New Clinical Trial By US Oncology Research Tests Chemotherapy-Induced Hair Loss Therapy

US Oncology Research, one of the leading community-based cancer research networks in America based in The Woodlands, Texas, and Baylor College of Medicine, have launched a clinical trial titled “Scalp Cooling Alopecia Prevention Trial” (SCALP), which will examine an existing scalp cooling system aiming to critically reduce or completely stop chemotherapy-related hair loss, which occurs in about 65% of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and is one of the most disturbing and stressful factors in cancer patient care.

So far, a total of 15 patients have registered and approximately 50 more are being recruited at three US Oncology Research sites: Texas Oncology-Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center, Dallas, Texas, led by Cynthia Osborne, M.D.; Texas Oncology-Memorial City, Houston, Texas, led by Frankie Ann Holmes, M.D., and Hematology-Oncology Associates of Northern New Jersey, P.A., Morristown, N.J., led by Steven Papish, M.D., F.A.C.P.

Newly diagnosed female patients (18 years or older) with stage 1-2 breast cancer planning to undergo at least 4 cycles of full-dose anthracycline or taxane neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy are encouraged to contact one of these three participating centers for more information.

Here is the link for the trial and contact information for recruiting:
http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01986140

Hodgkins Lymphoma and Hair Loss

Read a recent review on Yelp from one of our clients! Thank you for sharing your experience with us to the world Megan!

"If there were more than 5 stars available, I would use that to rate Ricky Knowles Hair & wellness. I was recently diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma and undergoing chemotherapy treatment. As a 32 year old woman who is active and social, losing my hair has been one of the most dreaded parts of this whole experience for me.

That is...until I was directed to Ricky Knowles H&W by a friend and survivor who used their services for her treatment. Kristen and Ricky are of the utmost in professionalism, so incredibly knowledgeable about not only the hair loss portion of chemotherapy - but honestly knew so many tips and tricks to pass along about cancer in general. I left excited to have a wig, confident with how I would look, and with my friends who came with me jealous that they don't get to be fashioned a wig by these experts.

They truly transformed what I anticipated to be a horrifically negative and sad experience into what I call a 'pep rally for my cancer treatment.' So positive, so reassuring, unbelievable customer service, and demonstrated deep expertise on all things related to hair loss and the options available.

This place is a miracle and I'm so grateful to have found them just in time." - Megan R. (Austin, TX)

Clinical Trial to Research Breast Cancer Hair Loss Prevention

Researchers from the Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center at Baylor College of Medicine are recruiting newly diagnosed breast cancer patients to participate in a new clinical trial testing the safety and efficacy of an investigational scalp cooling device to prevent hair loss associated with chemotherapy.

Participants interested in enrolling in the study must:

Have a new diagnosis of breast cancer stage 1 or 2 and under the age of 70

Plan to undergo neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy with curative intent

Chemotherapy must be planned for at least four cycles of full-dose anthracycline or taxane based chemotherapy regimen, defined as one of the following chemotherapy regimens:

Adriamycin 60mg/m2 with cyclophosphamide 600mg/m2

Epirubicin 90-100mg/m2 with cyclophosphamide 600mg/m2

Paclitaxel 80mg-90/m2 weekly (every three weeks constitute a cycle), or 175 mg/m2 every 2-3 weeks as a single agent

Docetaxel 100mg/m2 as a single agent

Docetaxel 75mg/m2 with cyclophosphamide 600mg/m2

Docetaxel 75mg/m2 with carboplatin AUC of 6 and traztuzumab at standard doses

Study participants will be followed until 2-4 weeks after completion of chemotherapy when the final alopecia (hair loss) assessment will occur and the questionnaires will be administered. For more information or to enroll, please call Afife Batarse at 713-798-1911.

We are hopeful that there will be a breakthrough in preventing hair loss for cancer patients in the near future.  In the meantime, our team at Ricky Knowles Hair & Wellness specializes in creating a private and supportive environment for our clients.  If you are looking for a hair duplication solution while you are undergoing cancer treatment, please call us at 713-623-4247.

Preventative Mastectomy is an Option for Women Who are at a Very High Risk

From the Meadville Tribune

People around the world were shocked to learn that actress and activist Angelina Jolie opted to have a double mastectomy in 2013 to reduce her risk of breast cancer. Jolie, who was 37 years old at the time of the procedure, reportedly learned that she carries a mutation of the BRCA1 gene, which sharply increases her risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer. In addition, the actress has a family history of cancer. Her mother, Marcheline Bertrand, died of ovarian cancer in 2007 at the age of 56.

