Just a quickie: while at the PB centre (and by the way it was the Bristol retreat Cazza and I went to. It was over three days) I saw the nutritionist. Amongst the many good advice she gave me re: diet she told me that a good product to use on your scalp to moisturise and stimulate hair growth is emu oil! How weird is that? I googled it since and it would seem that the fat of this Australian bird has lots of healing properties. Never even heard of it before! Anyway I ordered myself some and will let you know if it works. My head feels and smells like a chicken ready to be roasted in the oven after I’ve put it on! 
BIZARRE!
I think I was lucky as I never lost all my eyelashes and eyebrows. They thinned but they never totally disappeared. I was waiting till the very end to see whether they would hang in there, after what Deb said, and they did! Bless!
Still, Kim, you should try to get out of the house. I don’t know about you but I feel cooped up if I don’t get out in the fresh air (ok, freezing) every day, at least for a short while. Have you tried to use an eyeliner ? It helps to disguise the absence of eyelashes. It won’t be long before they return! you’ll see!
Lulu x
Hi Lulu
Emu oil aye well keep us informed. My friend owns a toni and guy salon in the metrocentre and am going to ask her also of any hair products to use to help with regrowth so will keep you posted.
I know I should try and get out the longer im not doing it the harder its becoming. Just feel really shitty about myself I find it easier said than done. Yes I use an eyeliner but still looks very noticable. Might get some falsies in the meantime.
Thanks Lulu your such a positive lady glad you enjoyed your break with cazza x
Kimmie, I REALLY hope you’ll find the courage to get out of the house and meet our lot next time we have lunch! I’m sure it will make you feel better to see other ladies ALSO not looking their best, courtesy of bl***y chemo.
Try not to get too down: you’ll soon feel and look like your gorgeous self agin before long. Trust me.
Lulu X
Kim yes i agree with Lulu you should come it will do you the power of good to see everyone and know youre not on youre own in all of this we too are hairless ,baldies but with a great sense of humour xx and you are still beautifull dont let this BC win you got to kick it in the butt xx
Lulu, I used a shampoo with emu oil, Revita from DS laboratories. Also, minoxidil serum twice a day. Also, you need amino acids, proteins, silica and collagen to grow hair so a good diet and supplements (check with your doctor first) will help. x
Thanks girls think my self confidence has just took a major knock, I would give exactly the same advice to anyone else just not so good at heeding it myself. I will try and make the next meet up, this disease took my mum and theres no way it is going to get the better of me. Thanks girls. Oh dear tears!
Big hug x
Kim, this whole business can really knock all our self confidence out of us and at times it takes a massive amount to recognise that we are still beautiful people. Take care of yourself.
Reeb x
Thanks Reeb you are right WE ARE ALL still beautiful people.
Hope you are ok.
Big hug. Kim x
Kim - cyber squeeze from me. Once those lashes are back, the skys the limit, you will be flying- and feeling so much better.
Debx
Thanks deb. Xxxxxx
From me too sweetie. You’re SO good at looking after others, you need to use a little of that for yourself too. Your man sounds lovely though, bless him.
We all get wobbly at times. Today I’m OK but yesterday I thought everyone was staring at me.
Emu oil huh? Hmmm. I’m not 100% sure I can bring myself to use that. I eat meat but used to be veggie.
Get this. I COMBED the fluff today. It made me feel good.
Jo XX
Tina, thanks for advice! Will look on the web and locate the products you mentioned. The one I have is PURE emu oil and I confess it doesn’t smell brill. Looks like turkey fat, to be brutally honest. Still, if it does the trick… If not I’ll use it to roast my potatoes. ha ha. The things we do in the name of beauty,eh?I WILL report back, I promise.
Well, I have finally started on the “regaining my old self” path, which means getting fitter and getting slimmer. I need to shed a stone and a half!!!HELP!
So you see Kimmie, one way or another we all dislike our chemo selves!!! Please don’t despair. You are not alone! At least you kept your shape, right?
Combing fluff,eh Jo? That sounds like fun…
I shaved all my fluff on Thursday following the advice of the hairdresser. Let’s see when it starts growing again.
Night night
Lulu x
Hiya,
I had a blood test today prior to going to the dentists only to find out I’m neutropenic (sic?).
Does anyone know what this means, other than me not being able to go to the dentist?
Jo XX
Hi Jo
It means your immune system is at rock bottom and you need to avoid infection at all cost. It’s the old if you temp is above 37.5 phone the unit, 38 or over is an emergency as your body can’t fight it. I would contact your unit anyway as it is a long time since your last Chemo.
Chemo is a gift that just keeps on giving.
Debx
Blooming heck Jo! Trust you getting it at the very very end! Are you feeling allright though??
Lulu xxx
Hi lulu
Why did your hairdresser advise you shave your hair off?
X
I only found out because I went to the chemo unit for a blood test prior to going to the dentist. It’s mad because I feel almost completely normal. The nurse did say it could be a dodgy blood test. I might go in Friday (or sooner if I get a temp) for another test to see if its back to normal.
I know Lulu. I’m an awkward cow. Ironically, this month I’ve had NO illnesses after 2 months with coughs and colds.
Don’t forget Lulu, no weight loss allowed on rads. If I’m staying fat, everyone else stays fat too.
Dangerous Jo XX
PS,
Is there anything to get my immunities up again?
Hi
dangerous Jo
You can try the usual, manuka honey, beetroot, etc otherwise I don’t know. They only give jabs to get you ready for the next Chemo, after that you are left to your own devices. I would def get it rechecked.
Kim I shaved my head again to stop it coming in patchy. Thought it was better to do it early or once ot had grown a bit I might not be brave enough. It did improve the look of it. I stopped looking like a monk.
Debx
An awkward cow seems a bit harsh, Jo! I would go for special myself! But isn’t it weird the fact you feel absolutely fine? Hope that it’s a rogue result .
Well had my preliminary radiotherapy session today and what a painless event that was. Mind you: my left boob looks like it’s been drawn on by a 4 year old! Cazza very kindly came with me ( bless!) which was very nice of her. It certainly made it easier for me to find the blooming place. The James Cook hospital is BIIIIIG!
And now please be impressed ladies but I have just come back from my very first aerobics session in absolutely AGES! And boy did I feel it! I can see me needing a wheelchair tomorrow. I think I’ll treat myself to a lovely bath now.
But what is this I hear about not being allowed to lose weight? I am desperate to shed that extra stone and a half I’ve put on! Nobody told me this a the hospital. Is that a fact? I need an answer and quick. Must I have cake then? I’ve been very good in the last few days! No snacks, no biscuits, no choc! Really quite healthy (and boring!).
Kim, the hairdresser said that it will aid regrowth if you get rid of the fluff.
Take care everyone!!!
Lulu xxx
Lulu, if you hear its OK to diet, let me know. I’m fed up looking like bloody Boy George.
Might get the OH to clip my hair then. You’re right. It’s too long for me to feel OK shaving it now. And I do look like a monk.
Jo XX
PS nurse friend said lots of fresh fruit and veg should help the neutrophils get back to normal.