The Cancer Survivors Network (CSN) is a peer support community for cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, families, and friends! CSN is a safe place to connect with others who share your interests and experiences.

Hair Loss Anyway?

maryannrogers
maryannrogers CSN Member Posts: 115
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I've been told I do not have to take chemo (of which I am very grateful); however, I have been given Arimidex. I noticed one of the side effects is hair loss. Has anyone experienced this and is it as bad a hair loss as with chemo.

It's the inquiring mind working again.

Thanks all.
Maryann
Like Care

Comments

  • chenheart
    chenheart CSN Member Posts: 5,159 Member
    #2
    No comparison!
    LOL LOL LOL...being that I had chemo, and thus went from cue-ball to newborn, to baby-chick, to chia-pet, to finger in light socket before my hair finally went back to a sembance of its pre-chemo state, and then I took Arimidex for 5 years, let me just say NO! They are nothing alike! Once my hair came back I had to have it cut every 6 weeks, and though the hair on my head isn't quite as thick as it was when I was in my 20's, the fact that my moustache is thicker certainly makes up for that! Where would we be without wax, anyway???? LOL LOL Don't worry, you'll be just fine!

    Hugs,
    Claudia
    Like Care
  • Christmas Girl
    Christmas Girl CSN Member Posts: 3,682 Member
    #3
    A better description might be...
    ... Hair thinning, not loss - as in complete loss. I look at it this way...

    My dear mother, after experiencing completely natural menopause - complained often about how much her hair "thinned"...

    My slightly younger sister, now on the brink of menopause - is already complaining (and loudly!) about her "thinning" hair...

    So, I guess it usually happens anyway, one way or the other.

    Kind regards, Susan

    P.S.: Arimidex for me now 3+ years.
    Like Care
  • ohilly
    ohilly CSN Member Posts: 441 Member
    #4
    hair loss
    I take Femara, which is basically the same as Arimidex. Here's what happened to me, hair-wise:

    Before chemo, I had thick, fast-growing hair. After chemo, I immediately got on Femara which also lists hair-thinning as a side effect. My hair did grow back, but much thinner than before. I went to a dermatologist who tried to tell me the chemo exposed underlying female pattern baldness which would have happened anyway, but I know this is not true because no one in my family has baldness (on either side) and I had never had a problem with my hair before my treatment. I then did tons of research on the internet and talking to other women on AIs who also had major hair thinning. So I believe it is an underreported side effect. My solution was to go to a hairstylist who camouflages the thinness by a lighter color, highlights, etc. I also use a powder that you sprinkle on which hides the thinness: www.toppik.com

    For a very long time, I was upset that I lost my pre-cancer hair, but now I accept it and people actually tell me they like my 'new' hair better.

    Do what you have to do treatment-wise: don't let your hair stop you. I learned that there are ways of styling it that cover it up, and also you can always get a beautiful, human-hair wig as a last resort.

    Ohilly
    Like Care
  • Alexis F
    Alexis F CSN Member Posts: 3,598
    #5
    Congrats Maryann on not
    Congrats Maryann on not having to take chemo! That is great!

    Lex
    Like Care
  • rjjj
    rjjj CSN Member Posts: 1,822 Member
    #6
    Alexis F said:

    Congrats Maryann on not
    Congrats Maryann on not having to take chemo! That is great!

    Lex

    I second that
    Very good news Maryann that you do not need chemo. Congratulations.
    Hugs, Jackie
    Like Care
  • DianeBC
    DianeBC CSN Member Posts: 3,881 Member
    #7
    rjjj said:

    I second that
    Very good news Maryann that you do not need chemo. Congratulations.
    Hugs, Jackie

    No chemo! Great news!
    Diane
    No chemo! Great news!

    Diane :)
    Like Care

Discussion Boards