Decision on whether to continue with cold cap , as further risk to covid19

This is awful for you.

Just my perspective. . . 

As someone who has been told I would benefit from chemo. . . But refused it. . I am envious that you have already begun. . .if that's not stupid to say!  I have had to fight to even get the onc test now done and even then I may be declined the chemo I would of had. . . A  few weeks ago I had already decided to cold cap if it did turn out I needed chemo. . Have always had long hair and would hate to loose it. However now in this situation I will be great ful if they give me the treatment I would of other wise had. . . 

Please don't take that the wrong way and I really REALLY don't mean to come across as blunt. But take the treatment but limit your risk. . .get a fab wig and your hair will grow back. 

Much love and well wishes.

X

Aww thank you for your reply. I'm totally with you on limiting the risk. 

Hope your treatment goes ahead,  when will you know if it is ? 

It's just a very scary world to be in , right now ! 

Good luck and stay safe x

 As you say we are all different. I have not cold capped for my 4 EC I'm bald now but I chose not to purely because of the extra time (when the virus was only in China). I have two children with special needs and needed to fit chemo around school timings. My hair was medium length but thinning slightly due to menapause hormones. 

In my case the falling out/ in between bit was the worst annoying and a bit sore, but now it is all gone it's chilly, but liberating. I have a wig and several hats, but I like the freedom, it's certainly quicker in the shower.

If you do choose to stop cold capping just try to embrace it as part of your whatever it takes to get the best survival outcome. You might have wobbly days during the fallout stage and I was worried about my boys reaction to seeing me bald but they've hardly batted a eyelid. 

Listen to your instincts ️

OK - so this is a personal view. 

I've had my 3rd FECT (of 6)  8 days ago. I have had the recommendation that I should now stop chemo altogether.  I 'hope/expect' I will still be offered radiotherapy as originally planned but don't really know for certain as yet. Hard to get my head around as no-one can say the impact this could have on my cancer or long term survival stats. 

I'm frankly relieved that I do not have to go into the hospital again for the foreseeable future and wouldn't want to be there a second longer than necessary. I decided that even before the CV was a 'thing',  so was quite sure that I didn't want to cold cap. Even though my last treatment took place in a side room and only one nurse was within 2m of me I have worried all of the week that maybe she could have been ill without knowing it. 

I would say that if you wish that they had just 'told you' to stop cold capping you have already accepted that this is the sensible option. Nothing, nothing, nothing 'cosmetic' is worth an extra risk to your life.    

Keep safe and look after your boys. 

Thank you Autumn49 and

for your replies.  I suppose your right. I've sort of accepted not to cold cap. Yes I'm sure I'll be devastated when the hair falls out and probably have a few days of crying. But like you say I need to save guard myself and my future the best way possible to be here for my boys. 

I wish you both well , for your future treatments. And hope and pray you stay safe. 

Thanks again 

Xx

Hi

So sorry you find yourself in this situation and I know we all different in how we react to cancer ,chemo etc but thus is just a little on story which is on my profile . 

My decision was no cold cap as I felt I just wanted to concentrate on getting rid of cancer . Yes I know my age most probably helped me in this decision but have to say full head of healthy thick hair .

It was upsetting for a short while half a day when it started to come out but soon got used to hat or wig , I never shaved it just kept it cut close to scalp . Shaved towards end of chemo when I had whispy comb over  going on . 

last chemo was 18th Dec I sported a very shiny bald head for Xmas it took about 8 weeks for chemo to leave system and my hair started to regrow this is it now 

So hair will grow again very rare if it didn't 

The important thing is the cancer will have been dealt with in a safer environment . Again thus is just my opinion and it is your decision as long as you are happy 

I went for treatment yesterday for  Herceptin was only in unit for about 30 mins but was relieved to leave and get back to my home to change wash clothes and shower .

The only  reason I have posted is to share my experience not to make your mind up that is for you.

All the best with whatever you decide 

keep safe 

Margaret x

. 

Hi just few words from me.I agree with the others regarding limiting the time spending in the hospital.

I was using cold cap 2 years ago when I first was diagnosed and I have lost my hair anyway.And now undergoing chemo again,weekly Paxlitaxel since August I have lost my hair but since January is somehow miraculously my hair is growing back.I look like a baby.I am wearing a nice long hair wig and a hat so people think its real.They used to ask me on the chemo unit if I am using the cold cap:)

I am glad i am not using it because of the time you have to spend before and after chemo with it.Just want to get in to the chair and out.

Your hair will grow back and I had more hair and bit curly 2 years ago.I liked it.Your health is more important.

Take care

Thanks ladies for your replies,  certainly confirming my decision to get in and out as quickly as possible now. 

Hi there, my experience with cold cap is that I tried it twice. Two weeks after first chemo my hair started falling out and after second I was bald so obviously cold cap didn’t work! I’m the same as Margaret in that I’m now 8 weeks post chemo and hair is starting to grow...only baby fluff but it’s a start! I would say the same as the others that reducing your risk of catching coronavirus would be wise but it’s entirely your choice. Have to say that you very soon get used to having no hair, lots of nice head coverings out there. Good luck whatever your decision! x

I did cold cap but lost about 85% of my hair during EC, but we had 2 machines and I lost it when on EC on the one not cold enough and needing maintenance. It grew back during Paclitaxel,  and my hairdresser used the longer hair to make it look more styled.  I'm almost 4 months out now and it needs cutting again,  but that isn't happening anytime soon. 

I have to agree with the chemo nurses though.  Unless you have hot and cold areas (for coronavirus) in the hospital then it's a risk, and you'd be  better just wearing the  scarves. I wore bamboo ones over my remaining hair with  stripey tops and was called pirate mum!