NO HAIR

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  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited March 2009

    Denise, it is things like that, glasses not falling off your head, that get me so excited! I have noticed my hair is touching the top of my ears! And I can get it to stick straight up in spikes now when out of the shower. I have started going out fo the house more and more with ball caps and not wigs (to gym, to a friends, etc). Still a wig for out to eat. This wkend I am trying a henna in my hair to give it more color, too much white for me, and not enough blonde. It is called Surya Henna, totally natural and no chemicals! (I ended chemo 11/10 and so it's been three months, very slow at first and nearly "clear" in color, I think it is around 1 inch now? more and more every day!)

    Spring.

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  • az8n
    az8n Member Posts: 78
    edited March 2009

    last chemo was in April08(4 AC cycles); if I remember right, my hair started coming out early July08.  I took Biotin(5000 mcg) which the doctor said does not really help (but he did not say to not take it, so I did). 

    A lot of people who saw me thru the journey say that my hair came back/grew fast.

    I used to be straight haired and I still am.

    I saved the portion of my hair that the hair dresser cut-off and it feels pretty much the same as the texture of my hair now.

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  • enjoylife
    enjoylife Member Posts: 578
    edited March 2009

    I am begining to get some hair but when I looked at my head the back in the mirror I saw a hurge bald spot aroundthe crown its been since August 28th I had my last chemo but I am still on Hercpten. Anyone know about the bald part in back???? This is the hardest part for me the  hair loss besides the chemo. My son said you could wear a bennie back there ...

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  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited March 2009

    Enjoy, could that be the Herceptin? I wonder?

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  • Navalex
    Navalex Member Posts: 19
    edited March 2009

    I am glad I found this forum! You ladies have some good suggestions.  I lost all of my hair and wore a wig during and after chemo, but didn't know there was an alternative to make your hair come back. It would have been so much easier during the summer to go without the wig if I had had some hair on my head.

    My dermatologist suggested Biotin to me when I complained about my hair falling out - long before I had a cancer diagnosis.  The biotin makes your hair shafts thicker, so it is less likely to fall out & it is not toxic. I have been using a generic Rogaine for women and want to get off of it because it raises my blood pressure. I also have heard good things about Mane & Tail and was told you can get it in the drug stores. Thanks for the Bao Shi information - I will definitely try it.

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  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited March 2009

    Spring, I finished chemo the end  of October, about the same time as you, I think.  Also about an inch long.  I am on Herceptin only every 3 weeks since December.  Not sure if it stunts growth or not, but other friend who had surgery then chemo - I had chemo then surgery  - hers is twice as long as mine and she is also doing weekly Herceptin.   

    Last night I wore my very straight wig - auburn with henna highlights (funky one I got for only $ 29.99) and everyone loves it except my son -- or so I thought.  One lady calls me over and says she likes my inch long hair better than the wig... go figure.   Mine was short, natually curly, salt and pepper gray before,so the wig was a total change for me.

    I have gone out without a head covering a few times when it was warm enough.   Today it is gonna be 70, so nothing on my head or maybe a ball cap for the sun.  The worst part about a wig is when I put on glasses or sunglasses, my ears hurt.  Put them under the wig, and the wig is all askew.   

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  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited March 2009

    I have the inch long hair, and it came in a silver blonde (I always colored it so had no idea what it was! ha!) I put on a Henna today called "Sweedish Blonde" - all natural! It is no longer gray! Next I will try one with more red tones.

    I use Biotin too, and also I put on Nioxin "Hair folicle stimulator" until it ran out. I just discovered another Nioxin product that acts as a "gel" and give my hair some "spike" to it. Sort of cool. 

    I am around the house now without my wig, and walking outside with a ball cap, and at the gym. I feel funny yet in restaraunts "au natural" so have been wearing with wig "out". But I am ready to move on, just wish I had some BANGS!!!

    Spring.

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  • enjoylife
    enjoylife Member Posts: 578
    edited March 2009

     Having a pitty party I went into Pennys salon and the hiardresser there looked at my hiar as I asked her to how depressing she was I would never do this to someone so when we go to heaven there should be a line for rude and mean and nice words but she told me oh you might never get your hair back and it might be your wig I informed her my brother bought it for me as I am a single mom and he knew that would help me out it was over 500 and she said I needed to get a Paula Young one that has nothing but weaving in it mine has a sculp and that isnt where the baldness still is its where men first loose thier hair at the crown but anyway she said dont worry you alive and be greatful for that did I want a drink after that she did tell me to go to the health food store and get vitiams not from the regular stores and maybe that would help ...

    Pitty party Maura I will show her I will just grow the best head of hair back she also told me she had  a small piece of cancer on her face no chemo nothing and she lost hari and it never came back I never heard of such a thing... 

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2009

    Did you ladies see this thread over on "Moving Beyond Cancer"?

    http://www.karinstack.com/images/hair/HS_grid.jpg

    This si a photojournalist's diary of her regrowth. When my hair was coming back in, I compared myself constantly to her progress. It gave me alot of hope!