By having a preventive mastectomy, Jolie reduced her breast cancer risk from 87 percent to 5 percent, according to an op-ed piece she authored in The New York Times. Jolie is not the only well-known actress to opt for a preventive mastectomy, as fellow thespian Christina Applegate had a similar procedure in 2008 after learning she had a mutation of the BRCA1 gene. These highly publicized cases have left many women wondering if a preventive mastectomy is something they should consider.

BRCA stands for "breast cancer susceptibility genes," a class of genes known as tumor suppressors, says the National Cancer Institute. Mutations in these genes have been linked to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. A person's risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer is greatly increased if he or she inherits a harmful mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2. Mutations in these genes could also put a person at increased risk for other cancers.

Genetic tests can check for mutations in BRCAgenes. During such a test, a blood sample is taken, and if a mutation is found, a person may get genetic counseling and work with a doctor to develop a plan of action. It is important to note that not all people with a genetic mutation will get breast cancer or ovarian cancer. The National Cancer Institute's "SEER Cancer Statistic Review" states a woman who has inherited a harmful mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 is about five times more likely to develop breast cancer than a woman who does not have such a mutation.

Although there is no surefire way to determine if a person with a mutated gene will develop breast cancer, many women who are considered high risk opt for a preventive mastectomy to reduce their risk. Women who have a family history of breast cancer, have received positive results from gene testing, have already had cancer in one breast, or have dense breasts that make testing difficult may want to get a preventive mastectomy.

The decision to get a preventive mastectomy is not one to take lightly. Many breast centers are staffed with breast-health specialists, genetic counselors, breast surgeons, and reconstructive surgeons who can help patients make the best decision. Second opinions are strongly recommended for women considering a preventive mastectomy.

Women should understand the options available to them if they have an extremely elevated risk of breast cancer or ovarian cancer.

Chemotherapy and Hair Loss

What is hair loss and how is chemotherapy related?

• Believe it or not, hair loss (alopecia) due to chemotherapy is one of the most distressing side effects of chemo treatments.  
• Hair loss happens because the chemotherapy affects all cells in the body, not just the cancer cells.  The lining of the mouth, stomach, and the hair follicles are especially sensitive because those cells multiply rapidly just like the cancer cells. The difference is that the normal cells will repair themselves, making these side effects temporary. 
• Hair loss does not occur with all chemotherapy.  Whether or not your hair remains as it is, thins or falls out, depends on the drugs and dosages.  
• Hair loss may occur as early as the second or third week after the first cycle of chemotherapy, although it may not happen until after the second cycle of chemotherapy.  
• Hair loss can be sudden or slow.  
• You may lose all of your hair or just some of it.  
• Often it comes out in clumps rather than an even pattern.  
• It is common for hair loss to include hair that grows anywhere including eyelashes, eyebrows, and even pubic hair.

In almost all cases of chemotherapy-induced hair loss, your hair will resume growth after treatments.  

• It may take from three to six months after therapy is completed or it may start growing back while you are still receiving chemotherapy.  Be prepared for your "new" hair to possibly have a slightly different color, texture, or curl.

Can you prevent hair loss during chemo treatments?

• Through the years, attempts have been made to reduce hair loss by using tight bands or ice caps.  While these techniques may reduce hair loss by reducing blood flow to the scalp and limiting chemotherapy exposure to hair follicles, there is a theoretical concern that this could reduce the effectiveness of treatment in that area. 

What can be done to manage hair loss due to chemotherapy?

Our dedicated RNHW team will help guide you through your hair loss by:

• educating you about the effects of chemotherapy and when to expect hair loss to occur 
• verifying and billing your insurance 
• assisting you in choosing the right cranial prosthesis for your lifestyle prepping your new hair for delivery serving as your extended support system throughout the whole process.

When a client is faced chemotherapy hair loss, we ask them to immediately come in with their cranial prosthesis prescription before chemotherapy treatment begins, for a complimentary consultation.  During this consultation we will discuss all of your options to help you stay confident during your temporary hair loss.

We will then educate you about the different types of wigs (human hair wigs and synthetic hair wigs) and help you decide what hair loss solution will work best for you to give you the most realistic duplication of your natural hair.

All of our consultation rooms are private and are equipped with the best salon hair styling equipment available.  A team member will explain the process of when hair loss will begin and most importantly when your natural hair will regrow.

At RNHW, we carry an extensive line of human hair and synthetic wigs and hairpieces for your chemotherapy hair loss solutions.  We also have many turbans, scarves and hats in stock to suit your fashion style.  Do you have questions?  Call a RNHW  team member, or schedule a free consultation at 713-623-4247.

