Herceptin & Hair Loss - Page 2

TSund · 02-03-2009, 09:19 PM

Ruth had a wonderful head of hair pre-chemo and has yet to have in come in completely. (very thin baldish patch at crown of head) Any suggestions on that one? Do you think revitalash would work on the scalp?

She just had her port out, and we try to count the blessings rather than the hairs, but if there's something that would help I know she'd be grateful.

Thanks much,

Terri

harrie · 02-03-2009, 11:07 PM

I love Smashbox's eyebrow makeup. It is great for countouring! Still use it to this day!!

fullofbeans · 02-05-2009, 07:34 PM

Revitalash seems to be have some controvertial side effect, it seems.. not sure what to think

http://blogs.wsj.com/health/2007/11/...ger-eyelashes/

http://blog.sephora.com/2007/06/revi...-benefits.html

My eyelashes took ages to come back about 4 or 5 months after last chemo. Both my eyebrow and eyelashes are much more sparse and my eyelashes very short now although I am happy to have some(I thought they may not come back). but yep do not go now without mascara and I am thinking of tattooing my eyebrow..

wish the bad comment on revitalash did not exist I would have definitely got some, now I am not sure..

fullofbeans · 02-05-2009, 07:55 PM

a review of the different product to grow lush lashes..

http://www.eyelashgrowthproduct.com/#revi

Becky · 02-05-2009, 08:10 PM

I lost my lashes 3X. During Taxol and the other times while on Herceptin only.

Also, even now, when I lose my eyelashes (and we all lose one or two), I tend to lose them in clumps, (like this clump and then that clump) rather than just here or there. These tend to be in the middle more than the ends and the top and not the bottom.

I know that I will lose them soon because they grow long and then fall out. Before the fall out, they look great cuz they're long. Its not as bad as it sounds but something different happens to the lashes versus the hair that is on the head. Even my other body hair did not come back the same but my head hair did.

Lori R · 02-05-2009, 08:43 PM

Although I completed Chemo almost a year ago, continuing to be on Herceptin has had a huge impact on my hair (still bald in the crown after a YEAR!!! UGH!!!) But...the thing that I wasn't prepared for was the loss of my eyelashes and eyebrows. So, I just might invest in the revitalash.
Now for brows....I am pleased with a "kit" called brow express - Anastasia Beverly Hills. (It is in a pretty gray box and I try to imagine myself being in Beverly Hills when I use it) I bought it at Sephora.
While I was using brow powders that looked pretty good, I found that at the end of the day, my brows were "missing". This kit includes wax and some brow forms. I found that first applying wax actually gave the powder something to stick to. As others have mentioned the kit has 2 shades of powder to make it look more natural. I am MUCH happier. Although it did take about a week of trial/error before I felt like I was able to get it right. If anyone decides to go this route, e-mail me and I can give further coaching.

harrie · 02-05-2009, 11:42 PM

Fullofbeans...wow, those blogs on Revitalash are a real eye-opener for me. I am not going to use it anymore.

fullofbeans · 02-06-2009, 09:58 AM

Hey harrie thanks for commenting back on what I put there. Yes I also decided that I would not go down the revitalash route, although I really would really like nicer eyelashes..

Apparently the new enormous lash product is more natural with no paraben and protagladin.. it might be the way to go.

I think I will investigate a bit more but if anyone got a recomendation on a good and safe product to use let us know!

StephN · 02-06-2009, 01:04 PM

Hi Beans -
As ususal you are in there with the research!

Harrie - Question?
You say you used Revitalash for a while. It seemed to work OK and you did not mention any of the side effects talked about in the blogs.
How did the product work and did the effect last when you stopped, or did you just now stop??

I am curious about the effect - if it only works while you use it and if it needs to be continued but less often once the lashes are fuller and longer?

I think some of these blog posters did not use Revitalash correctly as mentions using it in the morning instead of at night. I am sure one needs to be careful to keep it out of the eye, with precision application.

(I have a tube on order, and still want to give it a try!)

Terri B · 02-06-2009, 01:33 PM

I would love to hear opinions of our Her2 sisters here. Not some schmuck on the internet that is only trying to pick a fight!

Harrie, I'm waiting to hear from you like Steph! How did it work for you! From an earlier post, it seems like you liked the results you were getting!

Steph, please keep us updated when you receive your product and how it works. I'm really tired of these wimpy wimpy lashes!

harrie · 02-06-2009, 02:21 PM

I did not get any of the negative side effects mentioned in the blog. I have been using it for over a yr now. I still use it maybe every other day, but after a certain point of regrowth, I have really not noticed it coming in fuller or longer. I think it would be wise for me to stop using it now due to the possible risk factors and the fact that I am not getting any more benefits.

Terri, I really loved the result of having a better regrowth then how it was before losing the lashes.

Revitalash was formulated by a man whose wife lost her lashes due to chemo (from what I read).