    ~Marin

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  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited March 2009

    Fit, Yes, I love that!

    Here is my hair at ~16 weeks past my last chemo treatment. Before and AFTER a Swedish Blonde Henna treatment!!!

    Spring...

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  • enjoylife
    enjoylife Member Posts: 578
    edited March 2009

    Springtime did that make your hair grow and what iis it do I buy it on the internet and do it myself or do I have to go to a shop they dont have stuff like that in this small town I thought maybe Hercepten was making my hair come back slow but I only have 2 more and that is not one of the side effects water retention is though.

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  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited March 2009

    I got the henna at allstatebeuty.com   It does not make your hair grow.

    I got stuff called Noixin Folicle Stimulator that is supposed to make your hair grow. I got that online somewhere but I don't remember where exactly! I am not sure if it worked or not?

    Spring.

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  • enjoylife
    enjoylife Member Posts: 578
    edited March 2009

     Springtime was the henna a coloring system? I wasnt able to open the websire but I will try later. I have the stimulator and I dont think it works at least I didnt see a huge difference I just think its like when we had babies and one walked at 9 months and one at 13 months our hair will do it in time and we do have that but the lady that saw my hiar last week had no right to tell me I might never get my thick hair back again she doesnt know she is a hairdresser not a hair doctor. I like the chart someone put on this thread I can relate to it and I am going to try and follow it ever week...We need to hear good words from this thread and we hear them thank goodness for people like you and everyone else...

    Maura

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  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited March 2009

    enjoy, henna is just a red based natural color, I think!!

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  • DebbieKu
    DebbieKu Member Posts: 8
    edited March 2009

    Last night I read with much interest about Mane and Tail.  I finished Chemo December 8 and have about a half inch of growth.  I am going to go purchase the Mane and Tail.  Just wondering if this is something you use daily? 

    It feels so good to be free of treatment.  I finished radiation about a week ago!  I'll be going back to work next month.

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  • enjoylife
    enjoylife Member Posts: 578
    edited March 2009

    All you have to do is wash you hiar and contion it with the prodeuct mane and tame I cannot tell you if it works or if the hair was coming in anyway but it all helps our mind,,,,

    good luck somoone posted a chart of how the hiar looks through the process and it made me feel so much better its on this thread...

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  • konakat
    konakat Member Posts: 6,085
    edited March 2009

    Watch out with the red tones in hair color -- chemo hair can really take on brassy tones so a little red can go a long way!  If the box says cool (rather than warm) go for that.  I forgot where I saw to avoid henna on chemo hair -- don't remember why -- maybe it's the red issue.  If I find it I'll post it.

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  • DebbieKu
    DebbieKu Member Posts: 8
    edited March 2009

    Thanks!  In the back of my mind I was wondering the same; however, I bought some today and will give it a try!

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  • crazy4carrots
    crazy4carrots Member Posts: 5,324
    edited March 2009

    Enjoylife;  The website is www.allstatebeauty.com   Spring missed a letterEmbarassed!!

    I started using Mane and Tail about a month ago.  Not saying it's making my hair grow, but I sure do like it as a shampoo and conditioner.  A little goes a long way.  Bought it at my local hardware store, believe it or not!!

    Konacat, I tried the henna (which I've used for years) too soon after chemo and it didn't take at all.  (As Spring knows!) I use a product called Colora Creme which is premixed.

    Here's to hair, REAL hair!

    linda

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  • enjoylife
    enjoylife Member Posts: 578
    edited March 2009

    my hiar is very black but its not enough to show 6 months after chemo but its coming in slowly everywhere and I am about to have to shave one armpit not to be personal but that is it no hair on the legs and I will never complain about color or hair cuts again never and I dont care how many times I have to shave my legs either. I just want me back again to feel normal what ever that is. I have 2 more herceptains and I am so glad to get my port out that is a big one for me and then my rebuild on my expander in June its a long road but we are strong ladies or we wouldnt be here to write we would of curled up in a ball and there was none of that for us...

    Just waiting for the hair and color is the last thing I am doing when I do it will be frosted as I think dark hair makes me look older than I am Oh yes I even use maine and tame on my dog she is a schausher and it makes her hair nice and smooth...

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  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited March 2009

    I agree, my Henna came out pretty fast, but I used the lightest blonde to start with. I figure now is the time to explore. I have so little hair and I'm wearing a ball cap anyway.

    Maybe I should move to pink, green blue. It's now or never. LOL. 

    Here's to REAL HAIR!!! Amen Linda! 

    Are you girls aware of the HAIR HAIR HAIR - ANOTHER QUESTION forum?There is a great posting there of before and after hair color by Lori. She is cute as a button!

    Spring.

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  • DebbieKu
    DebbieKu Member Posts: 8
    edited March 2009

    Springtime

    How long did your doctor want you to wait until you got your port out?  I thought that was one of the first things I would do after chemo; however, he wants me to keep it in for a while longer.  I am not being treated with herceptin.  Thanks for the info on the other question forum.  I wasn't aware of it, but I'm headed there now!

