Hi I am about to start my 3 cycle of Ribo, the only real side effects apart from a low white count is my hair has thinned. I am not sure if it is the Ribo and Leterzole combined that is causing it however if I took a half dose of Ribo would it improve.
Hi hodge
Thank you for posting.
Side effects of ribociclib and letrozole may include hair thinning and ribociclib can temporarily affect the number of healthy blood cells in the body including the white blood cells.
It’s understandable you’re wondering whether the combination of these drugs is contributing to these side effects, and this may be the case. However, you shouldn’t half the dose of ribociclib without speaking to your treatment team. They will request regular blood tests to monitor your blood count and if appropriate may suggest a dose reduction.
Hair loss or hair thinning can be difficult to live with particularly as it may continue until treatment finishes, which is typically five to ten years for hormone treatment. When hormone therapy finishes, hair will usually start growing back. This may take some time and for some, their hair may not fully return to the same thickness.
As well as our information about Breast cancer and hair loss, there are a number of organisations, such as Cancer Hair Care, and Look Good Feel Better who offer specific support to women experiencing hair thinning or loss from cancer treatment. Your breast care nurse or treatment team may also be able to signpost you to local services in your area.
We offer a range of free supportive services which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.
In particular, talking to someone who has had a similar experience can often be helpful. Our Someone Like Me service can match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. You can be in touch with your volunteer by phone or email and they can share their personal experiences to answer your questions, offer support, or simply listen to how you are feeling.
You can ring the Someone Like Me team on 0800 138 6551 or email them at someone.likeme@breastcancernow.org, so they can then match you to your volunteer.
You are also welcome to call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.
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Best wishes
Val
Breast Care Nurse
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