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Eyelashes during/after chemo
As I embark on this new journey beginning with the discovery of a lump onThanksgiving Day to today, one week and a day after a bi-lateral mastectomy and node removal, I am curious abut the chemo journey. I know that I can (translate: should:-) expect to lose my hair, eyebrows and eyelashes. I am already looking into wigs and head cover and can surely figure out how to create some expressive eyebrows, but is it possible to wear false eyelashes throughout the chemo experience?
Anyone?
Thanks for your contribution to my education :-)
Anyone?
Thanks for your contribution to my education :-)
It is amazing to hear all the inspiration from all of you!! My hair all fell out when I went through chemotherapy at 16. It was pin straight and returned curly (now I straighten it all the time...are we ever happy??) My eyebrows thinned and my lashes never feel out. However, the hair on my arms really never came back which is great and most of my body hair came back baby fine. I have started a blog dedicated to addressing all the hair, nail and skin chages that happen during cancer treatments and natural alternatives to alleviate the discomforts that go along with them. I thought I would share my blog which has a great post on hair:
www.blog.cincovidas.com
Hope this helps!!
Love, strength and survival to you all
www.blog.cincovidas.com
Hope this helps!!
Love, strength and survival to you all
Welcome to the bunch!
Biggest advice, keep a positive attitude that you will come through all the upcoming treatments. Everytime I had a new challenge, I would face that one challenge with a countdown...only 3 more, only 2 more...whew...next challenge, please. Still do that for minor challenges.
Chemo can be difficult for some, not so for others. Try all the new anti-nausea drugs. I took Zofran which was the key for me. Doc prescribed it 30 minutes before my "wine" that was what I called A/C and then twice a day until I didn't need it, which ran about 3 days. Plan to be sick at some point (or at least not feel as sporty) for a couple of days, then it's back on the rebound heading to the next treatment. Drink lots of water, take a good vitamin, try to walk everyday.
I didn't work, but then again I was on leave with my babies at the time. Take people's offer to help. People generally want to help, but don't know how. If anyone asks what you need, tell 'em a visit, maybe a casserole (if they cook) or a day out with them to a nice spot for coffee.
Talk with your daughter about everything as she can understand what is happening and won't be frightened as much. Take her when you can so she can see it doesn't have to be the scary unknown.
Best of luck to you. I hope you have a good response (as in not sick) with your chemo. Life doesn't end when the hair falls out, it does get a bit more interesting, though.
Here's to your future!
Lisa
Biggest advice, keep a positive attitude that you will come through all the upcoming treatments. Everytime I had a new challenge, I would face that one challenge with a countdown...only 3 more, only 2 more...whew...next challenge, please. Still do that for minor challenges.
Chemo can be difficult for some, not so for others. Try all the new anti-nausea drugs. I took Zofran which was the key for me. Doc prescribed it 30 minutes before my "wine" that was what I called A/C and then twice a day until I didn't need it, which ran about 3 days. Plan to be sick at some point (or at least not feel as sporty) for a couple of days, then it's back on the rebound heading to the next treatment. Drink lots of water, take a good vitamin, try to walk everyday.
I didn't work, but then again I was on leave with my babies at the time. Take people's offer to help. People generally want to help, but don't know how. If anyone asks what you need, tell 'em a visit, maybe a casserole (if they cook) or a day out with them to a nice spot for coffee.
Talk with your daughter about everything as she can understand what is happening and won't be frightened as much. Take her when you can so she can see it doesn't have to be the scary unknown.
Best of luck to you. I hope you have a good response (as in not sick) with your chemo. Life doesn't end when the hair falls out, it does get a bit more interesting, though.
Here's to your future!
Lisa
Has anyone out there experienced a secondary cancer caused by chemo treatments?
Linda
Linda
Bec - your mother is very lucky to have you for a daughter and you are very brave to have undergone two lumpectomies at such an early age. I am glad you are being so conscientious about your health.
Sheryl
p.s. I was not going to take the time to watch the Youtube video but I am so happy that I did - you are amazing and not even knowing you or your mom, it brought tears to my eyes - thank you.
