Hi, I was wondering if any members have used the cold cap system in an attempt to reduce hair loss through chemo. I am 19 days out from my first chemo (FEC100) and have thinning but have not lost any clumps of hair. I am worried about the amount of thinning. I have spoken with several women that have used the cold cap system and all have had some degree of thinning, I just hope mine is in the norm and not usually extreme.....
FormerMember
Hi Candy,
I have had chemos that inevitably lead to hair loss and I was offered the cold cap. Haven't had quite the same combo but on ECF (epirubicin, carboplatin and 5-FU) i had thinning but kept a decent covering all over. On taxotere I was told the cold cap wouldnt work but they were still happy for me to give it a try and it worked :). I had no hair loss at all. It is necessary to damp you hair down well before putting the cap on and I am not sure if all hospitals do this. It is also more effecting eif you hair is fairly short to start with and do make sure the cap is making contact all over - you don't want any air pockets on the top. Hope it works for you.
Like Dove, I had E-CMF, so used the cold cap for the 4 cycles of Epirubicin. It worked for me, I did have some thinning when I started CMF, but I still have a good covering and only those who know me well would notice - haven't needed a wig.
Its does mean you are there longer as you have to have the cap on for a while before and then after treatment you need to come back up to temp before you can remove it. It does get very cold, but after about 10 mins you head is numb. They damp your hair before putting the cap on, use some leave in spray conditioner once they have wetted and before they put the cap on, it helps protect your hair. You will probably have ice crystals when you take it off so do it gently. I was told to use a ph neutral conditioner, but found a hair loss prevention one in Boots. As Dove says it needs to be in contacted with your head and there are straps which the nurse will tighten. You can go to the loo, but get the nurse to disconnect the tubes and reconnect them. Good luck
Dear Dove and Carol: Thank you so much for responding. I am so happy to hear you both had success and hope that you both are doing great today. I had my 2nd round today and used the caps. The inventory of the caps advised me not to cut my hair but its becoming such a pain, I think I may cut it at least to my shoulders. Thnx again and all my best!!!!