Look Good, Feel Better!

Our world-renowned hair stylist and cosmetologist, Ricky Knowles, will be teaching women undergoing cancer treatment tips and beauty techniques to manage the effects of chemotherapy and radiation on October 14th at MD Anderson - Clear Lake and on October 16th at Memorial Hermann - The Medical Center.

The Look Good...Feel Better program is offered in partnership with the American Cancer Society and is free of charge.

Ricky will teach attendees make up enhancement techniques, educate women about wigs, hairpieces and skin care and show them how to wear head scarves and turbans.  The presentation will be hands-on with plenty of time for questions.  Each woman gets a free makeup kit to use during and after the workshop.

If you or a loved one is undergoing cancer treatment, register for the free seminar and get an opportunity to visit one-on-one with Ricky and learn his secrets to Looking Good, and Feeling Better! For more information, or to register for one of these events, call the American Cancer Society Houston Office at (713) 266-2877.

Early Detection & Breast Health Tips

1. Early Breast Cancer Detection – Experts recommend women get to know their own bodies: report any changes in your breast to your medical provider right away and talk to your doctor about your risk of breast cancer and when to be screened. Medical experts also recommend:

• Women age 40 and older should have a mammogram every year 
• Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of their periodic health exam by a health professional, preferably every three years 
• Breast self exam: Experts now recommend that women get to know their own bodies and watch for any changes. BSE is an option for women starting in their 20s. You should report any changes in your breast health to your doctor right away. 

2. Reduce Your Risk – Here are some suggestions to help reduce your risk of breast cancer:

• Examine your family history – Your risk is increased if a family member has had breast cancer, especially if a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) is diagnosed before the age of 50. Speak with a nurse, doctor or your medical provider about your breast cancer risk and additional steps you can take to reduce your risk. 
• Get some exercise– Brisk walking for one hour a day can your reduce risk by more than 15%. The American Cancer Society recommends you engage in at least 45 minutes of physical activity at least 5 days a week. 
• Minimize radiation exposure – The human breast is sensitive to radiation, especially if exposure occurs at young ages. Girls repeatedly exposed to radiation before the age of 20 are at highest risk for developing breast cancer later in life. 
• Modify alcohol intake – Regular consumption of one drink a day for women is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. 
• Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke – Tobacco smoke is a known human carcinogen and is an established risk factor for lung cancer. Exposure to smoking and secondhand smoke should be avoided, particularly during childhood, puberty, pregnancy and when breast feeding. 
• Avoid exposures to exogenous estrogens 
• Hormone replacement therapy – Use only if absolutely necessary; use for as short a time as possible, and discuss alternatives with your doctor. 
• Hormonally active environmental chemicals – Some studies suggest chemicals in our homes, water and environment may play a role in cancer development. 
• Maintain leanness or reduce weight – The relationship between being overweight and breast cancer risk is one of the best understood to date. It is known that women who gain more than 20 pounds from age 18 to midlife double their risk of breast cancer (postmenopausal) compared to women whose weight remains stable. 

3. Lymphedema – Lymphedema is a chronic, debilitating disorder following cancer treatment that can cause arm swelling and chronic inflammation. There are new advances and recommendations for women diagnosed with breast cancer:

• Newly diagnosed women should ask their doctor for a perometry screen or BIS (bioimpedance spectroscopy) screen before they have breast cancer surgery and at regular follow-up visits. Survivors who have already undergone surgery should ask their doctor if BIS or perometry might be helpful in their ongoing care. 
• Exercise and weight training have been shown to help reduce the risk of lymphedema and to reduce the severity of the disorder in already affected patients. Women should discuss exercise and weight-lifting regimens with their doctor or a well-trained or certified lymphedema therapist. 

4. Nutrition – Nutrition plays an important role in your health.

5. Know Your Resources –Don't overlook your own breast health. Survival rates increase dramatically in women who've been diagnosed with breast cancer early. If you are living in a low-income household, or are underinsured or uninsured, there are many resources available, regardless of your ability to pay, that can help you seek out the proper breast care:

• The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offers an online search tool for women to seek out free and low-cost screenings across the country. 
• For information on breast cancer and tools to help you seek out medical care, visit the American Cancer Society's website at www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/index

I Am Going Through Chemotherapy Treatment and My Eyebrows and Eyelashes are Falling Out. How Can You Help?

For many women, losing the hair on their heads is one of the most emotionally difficult parts of the cancer-treatment process. But thinning brows and eyelashes-even more than missing locks-can signal an illness to others, and their absence is a lot harder to disguise.

