One year post chemo... :)

[momma smurf]

I joined LHC just 2 months before I was diagnosed with breast cancer and lost all of my hair... what I thought was a fun community all about long hair became not just that, but also a pillar of strength for me through my ordeal. I have made some amazing friends here... thank you all so much. I love this place... although I am having a bit of a time getting used to the new set-up. :)


I wanted to share my year of growth. I was so excited when I looked at these pics side by side... I finished chemo in January of 2007, but my hair didn't cover my head again until a couple of months later...

The first pic is March 2007, the second pic is October, 2007, the third pic is March 2008... :D.

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/5396/hair002yj3.th.jpg (http://img231.imageshack.us/my.php?image=hair002yj3.jpg)http://img67.imageshack.us/img67/7893/1009742yo9.th.jpg (http://img67.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1009742yo9.jpg)http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/9858/1009998wq9.th.jpg (http://img341.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1009998wq9.jpg)



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[pookatrina]

Wow, wow & more wow for those stunning curls! :D

[AshleyP]

Your hair looks great! It's very shiny. :D

[BrianaFineHair]

WOW - your hair grows fast! It's beautiful too :)

After my mother in law finished chemo for breast cancer her normally curly hair came back straighter. Have you noticed any change in texture or anything like that?

[morningstar]

Your story gives me chills. Your hair is so beautiful now and those curls are so perfect. You are a pillar of strength and a role model for all of us. I am proud to call you friend. I look forward to seeing more and more of your pictures as it grows. :blossom: :cheese::cheese:

[MadHatter]

That is impressive growth!

[Shell]

Beautiful hair!

[physicschick]

Beautiful progress! You have been an amazing addition to our community in the past year and a half. Thanks for sharing your pics. (Also... Methinks you might need to change your hair type. :) )

[biggeorge]

What wonderful progress, and a great set of curls. This is testimony to not just the progress your curls have made, but in the fact of how the power of a positive attitude and a great outlook can have such an effect. My compliments there, Hot Momma Smurf, on both your curls and on your internal fortitude and outlook. You have my full admiration! http://www.cosgan.de/images/more/bigs/c014.gif

[DecafJane]

I'm so happy to hear an update from you - your hair look stunning! I love the shine and the curls! :)

[AmandaPanda]

Oh wow! Your hair looks so pretty! Congrats

[Blueglass]

:Dfantasic growth rate and curl.

[Teacherbear]

MommaSmurf, you are an amazing woman! Your hair looks marvelous and your growth is amazing. I love your curls!

You know, you talked about how the community was a pillar of strength for you, I have to say that YOU were an inspiration to all of us! You have blessed so many of us in untold ways! :flowers:

[Starr]

Congratulations on your progress Mama Smurf! Not only is your hair beautiful, but your spirit is as well! I wish you nothing but the best in both your hair and life journeys!

[Mrs_Zombie]

momma smurf, i must say that is beautiful hair. its grown back beautiful and looks incredibly healthy. congratulations and kicking cancer's butt and growing your beautiful hair back!!

you are a kick @ss woman! :D

[OhioLisa]

momma smurf, congrats on a full year past chemo! Hope you are doing well. Your curls are looking just wonderful. I admire you so much. You are an amazing woman and my all-time hero on LHC. :) Congrats again, dear!! :cheese:

[Darian Moone]

Wow!!!!! Your hair looks absolutely fabulous! Such amazing growth in a year's time and those curls! :thud: You are one amazing woman. :blossom:

[Airmide]

Wow that is fantastic growth and beautiful hair! I'm curious, is your hair exactly the same as pre-chemo or are there differences?

[sapphire-o]

What beautiful curls! I think you have a new hair type now. :) My dad went through chemo last year and his hair grew back curly and thick, too. He said he loves it. I bet your new hair feels wonderful and precious.

[Unnamed]

Look at those curls! :D And congrats!

[TessieAnn]

Beautiful hair ... beautiful health! Beautiful spirit.

[Gumball]

Your hair came back absolutely amazing, momma smurf. The progress is both astoundingly pretty and undeniably inspirational! What a journey!

[Elenna]

Beautiful hair, lovely lady.