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  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited March 2009

    I had chemo, the surgery, then radiation. When I had the bilateral mastectomy, got the port out. That was three weeks after chemo ended. I HATED THE FLIPPIN PORT!!! I wanted it out during chemo and nearly did it, but bit the bullet... It drove me BATS! 

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  • enjoylife
    enjoylife Member Posts: 578
    edited March 2009

    DebbieKu I am goijng to be done with my herceptin which is past the chemo and I am able to get my port out right awa its been in a year in May and I am ready...yes.....My ex and I went to see my sons college with him yesterday and in the car I took my WIG off and he told me to come the hair back instead of down does it really matter if  make it flat down it shows more hair and that is why he is my EX.....

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  • DebbieKu
    DebbieKu Member Posts: 8
    edited March 2009

    Springtime

    I looked at your picture with the henna.  It looks really nice.  Your hair is coming in nicely too.  When was your last chemo? 

    Regarding my port:  My surgeon told me he would probably see me in eight months or so (which would be May), the oncologist nurse told me they like to keep them in a year and a half, and I really can't remember what my oncologist said--but I know he wasn't quite ready for it to come out.

     Do you have to be on hormones for the next five years?  I hope you don't mind me asking you personal questions.

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  • DebbieKu
    DebbieKu Member Posts: 8
    edited March 2009

    Enjoylife

    Congratulations on being able to get the port out!  I'm kind of used to mine now, but I would like it out.  Are they going to take yours out in the office?

     I understand what you're saying about your X.

    Have a great day!

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  • patsfan
    patsfan Member Posts: 72
    edited March 2009

    Does anyone know anything about the quality of the wigs on the tlc website that is a link from the american cancer society website?  I just don't think I can be bald in public.  My son is graduating in June, and I can't imagine having no hair in all the pictures at graduation.  Any other good sources for wigs?

    Gayle

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  • enjoylife
    enjoylife Member Posts: 578
    edited March 2009

    Patsfan I got my wig at a place in Boston while I was there having surgery it was and still is good it looks pretty real and has a scalp and I live in MO where we have high humidty but it was about 500.00 but I had to work in public and didnt need something I would not be comfortable with. At my chemo lab the cancer soicety had wigs from teh TLC place also but I felt they were very heavy but sometimes they get ones that are donated and are good ones. I suggest you go where you can try them on I tried ordering a few from TLC but had to return them as they didnt look good or feel good but that is me and also I did find out my insurance would cover my wig if I got a prcription which I did but I got it from a place that wasnt in the network it looks like your from Maine I would google for a wig shop and go from there check with ins. to see who is in the network also and make sure you send in a prcription from your doctor for it that is the trick most will cover it some dont. Good luck I am still wearing mine since last June my son graduates and I am determined to go with the hair on my head May 22 I have been off chemo since August 28 adn 2 more hercepten to take I do wish you alot of luck. I am from a small town that doenst sell wigs and didnt have luck without trying them on but you might luck out. My ex and I lived in Brunswick ME for awhile he was in the navy there I am from boston and spirng comes later out there but happy spring ....

    Maura

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  • patsfan
    patsfan Member Posts: 72
    edited March 2009

    enjoylife,

    thanks for the info.  I am from Maine, and as you probably know the sources here are quite limited.  I did find a shop in Saco (about 2 hours from me) but they custom make them.  I don't know if I want to go that route either.  My husband is trying to get me to wear scarves, etc. I'm not even a hat person when I do have hair, I don't know how I can be a hat person without hair!

    Glad to know about the wigs from tlc.  I wondered how real they could look for the inexpensive price.

    Gayle

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  • Onehalf
    Onehalf Member Posts: 171
    edited March 2009

    patsfan-

    In my opinion TLC offers a lot of nice products...I did order two of their "halo" wigs, but I did not feel they looked or resembled what was in the catalog. I never did wear the halos and I did not return them either, they are sitting there waiting for me to donate them.

    Before I lost my hair i did shop at wigs shops, until I found one I liked....I spent all this time looking for something that was close to my normal hair look.

    I found the wig, spent $200.00 and never wore it LOL! But what this did for me was give me the comfort of knowing that I could cover my head with hair anytime I wanted. Later I will give away the wig. 

    I too am not a hat person, but I did learn to wear scarves or scarves caps designed for bald heads.

    Wigs are a personal item, so my suggestion is you will need to try on what ever you decide rather that be ordering through catalogs (and maybe returning) or by finding a wig shop and work with the employees on what you want. Wig shops will cost more money....but they are so much better....And check with your insurance for a cost reduce, also ask at a wig shop....at lot of shops offer a discount for Cancer patients...I got  $100.00 off of my purchase.

    Good luck, and as easy as it is for me to say....don't worry everything comes together, also it is true the time does go by quickly...

    Healing begins with the mind....be strong!

    Onehalf/Denise

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