Chemo & Cold Capping

Yes - my oncologist advised against it when I was treated for secondary breast cancer. I had tried it for my primary and found it ineffective for my hair, so wasn’t that bothered. 

Thanks Coddfish. I'm going to check with Chemo nurses but I think I have already ditched the idea. My issue is not my hair but my nails. I don't have many and I already suffer neuropathy in my feet.

Oh well another challenge to get over...

On a lighter note - I'm of to see the Hair & skincare person tomorrow, so I'll be trying on wigs!!!  That will be a laugh.

Hi there,

I first had breast cancer twelve years ago and didnt use the cold cap.  I did lose all my hair and a few toenails.  If I can recall someone mentioned about using black nail varnish so you dont lose your nails.  Dont know why.  This time I am on chemo tablets so my hair is just thinning not falling out (fingers crossed).  Maybe ask your hair and skincare person about the nail varnish.  I liked my wig, it made me look younger lol.

Lee 2 x

PS also makes sense about not using the coldcap as my mets have gone into my skull now too.

Lee 2 x

I tried using frozen boots and mitts but too impractical, and after 2 separate treatments with taxanes, still have neuropathy. Polybalm helps a lot with nails. 

Thanks Coddfish.

Spoke to the Chemo nurse and he has confirmed that it's not suitable for me. Stocked up on the Polybalm

Finally got a start date. Next Wed (assuming the Echo doesn't show anything to stop it).

Sledge 

Hi Sledge, glad you got your date for chemo.  Coddfish what is Polybalm?

Lee 2 x

Hi Lee

Polybalm is a cream to massage into your nails. It reduces the impact of chemo to the nails, so I've read. Comes with 2 tubes - one for finger and one for toes  to prevent cross contamination.

Sledge 

https://polybalm.com 

It’s clinically proven to protect your nails during chemo. I have had 2 lots of chemo, 24 weeks each time. No nail issues either time other than a bit of thickening of the big toe nail on each foot. 

Hi Sledge and Coddfish.  That is interesting.  I am on chemo tablets now and my nails are very brittle and always breaking, do you think that the polybalm could be used now?

Lee 2 x