Can we get perms or not?

[AuntC]

Hi Ladies, I was just wondering if any of you have had a perm while on Ibrance? I asked my onc and she wasn't sure, so I know someone here will have the answer.

Thank you so much.

[Discocat]

Hi, Early on after diagnosis, I asked my onc if I should avoid chemicals like strong cleaning products and hair dyes etc…as I was considering if I should go organic and stop colouring my hair etc. She said no reason to avoid any such things…just advised me to stay active, eat healthy and drink lots of water.

The only time I was cautioned was while my liver enzymes flared up…and even then it was about not taking any over the counter meds or remedies that might tip the load on my liver as we were waiting for the levels to drop to restart my treatments.

Not sure however what is in the perm stuff? I’ve continued to colour my hair ever 4 weeks and use regular hair and beauty products since diagnosis just over a year ago…so far things have been stable with reduction to primary and improved bone density.

Best wishes

Zoe xxx

[AuntC in reply to Discocat]

Thank you for your reply & best wishes to you also.

[mizcaliflower]

I have not had any perms nor have I colored my hair since my diagnosis in December 2021.

Ibrance made my hair fall out. Chemo did not. Ibrance also made my liver enzymes high, so the dr told me to stop it. It was also making me sad and depressed and sick.

He wants me to take it again now, but since stopping it, I've not been sad, depressed, or sick. AND... my hair is growing.

I've prayed about it and Jesus has not given me any indication to take that poison anymore. I've had 29 radiation treatments back in Dec-Feb. Eight chemo infusions via Lumbar puncture, Now I have Phesgo? infusion via a shot in my thigh. That feels like a hornet sting. I'm not taking any other medication.

When I was diagnosed, I was on three blood pressure meds, that did NOT reduce my b/p. Morphine for pain, and dexamethasone for headaches and backache.

In January I went to ER for "pitting edema" and admitted for the third time. Turned out to have a small blood clot in my left calf. So I took a blood thinner (Eliquis) for three months. The clot is gone, my heart is great. Now that I'm not on Ibrance anymore, I feel really good. I just have a back/leg issue that causes some minor pain and difficulty walking. I was in a walker till March of this year. Now I'm just using a cane. I'm lifting light weights and bouncing on the rebounder. Soon I'll be jumping on the rebounder. (mini trampoline)

I have Stage IV MBC. Metastasized to my cerebral spinal fluid and bones. Her 2 Neu, estrogen dominant Breast cancer and Lepto menengeal. (spinal fluid)

I believe that Jesus has already healed me. The chemo nurse told me last week I'd be on chemo for the rest of my life. I probably will not.

As with the Ibrance, I'm not taking it and being sick. If Jesus is going to take me through this cancer journey, (and I believe He is) I don't see the point in taking medication that makes me sick. The chemo is enough for now.

I'm not rebelling, I just know my own body.

Sorry, this turned into more than a perm and hair color... oops.

😜

[AuntC in reply to mizcaliflower]

I'm so sorry you're having such a hard time. Keep the faith and I believe Jesus will take care of us. Just keep thanking Him for your healing. That's what I do. I'll keep you in my prayers.

[kearnan in reply to mizcaliflower]

You say Jesus, with with your prayers, has not given you any indication that you should be taking the medication, correct? Then even with prayers, what indication has he given you that you should NOT be taking the medication?

Yes, I am also spiritual and believe that Jesus expects us to do our part. I just ask him to give me the strength to have the fight I used to have. It is similar in the Bible when the Pharisees ask Jesus (in order to trap him) whether than if he feels they should bother paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus knew what they were doing and he replied Whose face is on the coin and they all responded Caesar." Jesus replied: "Well then pay to Caesar what belongs to him and pay to God what belongs to him." Meaning there are doctors and medications and such and I think Jesus expect us to do our part. We just cannot pray for the cancer to disappear. So we follow what the specialists tell us, but we can continue to pray to God for the strength to bear what lies ahead.

I always considered myself lucky. I was 57 when diagnosed. I am now 62. There are many many worse diseases like ALS, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease and the one Bruce Willis is now suffering when you slowly but surely lost your ability to talk, move your hands, walk....it is a painful slow condition.