Sheryl
p.s. I was not going to take the time to watch the Youtube video but I am so happy that I did - you are amazing and not even knowing you or your mom, it brought tears to my eyes - thank you.
Hi everyone. When I was 11, my mom was diagnosed with stage 3 B breast cancer. her tumor was over 10cm when it was removed. she underwent chemo and radiation...and a LOT of surgeries and then reconstruction. (I've pretty much seen it all). I myself have had 2 lumpectomies, both benign. Look, I know cancer inside and out and you're all probably terrified. I really do understand. But I promise you there's hope. I'm 17 now and constantly getting grounded by my very alive mom for not cleaning my room :)
If any of you have any questions about the treatment process, the COPING process, or just need someone to talk to, PLEASE message me.
I dont know any of you but I love you with all my heart.
good luck
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeycahClIJI (just watch it - you'll see)
If any of you have any questions about the treatment process, the COPING process, or just need someone to talk to, PLEASE message me.
I dont know any of you but I love you with all my heart.
good luck
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeycahClIJI (just watch it - you'll see)
I am just a little scared I have just been diagnosed with breast cancer myself. I was told the twins need to be removed although I will miss them they were not being manhandled anyways. I have been divorced for 9 years now. Has anyone done a reconstruction of there breast? I am more terrified of the hair loss than the cancer, call me crazy. I just always have to look my best it does make me feel better and being a single parent of a 9 year daughter I am more afraid for her. I lost my mother 7 years ago to cancer she was only 53 my grandmother before then. I felt all alone until I came across your letters of encouragements. Do any of you ladies work well on chemo? Whats you biggest challenge? May I be apart of your Warrior bunch?
Ladies:
What a fantastic group we are! My cancer sisters are amazing in their resolve to regain control over their lives and that gives me the warm fuzzies.
We are definitely different from the masses in that we are fighting a very specific enemy with all the zeal we can muster. We may be hairless (although I've not begun that part yet being only three weeks post bilateral surgery) but we are not hopeless!
Our "grit" in remaining totally trusting in our higher power (for me that is God), in our medical teams and in the unconditional love and support of our families and friends makes me proud. We are a 'warrior bunch' who are formidable in our numbers and experiences, in our resolve and in the knowledge that this demon is not a death sentence. We have armed ourselves with humor, knowledge, love and support, self-love, and the ability to bounce back. Ladies, I applaud each of you!
Good health,
Linda Bourey
What a fantastic group we are! My cancer sisters are amazing in their resolve to regain control over their lives and that gives me the warm fuzzies.
We are definitely different from the masses in that we are fighting a very specific enemy with all the zeal we can muster. We may be hairless (although I've not begun that part yet being only three weeks post bilateral surgery) but we are not hopeless!
Our "grit" in remaining totally trusting in our higher power (for me that is God), in our medical teams and in the unconditional love and support of our families and friends makes me proud. We are a 'warrior bunch' who are formidable in our numbers and experiences, in our resolve and in the knowledge that this demon is not a death sentence. We have armed ourselves with humor, knowledge, love and support, self-love, and the ability to bounce back. Ladies, I applaud each of you!
Good health,
Linda Bourey
I couldn't bear a hat or wigs because of some major hot flashes (prego or chemo or both, don't know). I was a bit self-conscience at first with the bald thing, but then decided it wasn't worth worrying over. Being comfortable was important. Then, I came up with the 3 top reasons bald is a good thing. Perspective is a great thing. Laughter even better.
1. No bad hair days, ever
2. Save lots of money because you don't need a hairdresser or styling goo stuff
3. You can sleep the extra 20 minutes that you used to have to use to style your hair!
I lost all my head hair, most of my eyelashes and eyebrows (which somehow or other didn't look weird on me, I had to go back and look at pictures to make sure my memory was good on that). Didn't need to shave my legs, arms, etc. That was nice.
Three inch heels do fix many things. A good manicure and pedicure do to. Pamper yourself, make yourself feel good about all this. Most of the bad is just temporary anyway.
And in the end, it'll seem like a bad nightmare that you came through with flying colors and some interesting and different perspectives on life.
