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Alectinib (Alecensa)

Dazzydot
  • 1 reply
  • 38 subscribers
  • 118 views

Hi, I'm stage 4 lung cancer that's spread to liver, bones & brain before it was diagnosed. 

My question might seem daft to some, but I don't like going grey. I've always coloured my hair but was told if your having chemo you can't colour it. 

I have not lost my hair but it has thinned out a little. Can I go go back to colouring my hair whilst I'm taking chemo Alectinib capsules ??

I've tried the spray in stuff & it was horrible to get out. Just felt like stiff lacquer.

How do I find out for definite whether I can colour or not please.

Many thanks in advance

  • Hi Dazzydot

     

    Welcome to the Online Community here at Macmillan. I hope you find it a helpful place to access support and ask questions. My name is Vanessa, and I am one of the cancer information nurses here at the Macmillan Cancer Support Line.

    I’m sorry to hear of your diagnosis of lung cancer. I’m pleased you have felt able to contact us. Please don’t feel your question is ‘daft’, hair is such a big part of how we see ourselves.

    Here at the Macmillan Support Line, we can give general advice and support. We are independent from the NHS and don’t have access to medical records so can’t give personalised information.  

    Alectinib is a targeted therapy drug and unfortunately its side effects include skin changes including dryness and rashes. For this reason, your treatment team may still advise that you avoid colouring your hair. We cannot advise on this. If you have an allocated nurse specialist you could contact them in the first instance, and they should be able to advise further.

    You may also find it helpful to have a look at some of the organisations who can help support you with hair related issues. These include:  Cancer Hair Care and My New Hair.

    In addition, look good feel better offers a range of workshops including ‘styling for confidence’ and a ‘hair loss, scalp care and new growth workshop’.

    We also have Boots Macmillan Beauty Advisors across the UK who can help you feel a little more like yourself.

    I hope you find this information helpful. You can also always call one of our nurses directly if you want to talk over your concerns or require any further support.

     

    Take care

     

    Vanessa G, 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 send us an email. 

    Ref VG/SA

     

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