I have just been diagnosed with breast cancer and have been on Hormone Therapy (Letrozole) for 7 weeks, to try to shrink the lump so that I can have a lumpectomy instead of a mastectomy. I have not had any noticable hair loss so far. I want to have my hair permed (before I loose it with chemo or radiotherapy [I have been advised that I will most likely have to have both, as the lump is right against the chest wall]!) but don’t know if the tablets will affect the perm chemicals (or vice versa). Has anyone any experience of this?
You shouldn’t loose your hair because of radiotherapy, but you are fairly likely to if you need chemo. I would be very surprised if a perm interacted with the letrozole at all, but might be worth a quick call to the helpline to confirm.
Hi Lizakimamd welcome to the BCC forums
Along with the support here, our helpliners are on hand on 0808 800 6000 and lines are open 9-5 weekdays and 10-2 Saturdays so please feel free to call to talk your queries through
I am posting a link to the BCC hair loss information which you may also find helpful later on during treatments:
breastcancercare.org.uk/breast-cancer-hair-loss
Take care
Lucy BCC
Hello Lizaki,
Sorry, I don’t have any experience of having a perm while taking letrozole, but wanted to wish you all the best with the trestment, as I did the same. My tumour was also close to the chest wall, but the letrozole did shrink it - but- took 9 months to get a response -so hang in there.
All the best
Sue