Facial Hair Dilemma

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Ok, so you might think this is funny and I guess I would to if it wasn't happening to me but here goes.....after chemo ended and my hair started to grow back (its been about 2 months) I was VERY excited to see my eyebrows and eyelashes come in BUT I DIDN'T EXPECT the facial hair!  In the last week I started looking like a fuzzy bear!!  I didn't realize how bad it was until I took a close up pix while we were camping and YIKES!  The nurse at my oncologists office said it was a result of hormones!  So I bought the TV advertised "smooth away" that are like sandpaper but WORKED...it exfoliated well and got rid of the hair but now I have STUBBLE!  Double YIKES!! So what do I do now????? Did I mention I am 39 and if this chemo induced menopause isn't enough now its the facial hair!  So for those out there that understand my dilemma, what do you do? Wax? Shave?  And how often?  I am facing more chemo so it will fall out again but I just can't stand the thought that I have a butch hair cut, no boobs and now a stubbly face--will I ever regain my womanliness?  Thanks Ladies in advance.....I know that I can count on you!!

Comments

  • 61linda
    61linda Member Posts: 64
    edited August 2009

    I started doing lazar therapy to zap the facial hair. It's expensive and takes a while but it works once you're completely done with your treatments unless you're talking copious amounts of white peach fuzz. I'm not sure what can be done for that and it might be worth consulting an esthetician if that's the case. In the meantime, the bunches of isolated hairs sticking out get whacked off with very sharp scissors nearly every day and this can be time consuming. You do need a good mirror with excellent lighting. My Dad was shaving my Mom's face with his razor the last year of her life and I am facing the same progression only faster. Urrghh



    It's hard to feel feminine with neither boobs nor hair so I try to emphasize what female attributes remain when I feel up to that much trouble - dressing like a woman, wearing jewelry, makeup etc. You might try the clothing thread as there is some excellent information there. Makeup is a problem for me since I am allergic to a some ingredient in it. Plus I like to wear jeans and tee shirts. My hair has been very short for years and I really don't want to have to start fussing with it so I'll keep getting it cut short. If you just get a glimpse of me and don't have time to register my aging face, I look like pretty androgynous.



    Ultimately the answer for me is just dress how I want to that day and go out in the world. People will get used to the new me. If nothing else, there are a whole lot of women out there who need to see us with no boobs to feel like it's acceptable to be who we are.



    Wish I had a better answer. Does knowing it's temporary help? If lazar tx appeals to you, you might call and ask how effective it is between chemo events.

  • CapeBretongirl
    CapeBretongirl Member Posts: 364
    edited August 2009

    I don't think it's funny at all.  It's happening to me too.  And joy of all joys, my husband  pointed it out to me, as if I hadn't already noticed!!!   My hope was that it was only noticeable to me,Yell lol. 

    Best of luck. 

    Angel

  • Garciamx
    Garciamx Member Posts: 31
    edited August 2009
    This also happened to me...but then stopped growing the facial hair about the 2-3rd month off of chemo. I used one of those little razors they sell for facial hair and took it off that way. Maria
  • lexislove
    lexislove Member Posts: 2,645
    edited August 2009

    When I was 19 I started doing electrolysis to remove unwanted facial hair. After about 2 years, those hairs did not come back. the hair follicle was destroyed. Yeah!!!!!

    Then 10 years later get diagnosed with BC and all that unwanted hair came back. All the time and especially the $$...seemed to be such a waste. I was so upset about this hair coming back.

    SO I started electrolysis again about 6 months after finishing chemo. The GOOD thing is those hair follicles seemed to have a memory and I only had to go half a dozen times to remove the hair again. NOW......I'm hair free...lol

  • MapleTree
    MapleTree Member Posts: 14
    edited August 2009

    An Epilady works on the face and doesn't create stubble, because the hairs have normally tapered ends each time they come back in.  The down side is that the Epilady hurts like heck--but the pain lessens if you just keep at it.