The good news is that women are less likely to lose lashes and brows than the hair on their heads because brows and lashes have different durations of hair growth cycles, which make them less susceptible to the effect of chemotherapy.

At Ricky Knowles Hair and Wellness, we can help you experiment with false eyelashes, eyebrow stencils, and eyeliner.

Here are a few tips:

False lashes can be worn for special occasions. Try a hypoallergenic adhesive. Since they can often look too long, trim false lashes to about a third of an inch to mimic natural lashes. You can also line the outer rim of your upper and lower lids with waterproof eyeliner, then trace over it with matching powder to add texture. Never reuse the same lashes as the adhesive can build with bacteria.

Eyebrow stencils, which come in many shapes and sizes, can help you re-create a thicker brow line that looks very natural, as opposed to just using an eyebrow pencil that can look harsh and artificial. The Lizette Eyebrow Makeup Kit is a great kit for creating flawless eyebrows. It consists of water resistant pressed shadow, six different stencils and an applicator brush that comes in a beautiful black compact case with two sides to be opened, one for the powder and the other side for the brush and the mirror. Lizette Eyebrow Makeup comes in various shades to match your natural hair color.

If you suffer from thinning brows and eyelashes, call the Ricky Knowles Hair and Wellness Team at 713-623-4247. Let us help you Look Better and Feel Better.

Tamoxifen Halves Breast Cancer Risk in High-Risk Women

Tamoxifen halves breast cancer risk in high-risk women A global study of women with inherited mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 found that tamoxifen could halve the risk for breast cancer in the contralateral (opposite-side) breast in these high-risk women.

Tamoxifen has been used for decades to treat breast cancer and has recently been shown to prevent breast cancers in many women. Until now, there has been limited information about whether it reduces breast cancer risk for women who are at the very highest level of risk with BRCA1 or BRCA2.

This study, led by the University of Melbourne and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Australia, involved about 2,500 women from Europe, North America, and Australia who have inherited mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 and who have been diagnosed with breast cancer since 1970. About one-third of these women were placed on tamoxifen.

Tamoxifen was taken by 24% of the 1,583 BRCA1 and by 52% of the BRCA2 mutation carriers after their first breast cancer diagnosis. Over 20,104 person-years of observation, 520 contralateral breast cancers occurred. The statistical analysis of 657 BRCA1 and 426 BRCA2 mutation carriers with 100 contralateral breast cancers found an adjusted hazard ratio estimate of 0.58 for BRCA1 carriers and 0.48 for BRCA2 carriers. This study was published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

"In the past, the only way of reducing breast cancer risk for these high-risk women was to do invasive surgery to remove their breasts and/or ovaries. For women who choose not to undergo such surgery, or who would prefer to delay surgery until they are older, tamoxifen could now be a viable alternative," said the lead author, Kelly-Anne Phillips, MD, of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. Her previous research had found that only one in five Australian women with a mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 chose to undergo bilateral mastectomy to prevent cancer.

Co-author John Hopper, PhD, of the University of Melbourne, said, "In light of our findings, it is clear that women who have a mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 should review their management plan with their specialist and re-discuss the options available to them to lower that risk."

Cooling Cap Shows Promise to Prevent Hair Loss During Chemo

- as published in The National Hair & Skin Journal

A new scalp-cooling system called DigniCap has just been FDA cleared for final clinical trials and may soon become available in the U.S. to help prevent Chemo related hair loss.

Clinical trials done in Europe and Asia show that eight out of ten women who used the DigniCap System during chemotherapy retained their hair. Cooling the scalp during chemo sessions can narrow blood vessels around hair follicles and slow the uptake of the poison in the area.

With DigniCap, patients wear a special cap that fits snuggly on the head and contains sensors and channels through which a cooling fluid is pumped. The system continuously keeps a check on the temperature to ensure consistent application of the cooling treatment. DigniCap is made by Swedish company Dignitana.

A recent story about DigniCap was published by the Associated Press in the United States about the product and its results. You can read the story here.

Although DigniCap is not currently available for U.S. cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment, our team here at Ricky Knowles Hair & Wellness will assist you or a loved one during chemotherapy hair loss and create a personalized hair loss solution to help you feel confident during your treatment. For more information about how we can help, call us at 713-623-4247.

I was just diagnosed with breast cancer and am terrified about losing my hair during chemotherapy treatment! How can Ricky Knowles Hair and Wellness help me?

