Hair loss

[barbara932]

I am new to this. I don't have breast cancer (adrenal) but I had an elevated HER2. Was started on Tykerb and Herceptin. Had to stop Tykerb after 2 weeks due to heart problems but have had 13 Herceptin infusions. No Chemo. My question is does Herceptin cause you to lose hair. I am really losing lots of hair every day. It is in the shower, on my pillow and anytime I comb. Is this normal?

[Westcoastgirl]

Hi Barbara, it is my understanding that Herceptin does not cause hair loss. I lost my hair during chemo but it grew back during the period of treatment that involved Herceptin alone. I am noticing a loss of hair almost everywhere with the Aromatase Inhibitor I am on now. I looked up Adrenal Cancer and it said, "Patients with adrenal carcinoma may also have symptoms of excess androgen, including excessive hair in unusual parts of the body (in women), acne, and scalp hair loss." This must be very upsetting for you but perhaps your oncologist can give you better information that will give you hope for the future as your treatments diminish. Hairloss as we all know is not a situation that is easily dealt with. All the best. Carolyn

[Rich66]

Barbara,
I would have suspected Herceptin before Tykerb.
What were your heart problems..what were the signs?

[barbara932]

Chest pain. Very irregular heartbeat. SOB. Low blood pressure.

[Unregistered]

I am on tykerb and herceptin. I had heart palpitations until I started taking potassium. all the gi (diarrhea) with tykerb leads to dyhydration and loss of some minerals. potassium stopped that....one idea.

[Rich66]

Hmmm...I know potassium can be an issue with certain treatments. My mom seemed to need supplementation when on Xeloda...at one time, an IV rider was given as labs showed dangerously low levels. But potassium can be bad if too much or too little. My dad has to be watched as his levels tend to get too high. Potassium needs lab monitoring to guide supplementation.

[vlcarr]

I had to have IV potassium while on herceptin/tykerb. It was unreal how awful it made me feel and I just thought it was part of the combo. When they gave me the potassium I felt so much better. I didn't have any hair loss while on the combo.