Hair Does Not Regrow after Chemo

[esmith]

My story is related to chemotherapy. In July 2004, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I went through the normal route of chemo, radiation, surgery. After chemo I was so excited for my hair to regrow, but quickly realized that it was not all coming back. I have hair on the sides and back, but very little on top. It is like male pattern baldness. Also, my eyebrows did not come back so I have had those fixed with permanent makeup. I have tried rogaine, saw palmetto, biotin, hair loss vitamins from the beauty shop, prenatal vitamins, etc. I finally got a hairpiece, which I love, but still want my own hair. You know how that is. Has anyone else had this happen? My oncologist does not know how to help me and it seems that he has not seen this before except maybe in older patients. I am 44 now (39 at the time of diagnosis). I have been to a dermatologist, but was only told to try rogaine. I need to go to one who specializes in hair loss. I guess that even after all this time, I am still in denial that it is not ever coming back. Thanks for listening/reading.:)

[valentine]

I am not sure but have heard others say that you hair loss may have happened anyway later in life . I know my son had really thick hair at 9yrs but after 2 1/2 yrs of chemo ( 9to 12yrs) his came back thin. He is 24yrs now and it is still thin but has enough to look OK.
sorry I dont know any more . my hair thinned out after I stopped HRT that I took for only 3months at 51yrs. no hair loss ever before. :mad:

:>

[naomi_hanna]

A friend of mine has been in and out of chemo for the last couple of years. Her hair grew back thick and dark. Years ago a coworker underwent chemo with the same results, except she said hers was coming in thicker than it had been. Think your own biology has alot to do with it.