1. < Breast Cancer

Eyelashes Never Grew Back After Chemo

Posted by sarahmh @sarahmh, Nov 19 6:27pm

Hello Everyone! Minor question ahead. I had four cycles of TC chemo (taxotere and cytoxan) from 12/21-2/22. I lost all my hair exactly when my oncologist predicted (two weeks after the first infusion). My eyebrows and eyelashes held on until the end, but then I lost most of those after my last infusion. My hair started growing in beautifully right away, curly when it used to be straight! The thing is, my eyelashes haven’t come back at all. I have a very little bit of sparse, stubby lashes; I can’t even put mascara on them, they’re that short. Has anyone else had this issue? Did your lashes eventually come back? I always forget to ask my onc about this, and it really isn’t a big deal for me. I just bring it up now because I went to an event this weekend and actually wore makeup (a rare occurrence) and couldn’t get mascara on these itty bitty eyelashes 👁️

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.

kayanonsen | @kayanonsen | Nov 20 10:47am

well I haven't started chemo yet, but I heard about the eyelashes falling out. I didn't know they wouldn't grow back though. I guess that's the end of mascara for us!

REPLY
markymarkfl | @markymarkfl | Nov 20 11:14am

Has anyone tried Latisse (bimatoprost) for regrowth after chemo? Looks like it may have potential.
https://www.verywellhealth.com/using-latisse-for-chemotherapy-induced-eyelash-loss-513902#:~:text=For%20those%20who%20have%20lost,for%20eyelash%20growth%20and%20darkening.
60-yo male here. My eyelashes and eyebrows have completely fallen out w/ chemo for pancreatic cancer. No hope for my eyes or my scalp unless I switch chemo regimens, but it's a tradeoff I'm OK with while chemo seems to be working.

There might also be a use for "LDOM" (Low-dose oral minoxidil) — basically Rogaine back in its original formulation as an oral blood pressure med, but at much lower doses. It has gotten some good reports for hair regrowth on the scalp; might help w/ eyelashes & brows. Might be counterproductive if still on a systemic chemo — if it improves blood flow the hair follicle, it might also deliver more damage (chemo) there as well.

I assume a hair loss specialist would have more detailed, up to date info.

Best wishes to all of you!

REPLY
2 replies
cmdw2600 | @cmdw2600 | Nov 21 7:18am
In reply to @markymarkfl "Has anyone tried Latisse (bimatoprost) for regrowth after chemo? Looks like it may have potential. https://www.verywellhealth.com/using-latisse-for-chemotherapy-induced-eyelash-loss-513902#:~:text=For%20those%20who%20have%20lost,for%20eyelash%20growth%20and%20darkening...." + (show)
@markymarkfl

Has anyone tried Latisse (bimatoprost) for regrowth after chemo? Looks like it may have potential.
https://www.verywellhealth.com/using-latisse-for-chemotherapy-induced-eyelash-loss-513902#:~:text=For%20those%20who%20have%20lost,for%20eyelash%20growth%20and%20darkening.
60-yo male here. My eyelashes and eyebrows have completely fallen out w/ chemo for pancreatic cancer. No hope for my eyes or my scalp unless I switch chemo regimens, but it's a tradeoff I'm OK with while chemo seems to be working.

There might also be a use for "LDOM" (Low-dose oral minoxidil) — basically Rogaine back in its original formulation as an oral blood pressure med, but at much lower doses. It has gotten some good reports for hair regrowth on the scalp; might help w/ eyelashes & brows. Might be counterproductive if still on a systemic chemo — if it improves blood flow the hair follicle, it might also deliver more damage (chemo) there as well.

I assume a hair loss specialist would have more detailed, up to date info.

Best wishes to all of you!

Jump to this post

I lost my lashes and brows during Taxol infusions. They eventually came back and I even had a double row of lashes for a very short time. Then the lashes thinned to what they had been before treatment and I began using generic Latisse. You need a prescription and I recommend using Good Rx app or website to get the best price.

Best wishes, Cindy

REPLY
1 reply
cjs123172 | @cjs123172 | Nov 21 7:19am

I used Primelash and my eyelashes grew back in about 4 weeks after they fell out. I used it for months to build strength.

REPLY
dlmdinia | @dlmdinia | Nov 21 8:31am

I had chemo (A/C and Taxol) in 2020. My eyelashes were never long or full, but 3 years later they are short, sparse, barely there. I'm on an estrogen blocker for two more years and was hoping when I came off it the lashes would improve. I guess not. Oh, well. I was never big on makeup anyway. If I do anything with makeup, I use a bit of eyeliner, and brow crayon. Yes, the eyebrows took a beating as well both in quantity and color. I'm 69, so the color may be somewhat age related.
When I attended a wedding last year I went to the local Merle Norman to let them do my makeup. The owner special ordered eyelashes that were also very sparse so that added onto mine they looked completely natural. Well, at least I no longer shave my legs.

REPLY
cmdw2600 | @cmdw2600 | Nov 22 6:38am
In reply to @cmdw2600 "I lost my lashes and brows during Taxol infusions. They eventually came back and I even..." + (show)
@cmdw2600

I lost my lashes and brows during Taxol infusions. They eventually came back and I even had a double row of lashes for a very short time. Then the lashes thinned to what they had been before treatment and I began using generic Latisse. You need a prescription and I recommend using Good Rx app or website to get the best price.

Best wishes, Cindy

Jump to this post

I neglected to mention that the generic Latisse worked! You apply a drop or two to a small brush ( provided with prescription) and swipe it along your lash line. Do this nightly until desired results are reached and then you can taper down to 3-4 times per week. I am still using so I don’t know what happens if/when you stop.

Cindy

REPLY
sarahmh | @sarahmh | Nov 22 1:56pm
In reply to @markymarkfl "Has anyone tried Latisse (bimatoprost) for regrowth after chemo? Looks like it may have potential. https://www.verywellhealth.com/using-latisse-for-chemotherapy-induced-eyelash-loss-513902#:~:text=For%20those%20who%20have%20lost,for%20eyelash%20growth%20and%20darkening...." + (show)
@markymarkfl

Has anyone tried Latisse (bimatoprost) for regrowth after chemo? Looks like it may have potential.
https://www.verywellhealth.com/using-latisse-for-chemotherapy-induced-eyelash-loss-513902#:~:text=For%20those%20who%20have%20lost,for%20eyelash%20growth%20and%20darkening.
60-yo male here. My eyelashes and eyebrows have completely fallen out w/ chemo for pancreatic cancer. No hope for my eyes or my scalp unless I switch chemo regimens, but it's a tradeoff I'm OK with while chemo seems to be working.

There might also be a use for "LDOM" (Low-dose oral minoxidil) — basically Rogaine back in its original formulation as an oral blood pressure med, but at much lower doses. It has gotten some good reports for hair regrowth on the scalp; might help w/ eyelashes & brows. Might be counterproductive if still on a systemic chemo — if it improves blood flow the hair follicle, it might also deliver more damage (chemo) there as well.

I assume a hair loss specialist would have more detailed, up to date info.

Best wishes to all of you!

Jump to this post

I’m seeing a dermatologist soon; I will ask about Latisse! I assumed it wouldn’t be covered by insurance since it’s “cosmetic,” but maybe because I lost my lashes because of chemo, a cancer diagnosis code may get them to cover it. Thanks!

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.