As many of you know, one of the side-effects for this particular chemo is a possible "bleaching" of my hair. It sounded like a low probability, but apparently I like to face challenges head on. For the last clinical trial, one of the low risks was potential liver failure, which I managed to achieve. So I'll certainly take going blonde over
that!
Many people have seen the "new look" and complimented me on my beard, as if finally allowing my beard to grow with its full greyness is attractive. But let's be clear. For those who somehow don't remember,
I have had beards before, many times. I know it seems like I'm taking on some new look, but really, it's not by choice. And I have proof!
Exhibit A - My beard one week after surgery. At this point I had only taken chemo for one week prior to surgery. Yes, there are a few hairs in there that are grey, and they are certainly age related. But most of the beard is brown, like my hair. And...well...it
exists!
Exhibit B - My beard soon after beginning the chemo again. Notice that the entire beard has turned white. As in "bleached out". This is not aging. It is the same beard that was never shaved. In fact, it appeared slightly whitened soon after starting the chemo, but trimming it removed most of the dark hair making it look completely white.
The final tally is still a little unclear. On some of the facial hairs I've noticed an odd pattern of dark-light-dark. I suspect it is parallel to the initial chemo, then a break for surgery, and then the return to chemo. There seems to be a slight delay for chemo to trigger the bleaching. If that's the case, I suspect things will go white for a long time, including the hair on the head that is already showing some "gleam". The other possibility is that my follicles were "shocked" into bleaching, but will somehow regain the upper hand over time. Stay tuned!