After reading the blogs that Fullofbeans posted, I was thinking it might be a good idea to open up a new thread "Revitalash" and post those blogs for others to take into consideration.

rondo · 02-06-2009, 02:46 PM

Laurel,
Revitalash contains parabens. It's probably a relatively small exposure due to the tiny amount of mascara applied compared to, for example, a skin lotion. Still, some people recommend avoiding parabens altogether. My chemo nurse recommended the product and seemed unaware of any negative effects of these estrogen mimics. I used an ophthalmic ointment that contained hydrocortisone once every 3 weeks during each
chemo infusion. I did not lose any eyelashes at all until, 10 weeks after finishing chemo, they all fell out in one day! However, they immediately grew back and I could apply mascara again within 10 days. So far I have not had any eyelash loss on herceptin only.

Laurel · 02-06-2009, 05:52 PM

Thanks, Rondo. I appreciate you taking the time to check the ingredients. I admit I had checked out a few blogs/sites regarding revitalash and got a bit spooked. I do not like the risk of increasing interocular pressure. It seems unclear if Revitalash adversely influences that, but I would rather err on the side of caution. In my case I have ample lashes. They are not as long as they were pre-chemo, but perhaps growth is slow. Should I risk eye damage for vanity? Temptling, though!

Barbara B · 02-06-2009, 11:28 PM

Hello Everyone-my first post.
Several months ago the FDA approved a medication that has been used for years for the treatment of Glaucoma - it can now be used to promote eyelash growth. The Glaucoma patients using this medication had unbelievable full-thick-long eyelashes. A side effect!!! I'll take that.

The medication is called Lumigan made by Allergan. It is gel-like and applied-sparingly - at the upper and lower lash line.
This was a "hot topic" at the ONC office and several of the lady patients have tried it out-including 90% of his staff. The results are unbelievable!!!! My ONC had no problem writting a RX (to those he approved). You can not use it WHILE you are doing chemo. I am at the end of my Herceptin treatment - so it is OK. Its all about the chemicals they are giving you.

This is a prescription medication so a RX is required. It is expensive - $175 BUT my RX insurance approved it and it cost me my co-pay of $5.

So read up on this wonder drug to see what it is all about. Ask your MD about it.
I can't wait to see some eyelashes on my face - haven't had any in over a year.

I have questions for you all but at a later time. The neuropathy in my hands is making it hard for me to type any longer. Can you relate? LOL NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Later, Barb

TSund · 02-07-2009, 10:37 AM

Barb,

Wonder if Lumigan would make a difference one the hair?>

DO they have any theory of WHY this drug stimulates eyelash growth?

Thanks

TRS

fullofbeans · 02-07-2009, 11:33 AM

Enormous lash product does not seem to have the side effect of revita lash (contains no paraben and no protagladin) but is still quite expensive. It seems to have good reviews aswell.

I went for a cheaper option that seemed to have received good review but with some mixed ones, it is only £9, so I will try it, but will considere get enormous lash next as it does not have paraben. I do not use paraben in any other product and it will just go on my lashes.. yep vain I fully admit.

http://www.folica.com/MAVALA_Eye_Lite_d598.html

Steph I can understand your position now that you have it and I think the the side effect must be after prolonged use from what they said on the blog. so if you feel like it go for it and let us know what is happening perhaps someone else can do the enormous lash at the same time, and I'll do the eye lite..hehe

StephN · 02-07-2009, 12:21 PM

OK, everyone - thanks for the input.

LUMIGAN - my hubby has used it for years and has fabulous eyelashes, however, they were long and thick to begin with. His eyebrows have gotten thicker and grow like crazy and need to be trimmed. Maybe from the lumigan as it goes into his eyes??

REVITALASH Conditioner- got the product yesterday. This must be the new formula as it has warnings on the box (mainly have to do with the PROPER use and mention the darkening around the eyes, and not to use if on chemo, etc.) and a paper insert. I have studied all that and am prepared to start using it tonight. (Would have last night, but was up late watching an old classic French movie!)

Ingredients: Water (Aqua). Sodium Chloride, Chlorphenisen, Phenoxyethanol, Cellulose Gum, Dosidium Phosphate, Citric Acid, Trifluoromethyl Dechloro Ethylprostenolamide, Panthenol.

Not such a long list and the "propellerheads" can look up each ingredient.

Barbara B · 02-07-2009, 02:24 PM

Hello there!
I wish it worked on your hair-I would buy it by the bottle!! When my hair started coming back the color was black and white-looked like the coat on a Dalmatian. I'm blonde or was. Anyway- the medication stimulates the eyelash growth cycle. You can Goggle Lumigan and you will get alot of information and some photos.

Our local NBC new anchors are giving this a try and keeping the viewers updated.

Later, Barb
I'm going to try and work on this signature thing now. LOL