Wellbeing
Dear Mo' Bros and Mo' Sistas ,
Thank you for everything you are doing this Movember to raise funds for prostate cancer research. I have always appreciated your efforts. This year, finding myself on the patient side of the equation, my appreciation has grown far beyond what you might imagine.
For the past two years I have joined your glorious ranks, letting those protein strands cascade down my upper lip in support of the cause. It was fun. Yes, it was itchy. But most of all, it was important. However, this year, I am forced to sit on the sidelines, allowing the more follicularly endowed carry the MOment.
In anticipation of Movember, I have been peering into the mirror every morning like a kid looking out his window anticipating for Santa Claus' arrival. But alas, that once fertile field known as my upper lip is looking more like an Irish potato farm during the great famine. This year's potential lip crop is sparse--down about 75 percent. I can go several days without a shave and no one takes notice. Hormone therapy can do that to a guy. It's done it to me.
Oddly enough, there is a potential upside. I think the crown of my head is actually showing some new hair growth. I have used Rogaine for years and believe it helped stemmed the receding tide. You see, male pattern baldness is caused by an androgen called dihydrotestosterone. Rogaine (minoxidil) counters the process. Now that my production of testosterone is being knocked down by the Lupron, so is the dihydrotestosterone. Back in June--putting two and two together in my surgeon's office, I asked him if I might see more hair growth on my head once I started hormone therapy. He agreed it was a distinct possibility. My theory is showing some promise and perhaps the one silver lining of my treatments.
I'm all for the added hair on my scalp. I'll take whatever sprouts, as long as it's not growing backwards from my face and through my head... a scientific impossibility, I know, but I have always liked cheesy science fiction.
So hairs to you my Movember friends. You have my support and admiration. I'll be er... rooting for you all in the coming weeks. Thank you.
Thank you for everything you are doing this Movember to raise funds for prostate cancer research. I have always appreciated your efforts. This year, finding myself on the patient side of the equation, my appreciation has grown far beyond what you might imagine.
For the past two years I have joined your glorious ranks, letting those protein strands cascade down my upper lip in support of the cause. It was fun. Yes, it was itchy. But most of all, it was important. However, this year, I am forced to sit on the sidelines, allowing the more follicularly endowed carry the MOment.
In anticipation of Movember, I have been peering into the mirror every morning like a kid looking out his window anticipating for Santa Claus' arrival. But alas, that once fertile field known as my upper lip is looking more like an Irish potato farm during the great famine. This year's potential lip crop is sparse--down about 75 percent. I can go several days without a shave and no one takes notice. Hormone therapy can do that to a guy. It's done it to me.
Oddly enough, there is a potential upside. I think the crown of my head is actually showing some new hair growth. I have used Rogaine for years and believe it helped stemmed the receding tide. You see, male pattern baldness is caused by an androgen called dihydrotestosterone. Rogaine (minoxidil) counters the process. Now that my production of testosterone is being knocked down by the Lupron, so is the dihydrotestosterone. Back in June--putting two and two together in my surgeon's office, I asked him if I might see more hair growth on my head once I started hormone therapy. He agreed it was a distinct possibility. My theory is showing some promise and perhaps the one silver lining of my treatments.
I'm all for the added hair on my scalp. I'll take whatever sprouts, as long as it's not growing backwards from my face and through my head... a scientific impossibility, I know, but I have always liked cheesy science fiction.
So hairs to you my Movember friends. You have my support and admiration. I'll be er... rooting for you all in the coming weeks. Thank you.