Best of luck to all ya'll still in the process. Merry Christmas and may 2008 be a happy, healthy, non-cancerous year! And if someone could find my short-term memory, please return it.
Lisa
1. No bad hair days, ever
2. Save lots of money because you don't need a hairdresser or styling goo stuff
3. You can sleep the extra 20 minutes that you used to have to use to style your hair!
I lost all my head hair, most of my eyelashes and eyebrows (which somehow or other didn't look weird on me, I had to go back and look at pictures to make sure my memory was good on that). Didn't need to shave my legs, arms, etc. That was nice.
Three inch heels do fix many things. A good manicure and pedicure do to. Pamper yourself, make yourself feel good about all this. Most of the bad is just temporary anyway.
And in the end, it'll seem like a bad nightmare that you came through with flying colors and some interesting and different perspectives on life.
Best of luck to all ya'll still in the process. Merry Christmas and may 2008 be a happy, healthy, non-cancerous year! And if someone could find my short-term memory, please return it.
Lisa
Hi Seeking,
i had a mastectomy in Sept. only one side.....i am thru my second round of chemo. 4 more to go!
i lost the majority of my hair (on my head) on day 13 post first chemo treatment. It was too hard trying to style it....lol...every twist of the round brush brought more clumps of bangs out...so my husband gave me the GI jane cut....and now the most of that has fallen out too.....
I still have my eyebrows and eyelashes (knock wood) but they are thinner. Leg and under arm hair has mostly stopped growing...which is a nice break....and the bikini line, lets just say brazilian....
I have bought 3 wigs...why not?? The sad thing about the wigs, that i have to say my mother was right about....is that ''your hair will never look as good ...''
the other day i swore i was on candid camera...3 seperate occassions women came up to me and asked who did my hair....lol...it was hysterical!!!
my sister in law tells me that i need to look more like a cancer patient, i told her i just need more wigs.....lol....its all about perspective....imy attitude is ..if you look okay, you feel okay....oh that and nothing that 3'' hi heels cant fix .....
I guess what im trying to say is this....you have the right attitude...make it work for you. and dont be afraid to look in the mirror every evening when youre getting ready for bed and say with a smile....
poor bald linda.....i say "poor bald darcy" , laugh and turn out the light quickly....:)
i had a mastectomy in Sept. only one side.....i am thru my second round of chemo. 4 more to go!
i lost the majority of my hair (on my head) on day 13 post first chemo treatment. It was too hard trying to style it....lol...every twist of the round brush brought more clumps of bangs out...so my husband gave me the GI jane cut....and now the most of that has fallen out too.....
I still have my eyebrows and eyelashes (knock wood) but they are thinner. Leg and under arm hair has mostly stopped growing...which is a nice break....and the bikini line, lets just say brazilian....
I have bought 3 wigs...why not?? The sad thing about the wigs, that i have to say my mother was right about....is that ''your hair will never look as good ...''
the other day i swore i was on candid camera...3 seperate occassions women came up to me and asked who did my hair....lol...it was hysterical!!!
my sister in law tells me that i need to look more like a cancer patient, i told her i just need more wigs.....lol....its all about perspective....imy attitude is ..if you look okay, you feel okay....oh that and nothing that 3'' hi heels cant fix .....
I guess what im trying to say is this....you have the right attitude...make it work for you. and dont be afraid to look in the mirror every evening when youre getting ready for bed and say with a smile....
poor bald linda.....i say "poor bald darcy" , laugh and turn out the light quickly....:)
God bless you for sharing your story!
I know it will be a little different for each person, but still it is good to hear as many stories as possible. A kindred sisterhood experience, you know? My surgeon had a lady lose her hair 11 days after the first TX so who knows, but I am prepared. And I totally understand you hanging on to the last eyelash or two :-) Prior to the bilateral surgery, I was imaging and preparing to see my scars as "badges of victory" so I reckon I can see the hair loss in much the same way ... and the money I save on hair products, razor blades and mascara can be contributed to breast cancer research .. every little bit helps!
