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Old 07-02-2010, 11:40 AM   #1
barbara932
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Hair loss

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?
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Old 07-02-2010, 02:39 PM   #2
Westcoastgirl
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Re: Hair loss

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
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12/17/08 biopsy after two 6 mos mammo recalls
12/30/08 diagnosed high grade IDC & DCIS
ER/PR +, Her2 (+++) post menopausal/age 57
1/15/09 double mastectomy/skin sparing; no evidence of vascular/lymphatic invasion, 8neg/8 nodes (tumor 8.0mm)
2/16/09 given portacath/removed 4/30/10
2/18/09 "surprise" 2.0mm tumor/positive borders~
completed 28 rads 10/09.
2/23/09 until 4/19/10~treatments every 3wks (4 Cytoxan + Adriamycin, 4 Taxol + Herceptin, 13 Herceptin alone)
8/09 osteoporosis diagnosis/Zometa 3 yrs of 1x/6 months
Chemo side effects; Deafness, kidney function loss
11/09 began Aromatase Inhibitor (Femara)/Feb2014, stopped Femara early/after 3 mos began Tamoxifen for 8 mos to complete 5 years
11/10 Reconstruction, directly to silicone implants
12/11 nipples by skin graft/Right breast size reduced

I have heard th
ere are troubles of more than one kind

Some come from ahead and some come from behind.
But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see.
Now my troubles are going to have trouble with me!
Dr. Seuss
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Old 07-02-2010, 04:43 PM   #3
Rich66
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Re: Hair loss

Barbara,
I would have suspected Herceptin before Tykerb.
What were your heart problems..what were the signs?
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Old 07-02-2010, 06:11 PM   #4
barbara932
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Re: Hair loss

Chest pain. Very irregular heartbeat. SOB. Low blood pressure.
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Old 09-08-2010, 09:26 AM   #5
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Re: Hair loss

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.
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Old 09-08-2010, 11:49 AM   #6
Rich66
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Re: Hair loss

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.
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Old 09-08-2010, 06:07 PM   #7
vlcarr
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Re: Hair loss

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.
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Age 47, TN, Diagnosed 05/09
Her2+, ER/PR-, Stage III, 2 tumors = 1 8cm tumor
Grade 3
Sentinel Node Biopsy-speck present in 1 node
Completed 3 month clinical trial of weekly Herceptin and 1000mg Tykerb daily
Tumor no longer present
Right mastectomy and lymph node removal 09/25/09
No cancer present at time of surgery, none in lymph nodes
Start TCH 10/15, every 3 weeks for 4 months followed by radiation
Finished chemo 01/28/10-YEAH!
Herceptin every 3 wks until end of June
Radiation begins 03/01, 6 1/2 weeks
Radiation complete--Yeah!!
Developed lymphedema after radiation
In hospital for 4 days with pneumonia:(
Herceptin done! 06/24/10
Port Removed 07/08/10
Still in PT for lymphedema and mobility issues
DIEP Reconstruction 05/11
I can be changed by what happens to me, but I refuse to be reduced by it~~Maya Angelou
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