Did Hair Come Back Better or Worse?

Options
24

Comments

  • joykeeperorg
    joykeeperorg Member Posts: 154
    edited April 2008

    My hair is is fine and curly it started growing in Jan. Hopefully it wont go back to what it was I love being able to wet it an go! Im so glad not to wear the wig no more cause those things are so hot an not to mention with the hot flashes!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Lee27
    Lee27 Member Posts: 69
    edited May 2008

    I do not find the wigs too bad...I wear a cancer cotton skull cap under the wig to take on that heat.  Have you tried that?  I bought my 2 wigs at a place for cancer people & people with thinning hair.  I found them to be much lighter in weight.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sparker38
    sparker38 Member Posts: 140
    edited May 2008

    Yes, lordy, hot flashes and wigs not a good combo.  I am always pulling my wig off.  or propping it up on top of my head when I am out and about.  I hate wearing them things.  I went to a Look Good Feel Great program for women with cancer.  It was great.  The lady showed us different ways to make head wraps and how to apply make-up.  I went to the fabric store and bought different materials to start making wraps.  But my hair is growing back now about a 1/4 inch.  Still can see my scalp.  but it is so soft.  Can't wait till my whole scalp is covererd than no more wigs and wraps for me. 

    take care

    sabrina

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • towens88
    towens88 Member Posts: 26
    edited May 2008

    Hi.  I am 31 and was recently diagnosed with cancer.  I don't know if I will get chemo or not, but I am not looking forward to loosing my hair!  Did anyone wear wigs and did you get help from the American Cancer Society to pay for them?  How soon did your hair fall out after treatment?

    towens88

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited May 2008

    Hi, towens - and welcome. I didn't have chemo, but my mom did waaaaaaay back in 1988. The American Cancer Society wasn't very responsive as far as the wigs went. I was away at school, but I remember my mom and dad dealing with the insurance company on the wigs. Her hair fell out a few days after her second chemo, if I remember correctly, but it was so long ago (and I can't even remember what she took), things may be a whole lot different now...

    Reach to Recovery and Looking Good, Feeling Good - two programs by the ACS - are ones to check out. The second is a workshop about hair and makeup when going through chemo and other cancer treatments.

    I'm sure others with a better - and more recent, lol - knowledge of what to expect during chemo will chime in as well. When will you know about chemo? 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Lcharmie
    Lcharmie Member Posts: 430
    edited May 2008

    Hi towens,

    I am just growing my hair back from the Taxotere---I had a wig I thought was cute and then I bought another that was really cute--they have so many  to choose from--I hate wearing the wigs, but refuse to let this illness keep me from looking my best and being able to be out in public--I just bought them from a Wig shop here in our city and I guess I never knew if the insurance would cover it.  i did not pay alot because I was only going to wear it as long as I just had to.

    The ladies look beautiful in their scarves, I never thought to wear them.  I wore a turban at home or my Do--rag.  Here is hoping you may not have to do Chemo and if so perhaps one that may not take your hair out.  Good luck.

    Linda C 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Lee27
    Lee27 Member Posts: 69
    edited May 2008

    Hi Spark,

    It's been a while. I did the same as you. Went for the free makeup & bought fabric...but I never used the fabric. Ha! The makeup program is great.  My hair is a short fro now. About an inch on top and 2 inches in the back.  Looking forward to wearing it in short curls...SOON!  Still love my wig...Never a bad hair day.  Those with the wigs....PLEASE be sure to buy the conditioner for synthetic hair & texturizing cleanser for synthetic hair. You'll be pleased with the look of the wigs. It keeps them fresh, clean, & shinny looking.

    Heading to Chicago to visit my daughter over the holidays. Hope you and your family have some nice time off as well. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rica4
    rica4 Member Posts: 14
    edited May 2008

    Hello, I am bald right now, I had my last chemo on 4/17/2008 & I think my hair is going to come back lighter or white also. I'm only 39 did it make you look older?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Lcharmie
    Lcharmie Member Posts: 430
    edited May 2008

    Hi Rica,

    I am old(lol) Mine came back silver gray and as soon as I could, I got it tinted a dark brown.   The grade of your hair may change--I am on Navelbine Chemo now and my hair is straight and curly--this is not my hair!!! But since I have to be on this med this is the good I will pick from it .  I have a round fat head so I could wear the short cut very well and it was cute---it all depends on you and how you feel about yourself, I think!!  I was so glad to take off the wig!!

