Spring Has Sprung

Forget the pretty blossom floating in the 26 degree heat, or sudden invasion of pale limb exposure, I have noticed a springing forth of a different kind entirely.

I've got a habit of constantly stroking my head, when I'm at home sans wig or bobble hat. It's like a comfort thing I guess; it always feels smooth and nice and unusual, since my arms didn't have the requisite reach or competence the last time I was this bald.

When I say smooth, its not Dad's shiny bald patch smooth, (sorry Dad), rather more baby head smooth - there's always been the finest, pointless, near invisible layer of down there. But a couple of weeks ago, I was head-stroking in front of the TV and subconsciously noticed a fuller down feel. That evening DadJokes came home and also took up his head-stroking habit, saying, 'your head is so lovely and soft. I just love stroking it, its really soft.' So he must have done some subconscious noticing of his own too.

A couple of days later and I was stuck in blinking hospital again with the same zero white blood cells issue, and my mum and dad there to relieve some mind-numbing boredom. Mid sentence mum said, 'Sophie, is your hair growing? I think I can see it from here!' at which point I allowed my subconscious a bit of air and realised I had wondered the very same thing. Even five minutes before when I clocked a subtle change in the bathroom mirror - a very slight halo of dark around my head.

This is a weird thing, since I still have two chemo's to go, but since my 6th cycle, my head has definitely been getting fluffier, to the point I now have a Flintstone-esque 5 'o clock shadow where my hair used to be. Plus, actual slight stubble in patches where real hair is poking through the down. How fantastic is that?! I am disproportionately excited about it - hence the blog post - but its like a little flicker of the bulb that will light up the end of the tunnel.

When I had my first chemo the lovely nurses introduced me to Alison, who was there having her last. She gave me a bit of a pep talk, and told me her hair had even started to grow back early. 'Pffft' I thought. But here I am, same thing happening, so I wonder if its a common occurrence that some other of you folliclely challenged could be looking forward to.

Of course, it might just all fall out again a few days after cycle 7, in which case, oh well, back to the regrowth timeline I was expecting anyway. But it's certainly never had a spurt like this, so I'm wondering what my body has in store for me hair wise. Maybe even the pixie crop in time for my bridesmaid turn at Katie's September wedding? Now that would be joyous news.

I'll keep you posted. While you wait you could make the banana bread I just did. Its my best recipe yet, which isn't saying much since I hardly have any, but, perfected at last, its nearly as exciting as the whole hair business. OK, yes, most likely for me only, but at least its something to do while the weather's so rubbish. Oh wait....

3 over or very ripe bananas
2 eggs
1 cup gluten free self raising flour
1/4 cup gluten free plain flour
1/2 cup dairy & soya free marge (I use Pure, from Tesco) or 1/2 cup oil - whichever you prefer
1/4 cup agave nectar
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tsp baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp rice or oat milk
pinch salt
dark chocolate chips if you want, but definitely not necessary

whisk, pour in loaf tin, bake at 180 degrees for 50 minutes. YUM