Hair Loss and thinning after taking Tarceva.

[Chorister]

I was diagnosed with Adenocarcinoma 2 years ago. I had chemotherapy 2 years ago, followed by radiotherapy last year. Then in November I was prescribed Tarceva 150mg. Because of severe side effects I was taken off this tablet after 2 months. Also there was no change in the cancer. However I am still having effects from the tablet. My hair, which I keep quite short, was last cut in the middle of December and has not grown at all and has got very thin. Has anyone experienced this and if so can they offer advice about shampoos, conditioners, oils etc which might help?

[Hidden]

Hi there Chorister,

There is an organisation called Headstrong that is a hairloss advisory service and has locations throughout the UK.

It is run in partnership with Breast Cancer Care, however is not exclusive to Breast cancer patients and I think they are well placed to provide you with the best advice and support.

breastcancercare.org.uk/hea...

Best wishes, Beth, on behalf of information and support.

[Chorister]

Thank you Beth for your reply. However, I live in Bristol and there doesn't seem to be a Breast Cancer Care Group near me. I am hoping that when I have my next hospital appointment shortly the cancer specialist nurse might be able to advise me.

Chorister.

[Hidden in reply to Chorister]

Hi Chorister, have you heard of the Penny Brohn centre? It is actually in Bristol and I'm sure they will be able to help you. pennybrohncancercare.org They also have a helpline number 0845 123 23 10 and a forum on Health Unlocked. I hope this helps.

Best Wishes,

Beth, on behalf of Information and support.

[Chorister in reply to Hidden]

Hi Beth. Yes I have heard of the Penny Brohn Centre. Thank you for reminding me of them.

[jujuju]

Hi I am still on Tarceva .Started it last august and by September my hair was breaking off and thin so I had it cut very short. I am still on Tarceva and it didn't grow at all until February,but I had to have it cut again then and it needs doing now as it grows at a weird angle too and comes in very dark.So after being on it about 5 months it did start to grow.So I am sure yours will too.I tried lots of stuff when it was thinning and breaking but nothing worked so hence the short cut. Now I use stuff with argan oil in as its very sort of rough to touch and still can be brittle.Totally different to my pre cancer hair!Hope you get some results soon.I haven't heard of anyone having permanent loss from Tarceva.Mine was thin after chemo too.Best wishes.Julie x

[Genie123]

Hi I also was on tarceva 15 months ago and was taken of it then I was given iressa and I found my heir was thinning so my heir dresser recommended nioxin for which I have been useing now for 4 months and I must admit it does what it says, it thickens yr heir I love it, I also have the conditioner too there not cheap but worth it. Good luck

[Chorister in reply to Genie123]

Many thanks for your advice. I will certainly try the Nioxin especially as it works for you.

[Genie123]

Hi I also had a slight heir thinning while on my chemo so I used nioxin and it really did work for me too.

Take care

Jean