After completing the 6 weeks of radiation, I began my Tamoxifen regimen of one pill a day to keep the doctors away, I have taken it now for 33 consecutive days. I kept a positive outlook and was determined to be one of the lucky ones who had minimal side effects. Nonetheless, I am not feeling so lucky right now.
Something is missing from the photo attached to this post which shows my left armpit, which is NOT the side that got radiation. If I said I haven't shaved in 3 weeks, could you make an educated guess as to what is missing? You betcha, its HAIR!
I ended chemo on May 8, 2014 and about a month later, my hair began to grow back. Throughout the whole radiation process, I saw significant growth. So much so that my 5 minute showers had turned into 20 minute showers!
At this point, my showers are down to about 8 minutes. My eyelashes are falling out again and there is no new hair growth - anywhere. This is a deal breaker!
They offered me a drug called Effexor, to help with the hot flashes and they recommended exercise to help with the fatigue, and the weight gain. Those are things that can be controlled. Hair loss is not something that can be controlled. Some suggested a vitamin called Biotin for hair and nail growth - well I tried that and it didn't work.
Guess I am off to the doctors again to fight with my oncologist about the benefits vs the risks. I can say one thing for sure - I am not living the next 10 years hairless!
Something is missing from the photo attached to this post which shows my left armpit, which is NOT the side that got radiation. If I said I haven't shaved in 3 weeks, could you make an educated guess as to what is missing? You betcha, its HAIR!
I ended chemo on May 8, 2014 and about a month later, my hair began to grow back. Throughout the whole radiation process, I saw significant growth. So much so that my 5 minute showers had turned into 20 minute showers!
At this point, my showers are down to about 8 minutes. My eyelashes are falling out again and there is no new hair growth - anywhere. This is a deal breaker!
They offered me a drug called Effexor, to help with the hot flashes and they recommended exercise to help with the fatigue, and the weight gain. Those are things that can be controlled. Hair loss is not something that can be controlled. Some suggested a vitamin called Biotin for hair and nail growth - well I tried that and it didn't work.
Guess I am off to the doctors again to fight with my oncologist about the benefits vs the risks. I can say one thing for sure - I am not living the next 10 years hairless!
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