I am a 68 year old female recently diagnosed. I will be starting a regimen of daily oral Capecitabine on the days I have radiation which will be 5 days a week for 6 weeks. In addition, I will have 2 infusions of Mitomycin. Does anyone know if you can use scalp cooling (cold capping) when taking a form of oral chemo?
Hi one of many,
Thanks for getting in touch and welcome back I see that you are on other groups. I’m Kate one of the Cancer Information Nurses Specialists here on the Macmillan Support Line.
I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis of anal cancer.
Scalp cooling is a way of reducing or preventing hair loss from chemotherapy. It is given in the chemotherapy unit when having chemotherapy into the vein. It is suitable for some types of chemotherapy that cause hair loss. Scalp cooling is not given with oral chemotherapy.
With Capecitabine and Mitomycin the side effects with hair loss are less common. You may experience thinning of the hair. We have some practical tips to help keep your hair in good condition during your cancer treatment.
I hope this information is useful. Please don’t hesitate to get back in contact by email, webchat or phone, if you need further information or support.
Best wishes
Kate,
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us.
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