TMI Thursday, Aloha…

Aloha is a Hawaiian word that can have many meanings, including friendliness, kindness and affection.  It’s more common meaning in the English language is a greeting, either hello or goodbye.

I’m using it that way today because I’m excited to tell you (not show you just yet!) about one of the more common side effects of having breast cancer and chemotherapy.  Back in November my hair started to fall out — all of my hair, everywhere on my body, except my eyebrows and eyelashes. They have thinned somewhat and I think a lot of my bottom lashes have come out, but I’ve always been a girl who likes make up so brows and lashes are relatively easy to camouflage.  The hair on my head, not so much!

One of the benefits of chemo, aside from the big one of ridding me of any cancer cells, has been not having to shave or wax legs, underarms, bikini area.  The hair was just gone, sort of like it rubbed off with any friction from clothing.

But since I had my last chemo treatment nearly a month ago now, I thought the stubble on my head was growing out a little.  I couldn’t be sure cause it’s only about a quarter-inch long, but it feels a little different.  Last night as I was smoothing on lotion — it’s still winter where I live — I could feel stubble on my legs, for the first time in months!  I haven’t checked absolutely everywhere, but I think my hair is finally starting to grow back. So aloha!