When a woman is diagnosed with cancer her world is rocked off its axis.  And frequently treatment involves surgery, radiation or chemotherapy, which can result in hair loss.  Often women find hair loss from chemotherapy treatment more emotionally devastating than the diagnosis of cancer itself.

At Ricky Knowles Hair and Wellness, we set ourselves apart from other traditional wig shops because we are in the hair duplication business.  We provide a supportive and discreet environment for all of our clients; hair loss, mastectomy or lymphedema clients.  Our dedicated team will help guide you through your hair loss by:

• educating you about the effects of chemotherapy and when to expect hair loss to occur
  
• verifying and billing your insurance
  
• assisting you in choosing the right cranial prosthesis for your lifestyle
  
• prepping your new hair for delivery
  
• serving as your extended support system throughout the whole process

When a client is faced chemotherapy hair loss, we ask them to immediately come in with their cranial prosthesis prescription before chemotherapy treatment begins, for a complimentary consultation.  During this consultation we will discuss all of your options to help you stay confident during your temporary hair loss.

We will then educate you about the different types of wigs (human hair wigs and synthetic hair wigs) and help you decide what hair loss solution will work best for you to give you the most realistic duplication of your natural hair.

All of our consultation rooms are private and are equipped with the best salon hair styling equipment available.  A team member will explain the process of when hair loss will begin and most importantly when your natural hair will regrow.

If you choose a human hair wig, Ricky Knowles, our internationally-renowned wig stylist will color, and hi-light the hair.  Synthetic hair wigs, cannot be colored or hi-lighted, but there are many shades and hues available.

Since we assist many women and men during their chemotherapy treatment, we've become personal cheerleaders, empowering our clients in their individual fight against cancer.

Many clients will request to have us shave or cut their hair short, so that they are in charge of their hair loss. At this point, a RNHW team member will teach you how to care for your scalp and fit you with your new hair and cut and style the new hair.  After the finishing touches are completed, we will even demonstrate scarf tying methods and show you our selection of stylish turbans and hats.

We stand by our methods and will deliver a final product that will make you feel confident in your new hair.  Since our goal is to duplicate your natural hair and style, our clients look good and feel good with Ricky Knowles Hair & Wellness by their side!

For more information about our line of natural and synthetic wigs, or to schedule a free consultation, call us at 713-623-4247.

Summer Wig and Hairpiece Tips - Look Haute, Stay Cool!

Whether you’ve lost your hair from chemotherapy treatment or from a medical condition, at Ricky Knowles Hair & Wellness, located in Houston, Texas, we know the importance of protecting the skin on your head while keeping you comfortable during the summer.

Stay Hydrated
The most important thing to remember is to keep hydrated. Wigs and hair pieces are not air conditioned so the long hot summer days can make even the most comfortable wigs and pieces miserable and hot.

With that in mind, you will definitely sweat more as the mercury rises, so drinking plenty of water will keep you from dehydrating.

Protect Your Wig/Hairpiece

With the sun hot and bright, it is essential to keep your hair hydrated.  By using moisturizing shampoos and conditioners to clean and condition your hair you will protect it from the sun and prevent the fibers from drying out.

I recommend Biomega Moisture Shampoo, Moisture Conditioner and Moisture Mist Leave-in Conditioner.  The Biomega hair care line is the first system designed to replenish and replicate hair’s natural oils with lightweight Omega-rich oils and nourishing plant extracts, delivering the perfect protection for your hair and scalp.

When at the pool or beach this summer there are 2 must haves in your beach bag:  1) a leave-in spray conditioner and 2) a brush.  Using a leave-in conditioner spray will help condition the scalp and hair, while preventing tangling.

The best thing you can do for your hair after swimming in salt or chlorinated water is to rinse well with fresh water, then saturate your hair with a leave in conditioner.

Don’t Forget Your Scalp!
If you are undergoing chemotherapy and have lost your hair, it is a must to use sunblock on any skin exposed to the sun. It is not recommended to go outdoors without covering your head. Sun exposure and certain drugs used during chemotherapy can cause hyper pigmentation, so be sure when you are not wearing your wig, to protect your scalp with a large brimmed hat, or a scarf.

Accessorize
If you're in a wig that is removable make sure to keep a light weight head covering with you in your purse or in your car.  Scarves, turbans and hats provide nice protection from the sun and can be a trendy alternative to wearing your wig outdoors or even as an accessory to your wig.  If you have a long-haired wig, remember to pull it into a pony tail or braid so that your neck can catch a cool breeze!

For more tips, or to get more information on our line of wig care products and accessories, contact our world-renowned wig specialist Ricky Knowles, at ricky@hairandwellness.com