    Take care.

    Linda C

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rogam
    rogam Member Posts: 197
    edited May 2008

    Hello Ladies. I just had my first chemo (taxotere and cytoxan). My hair has been itching up a storm. It looks like I have small patches around the hairline. My hair is still in tact. I purchased a wig today just in case my hair comes out. I had nice shoulder length hair. I recently had it cut in a cute sassy style.

    Someone asked about the Carol's daughter products. I love them. I used them on my relaxed hair and my 6yr olds natural hair. You had to order the product previously but now you can buy them at select Dillard's. I will keep you guys posted on the hair thing. The nurse said day 14 or 15 is hairloss day.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Lcharmie
    Lcharmie Member Posts: 430
    edited May 2008

    Hello rogram,

    I wrote in a Journal from the start of my Cancer in 1998--well my Journal actually started Jan 1999 as that is when I started my Chemo.  I hope that I would be able to share with others "some things I experienced" so that if they did, they would not think they were losing their mind("cause I questioned me--)  When my hair started to come out, it did itch and by the 2nd 3 weeks it was leaving, as I was on Adramyicin and Cytoxan---No one told me my head would be tender to touch and hair actually hurt to come out--lil red bumps appeared and left,  they hurt, and then my head was Ok.  So you get your treatments and wait for it to grow back and my did, even with the Treatments.  It is good you went and purchased a wig ahead of time--I guess I was in denial and waited til the last---It rained that day and I was in the lil Wig Shop crying while the lady help me with a wig.  It was "part of the Journey" and the hardest part was to go back to work with that wig on.  OK--I don't like wigs!!!  My co-workers knew, I just told the patients I had a bad hair day and was never questioned about it and I was thankful for this.

    Hang in there, and yes keep us posted----

    I wanted to live so I could share my experience with all who had to go through this, and for a person not to be afraid or to give up--I never thought I would be doing it on a computer with such a lovely bunch of ladies.  I am always learning by listening to what is going on with everyone.  As you and them see--I like to talk and will talk to whoever will listen---there is a lot to shareSmile

    Take care.

    Linda C

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • wandralong
    wandralong Member Posts: 39
    edited May 2008

    Hi Ladies,

    I wore hats when my hair fell out (it was winter time then).  I wear wigs now. I live in Texas and it's ninety plus degree so this is not a fun thing to do Laughing.  My sister in law was also diagnosed with bc so she told me a little of what to expect with the chemo-so I was semi prepared for some things.  I cut my hair down to the scalp before it started to fall out a week after my first treatment with AC.  I had shoulder length hair and would not have been able to see it falling out.  Two weeks after that it started coming out.  I wore scarves to sleep so that it wouldn't come out on my pillow and freak me out in the morning.  My scalp, in the middle of my head, was very "tender" and hurt while the hair was falling out.  After the hair was all gone my scalp was very dry but it wasn't tender anymore.  I washed my scalp with baby shampoo during this time and conditioned it. 

    It's been a month since my last treatment and it's started to grow back; I have a little fuzz on top.  Can't wait to get rid of this wig.  Hot flashes + wig = major discomfort!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Yogi70
    Yogi70 Member Posts: 654
    edited May 2008

    Hey Rogam,

    My sister lives in Mobile.  She works for Coca Cola.  I went bald on March 30 my head is just shining!!Wink   I usually wear my wig but every now and then I feel better with a scarf or hat. My head was a little achy but now it's fine and I take care of my scalp with tea tree oil, it feels nice.

