Eyebrows and Eyelashes

Hello Xena,

Thanks for getting in touch. My name is Denise, I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line. I’ve noticed you have also joined other forum groups and hope you are finding all these supportive and helpful.

I am sorry to read about your struggles with the growth of your eyebrows and eyelashes. This must be very upsetting for you and worrisome if you have expected these to grow back by now. Breast cancer treatments do take its toll on both body and mind and a lot of people are affected by similar concerns. Hormone therapy, such as Tamoxifen, can also cause thinning or hair loss in rare cases.

Many people however find it can take longer for the eyebrows and lashes to grow than their hair. Also, the speed of the hair re-growth is very different and for some can take longer than others.

You can find some information about changes to your eyebrows and eyelashes during treatment here. There are however tips you can try to make changes to your appearance. The Cancer Hair Care charity has some videos and tutorials which you may find helpful. The Look Good Feel Better website also offers some guidance on make -up and have workshops where you can book yourself in if you wish.

I hope this information is useful. Please don’t hesitate to get back in contact by email, webchat or phone, if you need further information or support.

The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks* on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm.

Best wishes, Denise

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us. 

Ref/DK/DT

Thank you for your reply - I think I will just have to accept this is what I am going to look like from now on and it’s just so upsetting.