Hi all - I have finished treatment, but I just can't stay away from this place.
Well, it has happened. I have a tiny little fuzz on the top of my head! Hippity-hoppity hair is on its way! That assumes I don't rub it all off checking it every thirt...
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hair returning
Eileen Benne
Friday, February 22, 2008 at 02:04 PM -
The Planet of the Hair!
KayeD
Sunday, February 24, 2008 at 05:11 PMYEAH POTEET! Yeah to all of us as cancer survivors. I have one inch long puppy dog hair on my head too! It does feel like a puppy's fur. I'm still waiting for my normal very coarse hair to return, but for now, the puppy fur is fine. :-)
Yes, it dawned on me the other day that I needed to check other areas before I, ahemmmm, put on my bathing suit to visit my friend's hot tub. Alas, a visit to the waxing professional is unfortunately now in order as well.
I, for one, will take complaining about a wax treatment over chemotherapy anyday! Cancer has opened up a whole new "normal" for me. Has it for all of you too? Things I used to complain about no longer matter. Tired is a new normal for me since I'm still in radiation. Also a new normal for me is an almost complete departure of my once reliable friends. Did any of you experience an exodous of "friends" once your diagnosis became reality? I've never been so disappointed in people in my life. Cancer truly does lead to a new form of isolation.
Kaye
replyre: The Planet of the Hair!
Anonymous
Monday, March 17, 2008 at 09:49 AMcomplete departure of my once reliable friends. Did any of you experience an exodous of "friends" once your diagnosis became reality? I've never been so disappointed in people in my life. Cancer truly does lead to a new form of isolation.
Yes! I have been very amazed and dissapointed at the 'exit stage left' that 'friends' have used...people I have chatted with for years suddenly are not there. But, I talked with my therapist about it and she recommended that I break the ice - to tell them, "Hey, it's OK to say the C word...it is no longer a death sentence, and you will not catch it from me...please come visit!".....I haven't tried that yet but am planning to.
replyre: re: The Planet of the Hair!
KayeD
Monday, March 17, 2008 at 12:15 PMDear Anonymous! I actually grew tired of their "fear" (that's what it is) and became exasperated! I did politely confront them - they felt so guilty it was like a therapy session for them. I had to comfort them (something I never thought about - that they were just to scared for me to speak to me), and counsel them and show them that, hey, I'll be fine - I look strange with the crewcut and weight loss and one less boob, but it's still me. And no, you won't catch it. We're all good now and I hear from them far more than I even used to.
I do tend to be quite suspicious of people because of this experience though. It takes them a while to prove to me that they mean what they say. I wish I wasn't so cynical - cancer seems to have done that to me. I've put up yet another wall of defenses to keep from getting hurt from people. They guy I was dating at the time said, "wow, that's too bad, you WERE so hot." So, obviously I don't see him anymore. A lot of my suspicion, is toward myself. Obviously, I'm NOT a good judge of character.
Kaye
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Disappointed
Poteet
Monday, February 25, 2008 at 12:47 PMHi-
I am so sorry to hear your friends disappeared. I almost had the opposite effect. Mine were very anxious to see me, to be able to give me a hug. They brought me food, books, wigs... They were the most awesome group.
There are some that my having cancer seems to have shocked. Mostly aquaintenances, not friends.
But, having cancer did help remind me to focus on the NOW. The little things my son does that amuzes me, even the things that aren't so amuzing are to be treasured. I was fortunate and didn't have to do radiation, but I did get very anemic.
My strength is returning bit by bit, day by day. There is light at the end of the tunnel and my new normal will be stronger than the old one.
Keep me posted on your progress and take care.
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Awesome!!!
Natalia Hernandez
Monday, February 25, 2008 at 05:57 PMIm so glad your hair is growing back! Mine too, it seems so sureal. I have fuzz on my head, and yes what a drag leg hair, facial hair, and annoying armpitt hair...lol. At least it is coming back soft and thin so its like a fresh start so Im going to wax everything. Good luck and what an awesome feeling to have hair again, we can feel like women again.
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Yes, hair does return. I finished Chemo on Nov 15th and radiation on Feb 6 and my hair is returning. I also keep rubbing it to make sure their is hair there and it is coming in much more gray than I remember. I got tired of wearing hats so I just go hatless now and it is much more comfortable. I did have one woman come up to me in a restaurant and make a comment about how "she loved my haircut and wished she had guts enough to cut her hair that short." I just chuckled to myself and glanced at my husband who gave me the "she doesn't have a clue"look. I just said thanks and went on eating. Some people just don't get it......I also have the chin problem that I did not miss when I was "smooth as a baby's behind" everywhere. Life goes on and so does the tweezing.....
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