Continued blessings,
Linda
I know it will be a little different for each person, but still it is good to hear as many stories as possible. A kindred sisterhood experience, you know? My surgeon had a lady lose her hair 11 days after the first TX so who knows, but I am prepared. And I totally understand you hanging on to the last eyelash or two :-) Prior to the bilateral surgery, I was imaging and preparing to see my scars as "badges of victory" so I reckon I can see the hair loss in much the same way ... and the money I save on hair products, razor blades and mascara can be contributed to breast cancer research .. every little bit helps!
Continued blessings,
Linda
Hi. I am 11 years out -- keep your faith! Anyway, I was on the typical A/C treatment. I started losing my hair about two days after my second chemo treatment. I was at a local Race for the Cure, where lots of my work friends and my husband were running in my honor. It was quite windy outside, and one particular gust of wind carried a big hunk of my hair away with it! I went the next day and had my stylist shave it all off. I found, after four treatments, that I still had an eyelash or two, and I made sure I put mascara on it every day! It made me feel better somehow. I'm sure I looked ridiculous, but I felt good. The bonus: I didn't have to shave my legs for almost 6 months! You get to live like a man for awhile when you're bald -- you can be showered and out the door in 15 minutes. And my eyebrows thinned a bit but I never lost them altogether. My nurse told me that eyebrows are not like the rest of your hair, they're like dog hair, so you typically don't lose them completely. I know this is more info than you asked for -- but it's always good to prepare. Good luck, and stay strong.
You sound like a lady who "has it together" which is extremely difficult to do with the decisions you have had to make. I am just about to hit the four-year mark of being cancer free and now it just seems like a distant nightmare but still mindful that I need to be cautious.
Take care.
Take care.
Thank you .. I had a feeling that the eylashes might be a challenge at best :-) Someone suggested it to me but I was leaning toward the liner anyway.
I saw a lady's website where it took her hair over a year to grow back to only really short, but like everything else, it will be an individual thing dependent upon so many things like the chemo used, the frequency and length of treatments, my nutritional health, ec. While I am not eager to begin this chemo path, I am eager to get to the healthy end of it, therefore I am prepared to face it fully with a positive and pro-active mindset, just as I did the surgery. When given the choice of a quadrantectomy and radiation or just a mastectomy, I did research, meditated and prayed and finally opted for a bilateral mastectomy which did include removing 20 lymph nodes (only one of which was cancerous .. yea). My decison was not made out of fear but prudence -- mindful that the radiation may make spotting any new relapse in that breast difficult and knowing that the possibility (however slim) was that I may be called upon in later years to have the other breast removed. Being large-breasted, my decision seemed to be the most sensible and my healthcare team, my husband and I are all in agreement that my choice is a good one.
I am so grateful to have this network of women sharing their experience .. thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Linda
I saw a lady's website where it took her hair over a year to grow back to only really short, but like everything else, it will be an individual thing dependent upon so many things like the chemo used, the frequency and length of treatments, my nutritional health, ec. While I am not eager to begin this chemo path, I am eager to get to the healthy end of it, therefore I am prepared to face it fully with a positive and pro-active mindset, just as I did the surgery. When given the choice of a quadrantectomy and radiation or just a mastectomy, I did research, meditated and prayed and finally opted for a bilateral mastectomy which did include removing 20 lymph nodes (only one of which was cancerous .. yea). My decison was not made out of fear but prudence -- mindful that the radiation may make spotting any new relapse in that breast difficult and knowing that the possibility (however slim) was that I may be called upon in later years to have the other breast removed. Being large-breasted, my decision seemed to be the most sensible and my healthcare team, my husband and I are all in agreement that my choice is a good one.
I am so grateful to have this network of women sharing their experience .. thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Linda
I had four rounds of AC and my eyelashes were the last to go but seemed to grow back fairly quickly. I haven't heard of anyone using false eyelashes but don't think it would work out very well. Good luck - before you know it you'll be going for your first post-chemo haircut - what a thrill that was!!
I know some who have done so...without very good results...and your eyes are apt to be itchy and or dry. Fake it with a soft liner pencil or a liner you put on with a stiff brush...like Smashbox. you just dab that, not drag it on the lid....a eyebrow powder and brush work well too....a much softer look than pencil
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