How to decide whether to have a cold cap or not

Hi

I have recently had to consider this one.

I started chemo last week. I have been growing my hair for two years for my sister's wedding and was initially terrified of losing it. But last Monday I found myself saying no to the cold cap. When I thought about it I couldn't deal with the extra time on the ward and the pain. And to be honest the disappointment if my hair fell out anyway.

So I've got my wig ready (I love it) and have bought loads of hats. I've never had the confidence to get my hair short before but now cutting it short isn't filling me with dread any more.

When do you start? 

Hi Haysie,

Thanks for this, it’s so reassuring to hear someone else say it:)

I have decided to start my chemo early next month. I guess I’m just trying to get organised and I want to mentally prepare myself for it just in case. 

I have already decided  don’t want a wig but would be happy with a scarf or those turban type hats or even to be braver and try without it all (!).

Im strangely excited about a new hair growth almost like New beginnings although I’m sure therell be more greys through with it

Could I please make a big ask...will you please let me know how you get on over the next few weeks with it?

Also, how did you find the day itself and the chemo on the first day?

Wishing you all the best x 

I began my chemo journey and am half way through my six cycles . I am using the cold cap and still have my hair though I can feel it’s thinner I’m hold you can’t see it x it’s an odd device that really is horrible for the first 12 minutes or so then it’s ok . My treatment changes from next Tuesday with new meds so we will see . I hope all goes well for all the people here xx

I had my first  chemo nearly 3 weeks ago (next one on Friday) and I had the cold cap... I’m desparate to try and do as much as I can to keep my hair... 

it it does feel strange the first 10-20min and I wasn’t mad keen on staying longer than I had to in the ward... but kept thinking longer term.. I want my hair it at all possible and knew I’d regret it if I didn’t try it and lost my hair. 

Ill be having it it again on Friday.. finger crosssed I don’t loose too much this time! 

I was very nervous the first time because I just didn't know what to expect. I was also scared of having an allergic reaction to the medication and dying on the spot!

It passed without major incident although I was there for hours the first time. I hadn't realised that you have meds before the chemo itself and flushes, all adding to the time. The second treatment was way less stressful. 

No hair loss as yet although I've noticed some tingling in my scalp which may be the start... I'll keep you posted. 

Nic xx

Ah thanks for this. I think I’m more nervous about the port thing going in, but only because I’m  so ridiculously squeamish!

Thanks for the advice to all:)

Hi Rexsi78,

i had had the cold cap for my first 3 appointments and didn’t like the sensation, plus my hair was already coming out so I canned it. It’s horses for courses though and some people have got on ok with it.

my main worry was whether I’d have a peanut head if I was bald but it turns out I don’t  I cut my hair short before hand as waking up to clumps of my lovely long hair on the pillow was too much for me. 

Min the end I jazzed myself up with a load of novelty hats as it was winter and I got on fine with those. 

Mill try add a pic of how my hair fell out and my cold cap pic. Not uploaded a pic before so let’s see if this works! 

Hi Amy D

You honestly look wonderful. Thanks so much for sharing the pics, I really appreciate this. I am thinking similar in that, I can’t bare to see clumps fall through so there’s that part of me that would rather just shave the lot off ahead of time and be done with it however I’m also petrified of a bald head..there’s just no easy decision eh!

Thank you again and wishing you all the best for now and always x 

Hi Ladies 

My hair is starting to come out now. Not massive clumps but my brush was pretty full this morning. At some point this week I'll have to tell the kids. I was going to see if they wanted to cut it off  or do you think this will be too much?

Xx

Hi Haysie,

I guess it’s really personal preference. 

For me I have decided I just can’t bare to wake up to clumps of it on my pillow, think it will freak me out. And therefore I have decided to not have the cold cap and shave my head in advance..

It might help to cut it shorter yes if it’s really long and then it might feel a little less nerve-wracking. 

Have you thought about getting the scarf/hat out perhaps? 

I guess that would also shield the kids more..

Take care x