    I kinda like my head though.  I was so sure it would be lopsided  because when I was younger my sister used to comb my hair (experiment) alot and she said my head was crooked.  When I finally saw it without hair I was like "okay i can deal."  So I am dealing.  You'll be okay and you'll still be beautiful.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sparker38
    sparker38 Member Posts: 140
    edited May 2008

    My theme song for cancer and hair loss "I am not my Hair".  India Arie.  Love the song.  Loving my short hair.  Haven't wore my wig in weeks.  Looks like I have a short fade.  Like I purposely cut my hair this short.  With a little make-up and earrings I look pretty hot and sexy.  It is grey around the edges.  It looks like I have frost in my hair.  My hair is very soft.  I don't even want it to grow back now after having shoulder length thick hair all of my life.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rogam
    rogam Member Posts: 197
    edited May 2008

    Hello Ladies. Linda thanks for sharing. Yogi I know a woman who is an outside sales rep for coke what is your sister's name?  I am so glad that I found this site. I will check in more often. Hey Sparker I am a huge fan of the India Arie song also! In fact I told one of my co-workers about the song about a year ago when she lost her her to b/c. Well ladies have a great weekend!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Yogi70
    Yogi70 Member Posts: 654
    edited June 2008

    Rogam,

    Her name is Vanessa Staples.  I love India Arie's song, it is so fitting now more than ever.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rogam
    rogam Member Posts: 197
    edited June 2008

    OMG! I knew that you were going to say Vanessa. I know her. I met her a few years ago when she moved to Mobile.We even had lunch a few times. It has been over a year since i talked with her. Seems like she sells mary kay with my old director Elaine. Tell her Ramonica with Enterprise Rent a car said Hi.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • towens88
    towens88 Member Posts: 26
    edited June 2008

    Hello to all!  It's good to be back.  I found out that I will start my chemo on 6-17-08 but I am not sure what type.  I wanted to ask if there is a good book out there about ways to tie head wraps?  I have never wore one but I would like to learn how ahead of time.  Does anyone know where to buy sleeping caps?  Linda C, did you ever find out why you had red bumps on your scalp that hurt when your hair fell out?  Just curious.  I am now resting and recovering from my port surgery.  Did anyone have to get a port for chemo and how was it?  I know I asked several questions!  Just want some input from others who have experienced this.

    towens

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Lcharmie
    Lcharmie Member Posts: 430
    edited June 2008

    Hi towens,

    I did not ask why the red bumps came--I just figured it was part of the process of it coming out.  I had to have Taxotere Feb.2007 and my hair came out, and the same thing happened--I just thought I knew what to expect--it would be interesting for some of you ladies, that have gone through this to say, if you had "lil red bumps on your head "when the hair came out, or if it was just me--Now I am curious.

    Keep the questions coming, we are here to support and help and  I always want to share about my journey.

    Take care.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Trustthelord2
    Trustthelord2 Member Posts: 5
    edited July 2008

    How long will take my hair to start growing  back after my last tx of taxol

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AnnNYC
    AnnNYC Member Posts: 4,484
    edited July 2008

    Bumping up to the front page.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sharont68
    sharont68 Member Posts: 124
    edited July 2008

    Trusthelord2, it took me exactly six weeks before I saw any real hair growth. I am now ten weeks out from last treatment of taxol and I can't see my scalp anymore. It has come in really soft and pretty. I have a few grays but it mostly came back a dark brown color. Darker than my previous hair.  I LOVE my new hair. My daughters and my husband love to run their fingers across my head. It's so funny. I can't wait to see how it will be in six more weeks. I'm really glad that I'll have hair on my trip to Hawaii next week and won't have to wear a hot wig!!!

     Take care everyone!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Dolores81035
    Dolores81035 Member Posts: 82
    edited August 2009

    My hair began to grow back in June. My hair is better than before. It is curly and wavy. I just don't like the gray patch I have in the front of my hair. After six months I will color it again.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Lcharmie
    Lcharmie Member Posts: 430
    edited August 2009

    Delores,

    I am glad that your hair is growing back--that is always a good feeling.

    I was wondering if you were on any "certain kind" of Chemo---or do you have by nature a good grade of hair?!!  I don't have a good grade of hair, and the Chemo Navelbine sure changed my grade of hair, it too was rather, straight, curly, just beautiful---- when I was on it and up to 2 months after I got off of it--now it is my hair;--back to the Chemicals--I like a curl as perms take my hair out.  OK, enjoy your hair Lady.