[Roxio]

Wow, your hair is gorgeous. I love the curls!!! It looks like you set it, with rollers.

[nastasska]

You're hair is looking fabulous:cheese::cheese::cheese::cheese:

[eadwine]

Woohoo, looking great :)

[Lisa-Maria]

Shiny, curly and growing like weed, how do you do it? It's just wonderful

[Carina]

I'm happy to see that you're feeling better.You have beautiful hair and those curls look great:thumbsup:

[manderly]

Congratulations! Your hair has grown back amazingly, and best wishes to your continued health!!

[Niphredil]

Those curls!! Lovely!!!!
Your hair sure has grown a lot!

Good to hear you are doing well!

[TammySue]

Wow! :joy: Your hair is so pretty and I am happy for you!

[florenonite]

Wow, your hair's absolutely beautiful!

[FrannyG]

Hot Momma Smurf, it is pure joy to see those beautiful curls of yours. You are an amazing woman and my heart is filled with love and admiration for you. :heartbeat As always, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. :flowers:

Congratulations on slaying the dragon! :luke:

[Alley Cat]

I am so thrilled to see this post from you momma smurf it's so great to see your before and after pictures , your hair has grown back beautifully and fast . :cloud9:
Your journey has been an inspiration to us all. :flowers:

[Xandergrammy]

Oh momma!!! Your hair looks so beautiful and you've shown a beautiful spirit throughout your ordeal. YOU, my dear, are the pillar of strength. Many hugs and kisses and prayers for you and your girls (and your brother)

[lavenderblue]

wow! your hair grows fast, and i love your curls!

[Celtic Queen]

Your hair growth is stunning, but what I find the most beautiful is your own spirit through all this. You say we have supported you, but I say you've been quite an example too. *hugs*

Vive Momma Smurf and her curly curls!

[Sarahmoon]

Those curls are amazing, so shiny. I am very happy you're doing well :flowers:. (Are you sure your hair is 2a/2b and not 2c or 3a?)

[Jason]

Your courage and strength have been amazing to witness. These photos are so inspirational and beautiful to see.

[shrimp]

So good to see you momma smurf! Been missing you around here :D

(obligatory hair comment - wow!!! Look at those cute curls!)

[Raederle]

Beautiful hair gracing a beautiful person -- a shining beacon of positive energy.

[lora410]

Your hair looks amazing and grew back quite fast :flowers:

[khyricat]

as you know, your story has long touched my heart and WOW.. what amazing pictures!

Amie

[xrosiex]

Your curls are beatiful and you have had really good growth.:)

[Carolyn]

Wow! Lovely curls! I'm so glad you are well again.

[Lady Godiva]

Momma smurf, you are an inspiration to us all. Everyone who perseveres through cancer treatments earns my admiration. Thank you for sharing with us this delightful reward that is yours to enjoy. Your new hair looks so healthy! :D

[Guenever]

I was really touched by your story! :) Gosh, woman.. you're blessed with such strength!
And now, after the treatments, I see more and more beautiful, bouncing curls in your siggy! It's a joy to see! :joy:
A truly amazing progress! I'm so glad that you're doing well! :blossom:

[Gemma]

Your hair is so beautiful, momma_smurf, just like you!

I'm so glad to see you back on the boards. :)

[camara]

Stunning curls on a beautiful strong woman!
:agree:

[tiny_teesha]

WOW! I'm used to seeing the length in your october picture! That is amazing growth! I bet it is way longer when the curls are stretched out too. Well done!

[tomm]

Congratulations, momma smurf, both on your recovery anniversary and on the wonderful growth you are experiencing. Your curls look absolutely stupendous!

[MeMyselfandI]

momma smurf,

Thank you for sharing your story and your pictures.

You have lovely curls.

[tuuli]

Looking good, momma smurf! :)
You've been and still are a great inspiration for all of us. Your new hair is just lovely.

[squiggyflop]

im loving the cute curls! thats alot of growth youve gotten!

[Minx]

YAY for growth!

I'm so glad you are doing so well. :)
Your pics are awesome.
Thanks for sharing :)

[Beesweet]

God Bless you, dear! Great hair. The future's so bright, you probably need sunglasses just to get up in the morning!

