CHEMO HAIR

[hannakat]

Over the past ten years , I have lost my hair 3 times. Each time to come back curly. But alas, it always straighten out after several months.

[daisies]

I know the result of chemo hair as I have lost mine 3 times also. However, I had curly hair before it all began, and unfortunately it came back curly each time - but after the 1st time it went grey, so that is the way it stayed. I had seen some of my friends & family regularly going for colour, hightlights etc - so decided not to go down that road.

While it is on the growth path again - I can but hope that it will come back long & blonde!!!! what are the chances? Oh for straight hair.

Best wishes to you for 2015,

Daisies

[hannakat in reply to daisies]

I think it goes back to what your hair really is. I would have loved to keep the curly, but no such luck. I am entering year 11 and have been grateful for the chemo saving my life. It is our elixer for life.

[janegoods in reply to hannakat]

I am trying to grapple with the notion that this is chronic illness. How to feel healthy while keeping that thought for recurrence in the back of your mind. How do we know it is back, is chemo worse or easier (frontline brought me to my knees several times)...What are symptoms of recurrence and how does one live with chemo on and on...

You are brave and I admire your journey and your strength This is a new path for me. . .Jane

[hannakat in reply to janegoods]

Each time I went for chemo ( I have had 7 different types), I was joyous that this was my life saver. " Thank you, Jesus, for making this chemo gentle to my body but deadly to the cancer. Thank you Jesus for making me well". I said this over and over for the past 10 years each time. I then adopted the cancer as if it didn't even exist. Pay it no attention. I never took anybody to chemo with me, as if I was just going to get my nails done. Refuse to let it have any part of my normal life. I acknowledged that it was in my body, but came to peace with it, let it stay, but just don't hassle me. I NEVER wore any survivor shit, as I believe cancer loves the attention. The more I ignored it, the more bored it became. I made fun of it, not going to ruin my life. I got used to the chemo, and it didn't matter. Lost my hair, wore wigs, never let anybody on the outside see me in a "cancer type" scarf and feel any pity for me. I was stronger than my cancer, and today we are living in harmony.

[ninawithOC in reply to hannakat]

Thank you hannakat for this wonderful post. Loved the "never wore any survivor shit" part

[Hidden]

Hi mine came back curly twice too and I have normally straight hair Happy 2015 to you x

[janegoods]

I am watching a new crop come in now. It is soft and mostly white with some gray. I can tell it is coming in with curl. 22 Years ago after breast cancer, same thing though less white and yes, ager a while dark mousey brown and fine and straight-thick but fairly unattractive so I colored it with some blond and found the top was black and sides gray--PErhaps the same series of events here. Had breast cancer 22 years ago and now ovarian cancer Why oh why didn't someone say have those time-bombs OUT!

Best hair year to you...your smile will have to be your calling card. Keep up a smile.

Jane G,

[techsavygal]

Hi Hannakat,

I love your attitude!!! My sis has been really devastated by this cancer thing...she has been diagnosed with metastatics cancer on urinary bladder and kidneys and some deposits on her liver too. Both her kidneys are malfunctioning as her cancer mass is obstructing bladder and kidneys. She cries everytime and says she wants to live...I see so many here who have had OC and remission and cancer relapsed but have been so positive. What do i tell her to make her feel positive? Please advise.