BB Blog

A potential new cure for baldness has been discovered using a drug originally intended to treat osteoporosis.

Researchers found the drug had a dramatic effect on hair follicles in the lab, stimulating them to grow.

It contains a compound which targets a protein that acts as a brake on hair growth and plays a role in baldness.

Project leader Dr Nathan Hawkshaw, from the University of Manchester, said it could "make a real difference to people who suffer from hair loss".

Only two drugs are currently available to treat balding (androgenetic alopecia):

• minoxidil, for men and women
• finasteride, for men only

Have I had any side effects... honest answer? I can't tell if I have or not so far. Still the same tiredness. Still the same nausea. Still the same hand joint pain. Still the same on and off headache I just can't seem to get rid of. Hmmm, but I think my anxiety has been a bit worse actually. My hormones acting up maybe? The uncertainty of coming off the drug, its withdrawals and what it means to my risk of getting cancer again more likely. I can't stop questioning what I want to do with this next chapter in my life and if I'm on the right path... and where do I want that path to lead? Overthinking... yes... can I help it? No.

One more practical aspect of coming off Tamoxifen after 10 years (and still pre-menopausal which means not going straight onto any other hormone based drugs) is that I am now 10 years cancer-free and also now not taking any serious medication which means I am in a really good place to get some life insurance for the first time. Having a mortgage and two dependents its been of some concern for me for a long time. I hope to get this sorted soon and I'll let you know if I find a good sympathetic and straight forward company!

Bold Beanies are the solution to keeping a bald scalp, sensitive to the cold and element, protected in warmer weather and all year round. Thin soft and stretchy cotton fabric designed to fit snuggly on the head to provide the wearer with a comfortable hat whilst going through hair loss from Cancer Chemotherapy or Alopecia. 

Protecting the sensitive skin on the head from harmful UV rays is important as well as simply to cover up around the house. Bold Beanies are great on their own as a simple barrier on cooler days but can also be worn to protect the head outside from harm rays from the sun. Wear as a comfy, breathable, sweat wicking layer under other types of summer headwear. Designed in the UK by a Cancer survivor to stay snuggly in place and not slip around like a scarf the wearer (men, ladies or children) can carry on with activities knowing it won't fall off or blow away. 

Especially suitable when a wig or scarf is too hot or itchy and just looking to be covered up and comfortable... and stylish too! 

These alternative hair loss headwear hats come in a wide range of Liberty prints and plain colours to suit all tastes. Customisation or personalisation in available on all plain hats. Looking for a gift for someone going through treatment? Send a Bold Beanies Bouquet or Graffiti Greetings hat as a thoughtful gift to show you care. 

Day 1 No Tamoxifen! Well it would appear that I'm really closing many doors on my cancer journey this month. Finishing off my breast reconstruction and now being discharged from my Oncologist's care and stopping Tamoxifen after 10 years of taking it! Its now I realise its been a gift and curse. Whilst its a pretty nasty drug to take to prevent Breast Cancer, it carries risks of ovarian cancer and other unpleasant side effects. I've now come full circle and am really worried about coming off the drug and how it will effect my body, my mood, my skin,...

*Firstly, I need to say that I have given great consideration as to wether I should share a photo, so if you are offended by this picture taken during the tattoo procedure I do apologise, however I think its important for other women to be able to see reconstruction... as its helped me. I will hopefully share more. Two Weeks ago I visited Vicky Martin to get Nipple Tattoos and end what has been a personal Breast Cancer Mastectomy body journey which has taken over a decade. I will need to go back for final touch ups, however I'm so happy...