  • spar2
    spar2 Member Posts: 6,827
    edited August 2009

    I know how you feel, I was shocked at all the hair on my face after chemo, it does eventually stop but now from lack of estrogen probably I have a dozen hairs that grow on my chin and have to keep on plucking.  I hate it.

  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited August 2009

    Hi everybody,

    This issue is a very annoying one, I grew hair places that i have to make a list. My tweezer is next to me all the time, unfortunately mine didn't get better. The only place  remained completely hairless arm pit the side i had lumpectomy.

    Embarassed Sheila Embarassed

  • Welga
    Welga Member Posts: 308
    edited August 2009

    I use the Epilady too, it does work, but leaves me with a rash for about a week. I have to do it about every 4 months. Cannot use waxes or creams too strong for my skin.

  • leggo
    leggo Member Posts: 3,293
    edited August 2009

    I use the ONE TOUCH home electrolysis kit. I got it at Wal-Mart for around 30.00 if I remember correctly. It works quite well. It certainly isn't as good as a salon electrolysis treatment, but if you do it right, the results last about 6 to 8 months.

  • ShellyJo
    ShellyJo Member Posts: 132
    edited August 2009

    My face looked like a furry tennis ball when my hair started to grow back. I find its thinning out now and not as bad. I waxed it and broke out so badly. Just another thing to deal with. Cancer is the gift that just keeps on giving..

  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Member Posts: 1,092
    edited August 2009

    There is a device called a Ladyn Touch n Brow Razor.  It is designed for facial and neck hair. 
    Find it on the website below.  It will not leave stubble.  We use it in the aesthetician's office all the time.  I also use it for trimming eyebrows.

    http://www.sallybeauty.com/Ladyn-Razor/SBS-199588,default,pd.html?cgid=Skin05

    JUDY

  • lbrewer
    lbrewer Member Posts: 766
    edited August 2009

    I got a prescription for Vaniqua.  I even have hair under my eyes.  I told my dr I was turning into a werewolf!

  • cwrightrn
    cwrightrn Member Posts: 242
    edited August 2009

    Thank you to everyone who replied!  Judy I think I am going to check out the Lady razor at Sally's beauty supply....thanks for the link too, very kind of you!!

  • dreamwriter
    dreamwriter Member Posts: 3,255
    edited August 2009

    Does the Vaniqua work?

  • lbrewer
    lbrewer Member Posts: 766
    edited August 2009

    It says it takes a few months but its rated well.  It seems to have helped the hair under my eyes!  You have to remove the hair ( it's not a hair remover..it keeps it frrom coming back) and then put the cream on 2 times a day.  I use a little razor first like the link from Judy.  My electric razor came with a battery operated one.

  • sheri47
    sheri47 Member Posts: 115
    edited August 2009

    hello I just got home from derm dr for that exact issue she said to wax and gave me a perscription for Vaniqa some insurances will not pay i called mine and because of the chemo the will cover it if yours wwill not you can get a coupon on their web site for $60 off. have a blessed day sheri

  • lbrewer
    lbrewer Member Posts: 766
    edited August 2009

    my insurance didn't cover it and I didn't think to question it!  I will next time.  and get the coupon!

  • Leah_S
    Leah_S Member Posts: 8,458
    edited August 2009

    I have the facial hair thing but haven't done anything since it's like very fine peach fuzz - also, it's white/pale blond so not noticeable.

    Well, noone's said anything anyway.

    Leah

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

    Yep, me too!!! I have the peach fuzzy goin on....I dont want to shave it but have thought about using the smooth away like someone else here tried but am afraid it will break out my face.

    Jule

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

    To all who are experiencing that flesh-coloured peach fuzz on your face:  I used an electric razor to shave it off.  About 3 months later, I shaved again, and my face is now quite normal-looking (well, I suppose that's debatable!!!).  But, just to say that shaving won't leave ugly stubble.

    Good luck everyone!

    Linda

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