127. Trichological issues

Hair is growing fast and furious, in quantities never experienced before. It’s like, having been denied four months of unimpeded growth, it’s making up for lost time, drawing on reserves of energy stored up during the no-growth period. My face has a veritable halo of soft fine hair that I’m desperate to be rid of but there’s too much for electrolysis (which I couldn’t do anyway because of the neuropathic pain), too fair for laser treatment and my skin is too sensitive for depilatory cream. That leaves one of those facial razor thingies but I’m blowed if I’d know where to start - let alone where I’d finish!!

Maureen warned me about Chemo Curl. I didn’t remember anything remarkable from her experience so I wasn’t convinced it would happen, especially as I didn’t lose all my hair. I’m now convinced. It started in the garden last week when my legs were in the sun. I noticed some new-grown leg hair that was literally corkscrewed. It wasn't a one-off. I’d say at least a quarter were in that condition or, worse, were ingrowing! I’m playing a waiting game now, I find it both fascinating and hilarious. What will it do next??

Then I noticed a ridge when I stroked the back of my head (as I’m wont to do right now, so delightfully soft it is).

Not a great photo - it IS all hair, not baldness and it’s actually white - see evidence from Dennis below

Within a couple of days, it was a few ridges and M confirmed on Monday I had a case of the Chemo Curl. It’s spreading across the back of my head and I wait with bated breath - will it attack the sides, the top? Will I end up with a frizz like Annie (of the musical)? Will I have a quiff like Tintin and have to brush my hair like those poor new mums desperate to create the semblance of some hair on their infant’s head? At least I won’t need a ribbon as there is more than enough hair there already. I’d look like some poor lapdog.

At least it’s pure white at the back

It hasn’t decided what colour it intends to be at the front. I have dark patches and in some lights it looks a creamy blonde colour - no sign of my lovely silver white - yet at the back, it’s exactly what I’d expect. Well, there’s been lots of little surprises along the way so what’s another one!

Talking of little surprises, pubic hair, notorious for its curl, is of course as straight as a die. What’s more, some of it is blunt as though it’s been attacked by scissors! But its presence is so welcome I’m not going to criticise it or get picky! I’m peeing straight again. I wish I knew how to write wayhaay but I’ll have to stick to yippee for now (so not me).

PS. Anne’s friend was told she’d never have to wash her hair again after chemo - and she hasn’t, in 5 years. I’m still trying to work that one out....