Hi everyone
I was diagnosed with breast cancer a year ago and completed my chemo in September 2022 and all other treatment in December 2022. I am still having herceptin injections every 3 weeks which will last until August 2023 and am taking tamoxifen for at least 5 years. I know I have been very lucky with my treatment and for that I am very grateful but I am so overwhelmed with my appearance. Whilst my hair is growing back, my eyebrows and eyelashes are so thin and sparse and no where near what they were before I started treatment. I am so upset that they are not going to come back - I know this may sound vain but it really bothers me. Just wondering if anyone else has had or is having a similar experience?
Hi Xena and welcome to the Online Community but I am sorry to hear about your diagnoses and your ongoing challenges.
The cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but reaching out to the community will give you the opportunity to ask questions and getting support from others who are navigating the ‘exact’ same journey.
The Community is actually divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend consider joining our supportive Breast cancer support group. This is a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
To join a group first click on the “Bold Link” I have created above then once the group page opens click on “Click to Join” when the black banner appears or “Join” under “Group Tools” (this all depends on the device you are using)
You can then put up your own post when you’re ready by clicking “+new” or “+” in the top right next to the group title. You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post. You can also scroll through other members posts and click “Reply” to get involved.
Our Support Line teams are available 7 days a week, 8am-8pm on freephone 0808 808 00 00, email or live webchat where you will find one of team there to help you out. We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing.
Do get back to me if you need further help.
Hello Xena,
My eyelashes and eyebrows fell out during chemo, came back and then got thinner again. I used a little castor oil to condition them and tried to leave them alone as much as I could to let them recover. (My chemo finished in August 2022) It's not vain at all- and I understand why it bothers you.
Changes to your eyebrows and eyelashes during treatment | Macmillan Cancer Support
I found this link helpful when I was worrying about mine. Mine are back now and although I think they are slightly thinner they look ok.
Take Care
Jane
I would say that it is only in about the last month that mine are looking more like they were but I am still nervous to wear mascara in case they come out again. That's why I have tried the castor oil to condition them. There are lots of eyelash serums around but I was recommended the castor oil and I think it has helped. I used the cooling cap so didn't loose all my hair/ just had thinning- however it is only in the last month that I would say the texture and condition is returning somewhat to pre chemo. My skin is also still quite dry. My nails are not so brittle as they were but still not back to pre chemo. It has taken a lot longer to get over the chemo than I thought!
I wonder if it is worth asking about the herceptin and tamoxifen at your next appointment to see if they affect how your eyelashes grow back- just a thought?
