Hi,I have been searching through the internet for options to not loose eyelashes during chemo. I came up with Latisse. Any experience here? And where to buy it in Australia?Thanks

I only lost all my eyelashes right at the end and they were back fairly quickly. I just used a light soft pencil eyeliner and some natural eye shadow and nobody noticed they were gone unless I pointed it out.

I still have lashes and eyebrows. We are all so very different. I had the same concerns as you. I've had a good experience so far re chemo, not too many can sat that. Remember sometimes things arnt as bad as what our thoughts tell us they r . B kind to you x

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Perhaps get some medical advice on this? Some websites indicate it can have some adverse effects and it may still not stop your eyelashes going as it seems designed to promote longer length growth not combat the effects of chemo. Hair tends to go in relation to how fast it grows, as chemo targets fast growing cells, so head hair goes first and eyebrows and eyelashes much more slowly. Last thing you want is to use a product that risks any further harm!

@Arhaz, losing my hair was hard but I hated not having eyebrows and eyelashes. I looked so weird. But I only lost them in the last part of my chemo. Certainly get that you're trying to preserve them but it may be in vain. That damn chemo. I wear glasses so I guess it was less noticible. As to how to react to the plethora of shite comment and ridiculous platitudes: well I don't really have any advice...except to say it will depend on how you are feeling as to how you feel/react. Keep the people around you who really care. Be honest about your symptoms and how you are feeling. The public face of cancer is a smile, bald head and 'yep I'm kicking cancers arse' vibe about you - oh yeah, and I'm so strong and brave ( that's what people will tell you). The private face of cancer for me was quietly at home, feeling unwell some weeks, sad, miserable, allowing myself to wallow in it all, scared, overwhelmed, in pain, tearful - but that was really for short periods then I'd dust myself off, pick myself up and off I'd go again! Your resolve and inner strength is certainly tested when the body is physically tested. My standard response to people with the brave, strong you're inspirational crap comments was usually just to say "no, I'm just trying to survive". Big big hugs, Bec xxxooo

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Zoffiel
Member
8 years ago
Practice the Death Stare @arhaz
If you can't manage to get it to the stage you can turn people to stone (ultimate goal) you can work on looking sufficiently deranged that most idiots will beat a hasty retreat. The key is perfecting the thousand yard gaze without sticking your tongue out because you are concentrating too hard.
Seriously though, most people mean well. They may be hopelessly inept at expressing support or care, but they are trying. Some people are absolute shits and deserve to be turned into grease spots on the pavement. Marg xx
Anonymous
8 years ago
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Arhaz
Member
8 years ago
Thanks @Joannie. Nice advices :) I was also thinking about this, that I should change my view on this and build up resilience. I am working on it, hopefully I get there soon :)
I live in eastern suburb. Cheers
Anonymous
8 years ago
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Arhaz
Member
8 years ago
Thanks everyone. It was annoying for me that I heard them from medical team like hospital nurses, radiologist and oncologist. They’re all very friendly but they tease me by these wordings :| .
Anonymous
8 years ago
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Gonski
Member
8 years ago
I still have lashes and eyebrows. We are all so very different. I had the same concerns as you. I've had a good experience so far re chemo, not too many can sat that. Remember sometimes things arnt as bad as what our thoughts tell us they r . B kind to you x
primek
Member
8 years ago
I lost mine completely so nothing to stick them too. Haha
Sunshine0206
Member
8 years ago
Hi

I have fake eyelashes applied every 2/3 weeks. I checked with my oncologist about the safety of using this product and his response was “ there is no evidence based research to say you cannot or should not use them”.

My natural black lashes thinned and lost pigment completely. The lash technician was able to attach to what was left - she used volume lashes. They are growing back now.

This could be an option.

x
Afraser
Member
8 years ago
Depends a lot on what your side effects are! Losing my hair wasn't noticeable to most people - I wore a wig, most people didn't know my hair had gone and as I wear glasses, my eyebrows and eyelashes aren't so visible. They lasted reasonably well and eyeliner and eyebrow pencil worked well for the rest of the time. I didn't have nausea or fatigue - both of which must be really hard to deal with. I looked really well so while I made no secret of treatment, workmates and most people treated me normally because that's what they saw. I was lucky enough to maintain a normal life, so apart from some occasional "fed up with the whole thing" moments, I got through chemo. My major side effects were later, I have an arrhythmia (which is easy to manage), lymphoedema (ditto) and my feet have never really recovered from peripheral neuropathy. Apart from taking some pills, wearing a compression sleeve (which you can learn to hate or learn to get used to), my only long term side effect is giving up heels! For which, having worn them for five decades, mostly the higher the better, my hamstrings and knees are eternally grateful!