter

GaiusJulia, I second what hrf has said.  I, too, would report your post; but I've gotten in a lot of hot water this past week for reporting one post and questioning the motives and authenticity of the author of another.  I've been reminded not-so-gently that, even though a person might never have posted on these boards before, and even though I might suspect his/her motives as self-serving, I should not risk hurting that person's feelings by saying anything about it.

So I'm just gonna let this one go, even though I totally agree with hrf...

otter

jancie

Otter and HRF - I totally agree with both of you!  All you have to do is look that it was Post #1 and that says enough!

I will mention Biotin and Mane and Tail shampoo but then again I am all over the board