Bye Bye Brows

Since I began regrowing eyebrows and lashes at the beginning of 2009 (after being AU for about a year), I've been telling myself not to get too emotionally attached to them. Though they never grew in completely, it's been really nice to have my bio-looking brows again, and all my friends have noticed and commented. The brows are visible in the Bald Lady Drumming photos I put up in August.

But now, the signs are clear: I haven't had to pluck areas underneath the brows for a few weeks, and for awhile I was plucking new (unwanted) growth daily. I'm seeing fully grown hairs coming out every day, and the brows are looking thinner. There is itching along my eyelids and browline. The peach fuzz that was very visible on my face is mostly gone and the skin is once more smooth and tacky.

Though I've tried to remain aware that they might be temporary, this is hard. It's my first experience with regrowth and loss, which I know many of you have experienced for years. My eyebrows were always very distinctive, and my favorite feature. It's really getting me down. This damn disease just seems to like to tease us, doesn't it?

Views: 13

Comment by John M. on November 11, 2009 at 2:58pm
Hi Mary - I know we haven't really connected yet since I've joined this site in August, but I've read your posts on occasion. I'm heartfully sorry that you're having a tough time right now with the loss of your regrowth. I'm having some regrowth in my spots myself, and can only imagine how I would feel if I saw signs they were falling out again. Actually, I thought I did notice that a few weeks ago, but right now I'm choosing to ignore that and still focus on what's still there and still growing (hope it's my overactive imagination!). Anyways, I really am sorry that you're down and sincerely hope you find a way to move past it and get back to your usual, upbeat self. Take care for now.
Comment by Mary on November 11, 2009 at 3:12pm
Thanks very much, John. It just helps a lot to know other people here understand and support! The best thing is probably not to focus on it at all, but it's hard.
Comment by JeffreySF on November 11, 2009 at 7:33pm
Hi Mary,

Sorry about the emotions you are going through right now. I too have been experiencing regrowth and I look at myself and think is the hair really coming back or am I just getting myself excited over something which may not turn out to be what I was expecting.
I'm glad the bad days are far and few between.

Hugz,

Jeffrey
Comment by Tuesday on November 11, 2009 at 10:30pm
I've been AU for 9 years. I can't imagine what it would be like to have some regrowth and then start to see it shed again - it must be hard. When I was pregnant, I actually grew 3 (yes, three!) eyelashes on my left eye and I was so thrilled - I'd talk to them. Lol.

But seriously - this alopecia is a rollercoaster at times. I can only say try not to get too attached to the outcome and when you do find it hard, don't beat yourself up - just accept it's not always an easy ride and sometimes you'll have hard times. I wish I could fix things for you! :) Take care.
Comment by Galena on November 11, 2009 at 10:45pm
Hi Mary, I'm sorry that your brows are transitioning again. Note that I won't say disappearing because they may come back again. I don't have words that will take away your pain--the pain you feel binds us as family in this life challenge. I felt it 30 minutes ago while looking at wigs. The only thing I can suggest is to do something to lift your spirits, preferably something to make you laugh or your favorite music. I'm glad you shared the brow transition with us. Alopecia is so unpredictable, it's good to have a place like we have here at AW to compare signs and symptoms. I will continue to think happy thoughts for both of us Sister!
e-hugs,
Galena
Comment by Mary on November 12, 2009 at 1:05am
Thank you all so much! I feel better - this community really helps. I think this hit me a bit hard because it hasn't been very long since I lost my hair. I'm probably still in a transition period that I haven't realized because, overall, I've done pretty well with it.

Life is indeed wonderful, and we have to make the most of it and treasure every day. Tonight I went to see some really funny silent films with Buster Keaton - I laughed so hard, and got to practice my (beginning) ASL with a bunch of deaf people who were there. No one said anything about my lack of hair!

e-hugs to all,
Mary
Comment by Aida Ravaie-O'Sullivan on November 12, 2009 at 1:28am
Dear Mary..., I feel so relief and took really deep breath after reading your last comment..great that you feel better now...as I do feel it too.
I lost mine in July, but I see hair re-growth on my head and little bit around my eyebrows...but at the same time, my eyelashes is thinning out...so, don't know what to feel anymore...happy, confuse or just let it be....

e-hugs..
aida
Comment by Robert on November 12, 2009 at 4:53am
Hi Mary

Can I just echo what everyone else has said... this is a cruel condition and you have dealt with it so well. You are an inspiration to everyone on this forum.

I'm experiencing some regrowth too but am trying not to become too attached just in case. How bad is it that we are cautious to be happy about something?

Hope you're having a better day today
Take care
Robert
Comment by Melissa Harris on November 12, 2009 at 7:15pm
Mary, Much love to you right now from me! I know exactly how you feel. It's like a cruel joke someone is playing on us or at least I feel like that sometimes. You are probably one of the strongest of us alopecians that I know and you are truly beautiful and inspiring to me. Either way, you are still you! Sometimes it is just hard and it's great that we can come here to do it! Hugs! Hang in there, Mary, you are awesome!!! :) Melissa
Comment by Rachel on November 26, 2009 at 1:05am
Hi Mary, I have had AU my entire life. I have about 25% of my eye lashes and get random eyebrow growth. I mostly just find the eyebrow growth annoying, as I have to pluck them out. I've always gone eyebrow-less and I've never really thought about permanent make-up and I'm far to lazy to draw them on daily.
Don't let the regrowth and loss get you down, you seem to be so accepting of the rest of the disease.
It's just hair!

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