Itchy scalp after chemo....Letrozole?

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I had 4 x EC and 7 x Paclitaxel, ending on the 4th December, so five weeks ago now.

Three weeks ago I had my PICC line out, and that's caused pain in my chest, which is worse when moving and bending (X-ray, ECG, blood tests, pressure and oxygen duly checked band clear) and slight swelling in arm where it entered which I think it just the healing. I started Letrozole (Cipla brand given by the hospital but will collect Accord tomorrow), which I've only taken on alternate days due to the chest pain etc, but will increase to daily in due time, and a Biophosphate infusion last Friday which made me bedridden all Saturday, but better from Sunday onwards. My scalp is now SO itchy! It started last week before the infusion, but continues to worsen at the back and is driving me mad. It's like the end of the first chemo just before it started to fall out. I've about 1-2" hair all over, with longer areas of original hair and don't want to lose it. I'm using the same shampoo and conditioner as I did all through chemo, even leaving the conditioner on all day with no problem when having the cold cap. Is it likely to be the Letrozole??

Tikky over 5 years ago

You could try Rosemary oil, that has a good write up for hair fall out & helping hair growth, and maybe Nizarole for this itchy scalp, I would also recommend, has good write up too. ive just started to take a vitamin that is supposedly good for hair, skin & nails.

I take Lextozole, but my hair fall out I know started when I had Appendicitis, before the Letrozole & Breast cancer diagnosis.

Also noticed the recent bout of IBS that started appendix pains started another hair fall out. I dont suppose Lextrozole helps as it's a hormone Estrogene blocker, but I'm trying the Nizarole shampoo & Rosemary oil & it seems to be working ok for me right now. You can add the Rosemary oil to shampoo & conditioner, also, I do & use it to gently massage into the scalp, after shampooing & before bed. I hope this can help you too.

Kind regards,

Tikky x

Londonmumof2 over 5 years ago in reply to Tikky

Thanks Tikky . I've ordered some from Amazon. Fingers crossed! x

“Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Stephen Hawking,

FormerMember over 5 years ago

I had a pic line in that moved and wouldn't give blood so they removed it,no problem except have to have Iv for Chemo.It restricted my movements and activities.I guess there are pros and cons.What is Letrozole?my scalp is itchy and I am using Plantar shampoo,I use the cold cap and find it ok.

I have itchy piles but wash every few hours cold water,as the usual cremes make it worse.

My hair has thinned but still ok.I cut and thinned it before each Chemo as I have very thick hair ,so the cap can touch the scalp.

It gets better on 8-9 day on wards,well has so I am hoping it will this time around too.

Londonmumof2 over 5 years ago in reply to FormerMember

Hi I also cold capped through chemo, lost most hair but grew more so only had a couple of bald patches at thr back. I've done 4x EC and 7x Paclitaxel after a mastectomy and a few weeks later so I'm coming out the other side of initial active treatment. Letrozole is an AI which removes oestrogen. If you're ER+ you take it for 5 - 10 years, but add it removes about 85% oestrogen from your body is no walk in the park. I'm post menopausal, and had no hot flushes and only mild aches. Two weeks in I'm in pain, having hot flushes, dizziness and itchy to a level that reminded me of the one time my youngest caught heal lice at primary school and we were all affected as she used to br a big hugger!

“Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Stephen Hawking,

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Itchy scalp after chemo....Letrozole?