I realized it's been a while since I posted here... and that it might be helpful to post an update for whoever might be out there looking for some information. I remember doing Google searches for "hair growth after chemo" in the hopes of finding someone who could tell me when, indeed, my hair would be back.
Well, it's back, and it's pretty much where it was.before the whole mess started, though it's also finer and a little droopier. Actually, I think it's not quite as abundant, though my hairdresser says it is. She noted that the new hair was like baby hair - untreated, undamaged by hot hair dryers, uncoated by product. Maybe that's why it seemed unrulier. But anyway, to look at me, you wouldn't know that a year ago I looked like Isabella Rossellini's less attractive tonsorial sister.
I started going without the wig on Memorial Day weekend 2016 -- it was just too hot and humid to have that mop on my head, and I felt I had enough natural hair not to look out of place. Maybe a bit edgy, but not out of place. When I had to get my drivers' license photo taken last October, I stopped by my hairdresser's for a trim/style, and I was good to go. Growth was slow and steady, and while I didn't feel I looked my best (I've never really liked really short hair on myself), I didn't care that much. I was healthy.
All in all, I'd say that the hair finally started looking really normal about a year after my last chemo treatment.
And healthy I continue to be. I've had three sets of mammograms since we last chatted, and all have come out just fine. My oncologist is happy with my progress and blood tests. I recently went for my colonoscopy and got a clean bill of health.
I do feel, however, as if I've aged, and I'm not sure if it's because I have aged, or the chemo accelerated something. Or maybe it's post-menopausal reality. I still get aches and pains where I didn't have them before.
But all in all, so far, breast cancer was an episode in my life. Unless something new pops up, it's in my rear-view mirror.