I can still see, walk, cry, love, hear, etc. There are many more conditions out that that quickly rob a person of even being able to care for themselves. I thank God that I got it late in life.

[kokopelli2017 in reply to kearnan]

well said kearnan👍.

[AuntC in reply to kearnan]

I truly believe Jesus does wait for us to ask HIM for help and HE will put something or someone in our path to help us.

[Merma]

I’ve been on Ibrance for over 4 ½ years. After chemo, my hair grew in weird. Getting my hair straightened made me FEEL better. My onc had no objections and my hair instantly became more manageable.

[Contrarielle]

Hi, given there is no hard evidence not too, if it makes you happy do it. I prefer to avoid strong solvents such as in nail bars and I stopped dying my hair 6 years ago. Hair dye is a known carcinogen and particularly implicated on bladder and renal cancers. One cancer is enough for me. But given we all have a somewhat shortened life expectancy anyway, I think if it makes you happy and feel good do it!

[Beryl71]

I've just been cautious, and took the attitude that if I'm having a medical poison in my body I'd avoid all others. So have erred towards natural and organic products. No more hair dyes, although I do occasionally get my eyebrows done. I'm lucky that my new partner likes me as I am au natural! And having him in my life has helped my confidence, so less need to boost myself in other ways. But we all enjoy different things, and if your treatment is working for you, do what you enjoy! X

[PJBinMI]

I've not gotten a perm since mbc diagnosis in 2004, but did continue to dye my hair. I don't think it caused any health issues. If you are going to do the perm yourself, I think it would be wise to follow the directions about doing a small test area.

[Gingerann1]

Hi AuntC! I don’t think there are any restrictions on using those types of hair products however I would caution that Ibrance (and Faslodex)has thinned my hair, caused breakage and has become extremely dry to the point of having to get a really short cut to even it out enough not to have to wear a wig. Products like perms would be a disaster for my hair so I would be careful and at the least, not do it so often.

[kearnan in reply to Gingerann1]

Social worker at cancer center when I was first put on Ibrance told me to buy pillow cases as they were less harsh on the hair at night. Immediately ordered several silk pillow cases from Amazon (where else LOL) I was only on it for 3 months and though I had hair loss, it was not even noticeable. Until the first time I vacuumed my large area rug. When I went to clean the filter it was packed with hair as if I had a large hairy pet. I was shocked. But it was still not noticeable. I still love my silk pillow cases through.

[AuntC in reply to kearnan]

Silk pillow cases sounds really nice. I'll be checking them out ...on Amazon of course.Thanks

[NPmary]

It's amazing to me that you are asking this - l am guessing that lbrance has not changed your hair much! I would never consider a permanent because lbrance has made my hair super curly it used to be a little wavy now it's all curls and dry, brittle, fragile hair as well as hair loss.That's why l am guessing the med hasn't affected your hair. I just read your profile, l hope you are still pain free. ❤️🌺❤️

[LadyKatarina]

I'd say check with your hair dresser. Experienced ones at good salons know a lot about how harsh the chemicals are. And they know about how the cancer treatments affect the hair follicles. Mine has been a good source of information on this 4 year journey. Best to you! Kay

[Dflur]

I don’t get perms but I do color my gray! Never stopped. I’m on ibrance and anastrozole, 3 years in September.

[Suzianna10]

Hi, I’ve been on Ibrance 1 year and I reckon I’ve lost 40 percent of my hair. However, I did have a lot before though it’s always been very fine and it doesn’t look too bad at the moment. I used to wash it every day but now I only need to wash it once per week as it is so dry . My son gets married this weekend, I had a light perm in February with no ill effects and I had some very fine tinted highlights put in last week around the front only ‘for a sun kissed look’ and no problem. I like it.

My hair has not suffered from either. I was advised best not to have these done just in case it went wrong but I felt my hair was strong enough to take it and took a risk. I’m delighted with the outcome.

Before cancer I had a light perm every 4 months. Now I wait until it has completely grown out before having another. I think you need to judge yourself whether your hair is strong enough but I suppose it’s always a risk. I hope some of these comments may help you x

[AuntC]

Thank you all. I have always done my own perms but this time I will definitely test an area first.