Excessive hair growth on face after chemotherapy

MarySusanBach

Hi everyone, I hope to hear from you!

Uterine cancer stage 3, dx'd last summer, hysterectomy in August.

I had 3 chemotherapy treatments last fall, each 3 weeks apart. I lost my hair within 1 month of the first one. Then I had 6 1/2 weeks of daily pelvic radiation (the side effects were awful - ask me questions if you're there now). I'm 4 weeks post radiation and set for chemo #4 of 6 on 2/23/26, if my blood work is good.

My new issue is excess facial hair. It's fine, long, pale hair in the cheek areas in front of my ears. It's awful, a new indignity. Once I'm all done with chemo (April?) and this excess hair grows back again (as it surely will), I wonder if I should I use nair? should I shave? should I wait until it goes away on its own? What has anyone else done?

I've read it's caused by the steroids they give me with chemo. Is that what you were told? I've read it goes away by itself, but that could take many months. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks - I'm wishing all of you the success with treatment that we are all hoping for.

bibliophile

I'm so sorry you are having to go through this. Sometimes I feel like it's the small indignities that are going to break me, not the big ones. Like, if I lost all the hair on my head, why do I still have to shave my legs. That seems unfair. 🤣 I have not had the same facial hair issue, so I'm sorry I don't have any real advice except to say that you shouldn't have to put up with it if it bothers you. Nair, shaving, whatever is easiest and makes you feel better. Hang in there!

cmb

It’s been several years since my treatments ended, but I do remember that I did have very fine, light hair on my face sometime during my treatments. I just shaved it off and in my case it did not return.

Sorry that I can’t recall the particular timing for when this odd facial growth occurred. I hope that yours is also a one-time thing.

MarySusanBach

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1726327#Comment_1726327

Hi there, Thanks for your response, glad this is working. I learn a lot talking to people who are going through anything similar. I agree. It's the small indignities, the inability to eat favorite foods or suffer big consequences, Disturbed sleep as a way of life, hair where you don't want it and no hair where you do want it -haha! I spoke to someone who talked about a planer, this little tiny razor with a handle. I did have chemo number four today, so this hair will be gone in about 3-4 weeks. Weeks. But when everything grows back this summer, definitely going to take it off my face. Face. I am not going to suffer through that unnecessarily.

I wish you well on your journey on this long and difficult road. 💞💪🫶💪

NoTimeForCancer

Hello MarySusan,

I can't remember this particular side effect, but I would not have been excited either.

I have seen where women are using those little hand held razors for hair on their face, so I think that is a good thought. Maybe you can ask an aesthetician as well?

NoTime

BattleStar

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/330007/excessive-hair-growth-on-face-after-chemotherapy

Hello Mary, sorry to hear about your situation. I was diagnosed with stage 4 a little over a year ago. I did extensive radiation in the early part of the year and again mid summer along with a 3 chemo cocktail every 3 weeks and immunotherapy. Im still doing treatment. as far as your unwanted hair problem, its likely from the steroid. I would advise against using Nair. it is a chemical and surely you dont want to use it on your face as it may possibly burn your skin or cause you other problems especially since you are in treatment. if its that bothersome to you, shave it but would use an electric razor versus a blade one. the hair growth will probably stop after you get off the steroid. wishing you the best in your treatment and God bless always

MarySusanBach

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1726327#Comment_1726327

Thanks for the encouragement! I have come to the same decision, I'm going to do something about it. Can't recall if I said I have to do 3 more chemo treatments, and will lose my hair AGAIN, but that could take weeks. I had one this past Monday, boy have I got the shakes and quivers today! I'm still functioning, but just the minimum.

And you know, I hardly see anyone these days! I have neighbors dropping by, which I adore, but no planned events. I just don't know what shape I'll be in!

Thanks again! 🙃

MarySusanBach

MarySusanBach

Ah yes, a fellow warrior. Hugs to you. I get it. Your treatment sounds longer than mine is, as planned - we'll see how it goes. I'm sorry for what you've been going through, and all others on this path. 😣It's a long rough road to be on, and no one can know how it is unless they have to endure it too. Girl, life is rough sometimes.

Sometimes I try to take it as a blessing that I CAN get this good treatment, that we hope works.

As Flannery O'Connor said " I can, with one eye squinted, take it all as a blessing."

Yes, I agree, nair being a chemical is NOT a good thing. I won't be doing that. I've confided in a couple neighbors and friends, and they say it's not noticeable, my hair is light. I think I'm sensitive because I've lived my whole life with electrolysis and thermolysis to remove the hair from my face (I'm hirsute), and so I LOVED having smooth clear facial skin for those few months. It was wonderful.

How does chemotherapy differ from immunotherapy? They seem the same or is immuno taken in pill form (not IV)? I've been confused about that. They always call mine chemotherapy, but I go into a hospital clinic that's labeled immunotherapy.

It sounds like you and I are both getting the sandwich therapies, just in a different order.

God bless you too, as you go down this road. I wish you peace and contentment wherever you can find it. Thank you so much for your reply.

God bless.

Mary

MarySusanBach

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1726356#Comment_1726356

Hi - I like your name - No Time for Cancer. It kinda breaks my heart when a young person has to go through this. Worrying about fertility and all the pressure to look feminine. I have lived a good long time, which somehow eases the extra distress I might feel otherwise.

Yes, the little hand held razors - I plan to get them for the time when I'm not doing chemo anymore (please! let that happen!) I think it might be a good route. Someone commented that after shaving hers didn't grow back, maybe that will happen to me too.

And they just pumped me full of steroids again, so there we go.

I plan to see an aesthetician too - my skin is exhibiting some bumps and rough spots, I want to know what to do about it. So far I use my gentle face moisturizing lotion, and then Aveeno on my body. Trying to care for myself as best as possible.

Thank you for your reply, NoTime, I appreciate it - and wonder about the journey you're on.

God Bless us all, on this tough rough road to better health.

MarySusan