    Take care.

    Linda C.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Dolores81035
    Dolores81035 Member Posts: 82
    edited August 2009

    Hi Linda,

    MY chemothearpy was adriamycin/cytoxan 4 cycles taxol/herceptin 4 cycles. I always pressed and curled my hair every two weeks. My hair started growing back in June five weeks after chemotherapy It is very silky and wavy. Everyone says great you don't have to press your hair anymore.I am glad for hair although I prefer my former hair. My dad had very wavy hair. Mine was thick enough to  press and curl before. Maybe a year from now it will be thicker. Have you considered flat ironing your hair instead of chemicals. My sister-n-law uses S Curl . Good luck to you and God bless you.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Lcharmie
    Lcharmie Member Posts: 430
    edited August 2009

    Hi Delores,

    Your hair may change in a year and be thicker, I hope it will be like you want it to be!!    I really did not see a change after the Adriamycin/cytoxan, nor the taxol--My hair came in soft, grew and got nappy----I often wondered about the Herceptin as I did have it with the Navelbine most times.  I never fussed about the Navelbine as my hair was so Beautiful, my beauticians were amazed that a med changed the grade of a persons hair--then we watched 2 months later, after I was off of the med--get real again.  (I was on Chemo, one kind or another for 6 years)

    I have never thought about flat ironing my hair, my daughters and Granddaughters do their hair like  that, I will certainly keep that in mine--my last curl did not take well and I am not happy with this hair right now!!  Thanks for the idea--I thought a lil longer, and I may go natural and real short,

    Take care.

    Linda C.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Dolores81035
    Dolores81035 Member Posts: 82
    edited September 2009

     Linda, I am going on Herceptin every three weeks for 12 months after I complete radiation therapy. I hope Herceptin does not take my hair out. I was beginning to hate wigs. Any hair is good hair short or long. My twin also had cancer and she had soft Indian type hair-her entire life, However after Chemo her hair turn nappy. She put in a weave. Unfortunately my twin succumb to ovarian cancer in 2004

    God bless you.

    Dolores

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Lcharmie
    Lcharmie Member Posts: 430
    edited August 2009

    Hello Delores,

    I am sorry to hear the loss of your Sister.  My prayers are with you--when we have lost a loved one, it is never a time we are ready for(I don't think).  I lost my Sis that was 18 mo. younger than me, in Jun 2002 to Diabetes at the age of 54--- My Mom in 2003, age 87--Blessed to have had her 57 years---and my baby Sis, Sept. 2006, she fell down some stairs in her apt. and died from head injuries at age 54.  Some days for me are better than others as I still struggle with thinking about them, and I do a lot.  I am th 8th child--my sisters were the 9th and 10th.  I have had a lot of losses in the past 10 years, like 3 brothers, my Dad and a nephew, I feel greatly Blessed to be here.  You did not ask for all of that--just sharing--- 

    As far as I know, and I have been on Herceptin off and on for the past years, well 2002-2006, and it did not take my  hair out.  You can have your Dr. give you a printout on it , and it should list all the side effects, that is what I liked--it did not take out my hair.  I don't like wigs--cute or not--I am with you on that--any hair is good short or long--HAIR!!!

    I hope you radiation goes well for you and the time goes by quickly.

    Stay Blessed and Take Care.

    Linda C.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Dolores81035
    Dolores81035 Member Posts: 82
    edited August 2009

    Hi Linda,

     I am sorry to hear about all of your loss. May God continue to bless you. Losing love ones is very hard.I think about my twin all the time too.  It is nice to have each other for support as we ourselves fight cancer. I went to my oncologist today and he confirmed that Herceptin will not take my hair out.

    I wish you many blessings,

    Dolores

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • shorfi
    shorfi Member Posts: 791
    edited August 2009

    You know what...I am celebrating my 5th year anniversary today, and just thankful I am here. My hair---not what is used to be. It is more thinner, but JUST FOR TODAY, I am grateful for being alive. I remember that date so clearly - August 31, 2004 when I got the word that I had breast cancer.

    Grateful for being alive 5 years later.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories