Hair and Nails aren't growing (No treatment started yet)

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cardsfb
cardsfb Member Posts: 2
edited June 2014 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment

I had my mastectomy for DCIS on July 19th.  On July 20th, I had to go back into surgery because of a hematoma.  I was released from the hospital on July 20th.  I was doing great until this last week and went in for doctor appointment.  The fluid build up because of the swelling and hematoma caused my doctor to drain 180 CC of fluid.  I still have fluid that has gone to my backside.  I have noticed since surgery my nails aren't growing.  My hair is not growing much and finding it on my pillow.  Does anyone know if this is normal? I don't have to have chemo or radiation since I had radiation with my last DCIS in 2006.  I will be seeing an Oncologist to get on some type of pill for the BC.  That raises more questions for me.  I had DCIS in 2006 with radiation, I had a total hysterectomy in 2007.  I wonder what pill they will put me on?  My sister took tamoxifin for 5 years.  Yes, this BC runs heavily in my family.  My mom had DCIS with radiation last year.  Both mom and sister did the gene testing and are negative.  Any others have trouble with the hair and nail problem after surgery?  I know chemo side effects are a whole nother ball game but I don't have to have chemo.  Thanks and best wishes to all!!! 

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  • melmcbee
    melmcbee Member Posts: 1,119
    edited August 2012

    Welcome Cardsfb, Im sorry for the problems you are having but I wanted to say welcome. There is alot of good advice on this forum. I had a bmx on the 9th of july and I am still swollen. My nails are a mess cause I am constantly chewing on them. But they were a mess before my surgery and I was just joking with a friend of mine about my hair falling out and I havent even had chemo yet. I would guess that our bodies is taken alot more nutrients to fight the surgeries and the disease and I know I am not getting enough vitamins and nutrients. So maybe we are just in need of more good stuff. Best wishes to you

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  • cardsfb
    cardsfb Member Posts: 2
    edited August 2012

    I am lucky I don't have to have chemo and had radiation in 2006.  I am still swollen and black/blue in the area because of the hematoma.  Normally my hair grows alot. I do take my vitamins and eat very healthy.  I would like to start walking daily and some exercising but understand not to overdue it.  Good luck to you!!!

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  • sdstarfish
    sdstarfish Member Posts: 544
    edited August 2012

    Can you eat peanuts? They contain biotin, which helps hair grow. Another thing that's great for hair growth is rosemary. It stimulates circulation in the scalp, especially if you make a 'tea' with it to put on your hair twice a week. Do you happen to have any access to rosemary?

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  • SillyMama
    SillyMama Member Posts: 173
    edited August 2012

    About the hair loss: For most of my adult life (I'm 59), I've noticed that following a traumatic event or serious illness, I lose a lot of hair. I don't know about the nails, but stress can cause a lot of things! With what you've been through lately, I'm not a bit surprised you're losing some hair!

    Hang in there! ((hugs))

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