[Shermie Girl]

What wonderful growth and beautiful curls. :cheese:

[jojo]

Oh my MS, what a lot of growth and will you look at those curls. I am so pleased that your bad times are now behind you and wish you nothing but good health for the future and ever growing curly locks too!! xx


.

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/5396/hair002yj3.th.jpg (http://img231.imageshack.us/my.php?image=hair002yj3.jpg)http://img67.imageshack.us/img67/7893/1009742yo9.th.jpg (http://img67.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1009742yo9.jpg)http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/9858/1009998wq9.th.jpg (http://img341.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1009998wq9.jpg)

[Forever_Sophie]

Huge congrats, that's wonderful :) Your hair is so beautiful! It looks silky.

I had AMLeukemia and it came back very similar to yours, and a few yrs later it straightened out on its own.

[AnneAdeline]

Your curls are just gorgeous! Stunning shine, too.

[Garnet66]

Your hair is simply adorable. I have major curl envy. :agape:

[jessie58]

Hot Momma Smurf, you are amazing and so is your hair.

[spidermom]

Thank you for sharing those pictures. Your hair looks so soft and lovely.

[awesometruffle]

Very beautiful under any circumstances, but especially beautiful under the ones you've been through.

[kimki]

You and your hair are amazing. :flowers:

[Koala Kim]

momma smurf- I would love you even if you decided to go with the 'no hair' look permanently* :smooch:
You have been such an inspiration in ways you will never know. :flowers:

But my! Look at all those ringlets! Love, love, love them. :inlove:
Did I mention I love them? ;)




*- except during football season. all bets are off then. :twisted:

[Mahars]

I wasn't there to cheer you on before, but I know how difficult cancer can be, and I just wanted to congratulate you on staying strong and fighting your illness. Your curls look so healthy and shiny. I'm only hoping that my curls look that good when all my bleaching grows out.

[kimberlily]

Way to grow, Momma Smurf! Your hair looks incredible :)

[cindy58]

So good to hear from you again! You've had major growth -- your hair looks great!

[Wind Dragon]

Hugs momma smurf, been wondering about you.

boing,

boing,

:face:

[girlcat36]

Yay, momma smurf! One year out!!! Congratulations! Yours was the first journal I read when I joined LHC. You are such a source of inspiration for me. Can't wait to watch the progress as it continues.....

[chloeishere]

Your hair grows so fast! It looks great--I love the curls. Can't wait to see it when it gets even longer!
It's wonderful that you managed to pull through such a difficult event so well. I'm so happy that you are feeling great-- your hair is showing it!

[vindo]

Very beautiful Momma Smurf!
I followed your journey from the start, you are an inspiration and your progress is amazing! :flowers:

Emi

[AutumnLeaves]

What a beautiful change this past year has brought. While the hair is gorgeous, you are more so and I am so glad that you are once again healthy. A beautiful hot Momma Smurf indeed!

[heidi w.]

I will try to get to another computer to see the pix, but I just want you to know that your willingness to share your situation and story and progress is a HUGE role model for all of us.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
heidi w.

[AquaViolet1973]

Your hair is beautiful!

[Nightshade]

So glad to see you back, mommasmurf! I still have the hair sword you made me and I'm reminded of your amazing strength every time I look at it! :flowers:

[almudena]

Beautiful and gorgeous hair! My aunt is getting over from a breast cancer and your progress and strength is a true inspration. Thanks for being here! :flower:

[Lize]

WOW! Has your hair grown or what!? Wonderful to get an update from you. Your hair looks amazing!! :)

[Chamomile betty]

Wonderful pictures and thanks for sharing ((hugs))

[bella77]

Hot Momma- looking good!!!:cheese:

[Leisha]

Nice to see you again, Momma Smurf!
Your curls look so good!! :cheer:

[cuddledumplin]

Your hair is so beautiful. It's grown so much, and I love the curls. It's great to hear from you. I agree that your strength is an inspiration to us all.

[Robinlyn]

Wow, you've had great growth! I love your curls, so pretty! My Mom went through chemo as well! Her hair came back a complete different color & thickness! Thanks for sharing your pics!

[royalscorpio]

What a great success story! Your curls are gorgeous! What a fantastic inspiration. :)

[EllisGurl]

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f46/EllisGurl/Emoticons/happy/lilwavy-1.gif HI momma smurf!!! I'm so glad to see this post, your hair is looking great!!!!

[Dvips]

Yay - great growth (and great curls)!

And :smooch: just 'cause you're you! ;)

[Paniscus]

Thanks for sharing these momma smurf! What beautiful hair and spectacular growth! I'm loving the spirals! :flower:

[seabear]

Oh, MommaSmurf, what wonderful progress pics! I adore your curls, and your outlook. ((Hug))

[DavidN]

Conratulations on your one year post chemo, Momma Smurf, and look at those lovely shiny curls, which are so wonderfully healthy too!:flowers:

[kwaniesiam]

Congrats, Momma smurf, for both being a wonderful member to this community and sharing your story with us :flowers: Such impressive, gorgeous and healthy growth!

[SHADOWSCODE46]

You are brave and an inspiration. :)
Your hair is so healthy and shiny. I love your curls.

[Stagecoach]

Wow, I feel like a parrot over here, but, what amazing curls! And I've truly admired for the manner in which you've dealt with all you've gone through with the cancer.

[harley mama]

I don't even have to tell you what this means to me. You were one of the first people to friend me at LHC and I love you for that. And now you are such a strength to me as I fight my cancer battle.

You inspire people and give so much of yourself!
You are lovely and wonderful on the inside and out.
I am honored to be your friend!

[ColoradoDreamer]

Love those chemo-curls!

[Lixie]

Stunning curls, and such growth! Just lovely. :)

[DolphinPrincess]

Congratulations on winning your battle! My mom now has TB length hair after winning her own battle, so theres hope!:happydance::cheer:

[Silver & Gold]

Momma smurf, I'm so glad to hear that you are doing well.

That is some amazing shine you've got going for someone who has been through all you've been through!

Kudos on the positive attitude and thank-you for sharing with us.

[snowbear]

Momma Smurf, that is amazing progress! I love your curls!
Congratulations!

[psvzum]

Your hair is beautiful and has grown so fast!!!

[momma smurf]

Wow. I thought I was going to be good and thank everyone individually... but the responses are so overwhelming! So please forgive my rudeness, a bulk thank you will have to do! You guys... you have brought me to tears! The happy tears of a lowly smurf who feels loved. :) This is why I love this place... my friends here, you guys got me through this. Being called an inspiration... it melts my heart. I just did what I think anyone would do... leaned on my friends and loved ones, looked for silver linings in all of the grey clouds, made fun of myself and laughed, and fought as hard as I could to stick around. The same thing most of you would do, have done, and are doing in a similar situation.

Like I have said so many times before, just a long hair site? ...pshaw! Long Hair Community. In the true sense of the word. :flower:

FYI... my hair was wavy before, but not curly like this. I have known several people whose hair changed drastically after chemo, some got to keep their new hair, some got their old hair back eventually. I'll just be happy that mine is stuck to my head, however it decides to grow. :D

Thank you guys again for all of your support. Couldn't have done it without you. :flowers:

[longhairedfairy]

Wow, what lovely, full, soft curls!

BTW, you have a nice head shape, too:flower:

ETA: Your strength and courage are amazing. I'm proud of you!

[Rose_Red]

Look at those curls! Just gorgeous :)

[KatKeRo]

Congratulations on being one year post chemo.
You have some lovely curls going on.

[Amari]

Those curls! Just beautiful.

[harley mama]

Now I am crying!:wail::wail::wail::wail:
But, they are happy tears! :D

[Islandgrrl]

Such awesome growth! Here's to your continued good health and hair!

[LilyMunster]

MS, nice growing. Even prettier than I remember. So shiney. I can see the benefits of taking care of you locks.
:heart:Mostly, I am relieved that your family remains whole.

[Katze]

WOW, what inspiration! And your hair is really pretty, so shiny and healthy looking.

Congrats and keep up whatever you have been doing!

Katze

[zaftig2k]

Amazing growth, MommaSmurf! Congratulations on your lovely hair, and your continued good health!!

[DarkChocolate]

Your curls are really pretty:)

[Billie]

Wow, MommaSmurf, your hair looks absolutely fabulous! And I'm really happy you found your way back to the boards here! :flower:

[addikted]

Your hair looks fabulous!

[Lavendula]

Just wanted to say your post gave me chills... not only because of your beautiful hair (OMG... how do you get that SHINE?), but even more because I admire your power and courage to get through this tough period. I wish you all the best and good health for the future. Thanks for sharing this with us:flowers: !

[momma smurf]

Thank you guys so much! My hair is healthier than it ever was, one of those silver linings is getting to start from scratch:D... CO 2-3 times a week with Suave Naturals, that's all I'm doing.:)
Thank you guys again for all of your support, through the cancer, the hair growth, and everything else. :flower: I do so love this place...

[Blueneko]

Shiny, beautiful, excellent growth!!!

Way to go!!! :)

[Little_Bird]

I feel so happy for you! May you be blessed :flowers:

[Shorty89]

Your growth looks amazing! I've always loved your curls! Congrats:cheese:

[momma smurf]

:D Aw, shucks. Thank you!! :flowers:

[Lamb]

Lovely ringlets, momma smurf! You *are* an inspiration! :thumbsup:

[darkwaves]

Beautiful momma smurf!

I'm in awe of how fast and ringletty your hair is growing. (And how could it be anything but beautiful?)

I'm so glad you're sharing your journey here with us.

[Chameleon]

Thanks for sharing such beautiful pictures.

[Flaxen]

momma smurf, there are no words to say how happy I am for you that your chemotherapy is a year behind you and all is going well. Your curls are indeed beautiful. :grouphug:

[Gaelic Girl]

God bless you, Mammasmurf! You are an inspiration to us all. I wish you much health and happiness in the years to come.
Blessings,
Gaelic Girl

[MerryKat]

Congratulations on your beautiful curls and I have to say that you have been a huge inspiration to me.

[momma smurf]

:flower: Thank you all so much! I have no doubt that the prayers and well wishes I have recieved from this place have helped me tremendously. You have all been so supportive and encouraging... you have kept my spirits up when it's been most difficult. If I have been an inspiration to you... well... it has been you guys, and this community here that has inspired me.
Much love to you all. :flowers:

[Rae~]

Oh, I'm so late to this thread. :nono:

Congrats, momma smurf, and I look forward to watching your hair get even *more* stunning as it inches towards BSL and beyond. :happydance:

[LuXious]

Absolutely beautiful. Your voice and your hair. It's incredible that your hair can come back looking so lustrous after all that chemo does to the body. YAAAAAY for YOU, MOMMA SMURF!!!

[Silverlady]

You are an inspiration to all of us. I too can relate to hair loss as I lost 1/3 of mine post op of my gastric bypass surgery. Mine too is growing back quite nicely,even lighter than before and curlier. Did your hair color and texture change??? I pettered out here on LHC while going through the major shed which lasted about 10 months. I really admire your comeback. I can only imagine how much mental anguish you have gone through in oh so many ways, too numerous to count.
God bless you, Dear. It's so good to have you back here where you belong.
Hugs, Krisi:grouphug:

[akka naeda]

Your hair looks great, lovely and curly.

[Alun]

FYI... my hair was wavy before, but not curly like this. I have known several people whose hair changed drastically after chemo, some got to keep their new hair, some got their old hair back eventually. I'll just be happy that mine is stuck to my head, however it decides to grow. :D



My mum's hair changed after it grew back from chemo, and then reverted to how it had been. The latter was a disappointment, because it had grown back dark instead of white, and then turned white all over again!

Anyway, I'm glad you are doing so well.:flower:

[momma smurf]

Thank you guys!! :flowers: It's so interesting to me to hear about other peoples' post chemo hair... everyone has a different story. :)
Mine was pretty damaged before I shaved it for chemo, I had only recently begun to take really good care of it... so I'm really not entirely sure exactly how much my hair changed post chemo... since it was so damaged before, lol! :D