I have just had my second chemo yesterday and decided to use the cold cap from day one. It isn't comfortable but i didn't find it painful as some seem to have. I had it explained that I would still loose at least 50 % of my hair and it started coming out last Monday and hasn't stopped yet, but I still have a fine layer left so I'm not sure as yet if i will loose all or if this is it . I'm on EC so told I'd loose my hair ......only time will tell.
It was and is emotional, more than I thought , its as if you are not really you anymore as you look different and that is just with mine being really thin so I'm not sure how I will be if it all goes but I know its only short term and will grow back which is what I need to focus on and allow myself time to cry , shout, be angry .My hubby is really supportive but can't really understand why its so emotional and I can't seem to explain clearly , it just is.
Good luck , I found that the anti sickness tablets also helped with the stomach wind I had , that and sucking mint imperials, so get them in readiness.
Hi. Thank you so much for your advice. I am having EC treatment too so will lose my hair.
Still not sure about cold cap but might try it but like you know it will grow back and will find it hard as it comes out. Going to pick my wig tomorrow.
It's hard to tell anyone how you feel but like you have an amazing husband.
Hope the rest of your treatment goes well. Take care xxx
Hi, I have had 5 sessions using cold cap. The first 10 minutes is the worst I think and it also adds time on your treatment. After EC chemo I had about 75% of hair left but after docetaxel I have lost loads. No idea if I will have any left when I finish chemo. I do wish I had cut my hair shorter now before chemo as it upsets me still when the hair keeps falling out and hair all over the house. Everyone is different though and I know someone who kept a lot of her hair after completing chemo so you never know x
Hi there, I did chemo this time last year approx. EC then Docetaxel. Used the cold cap for the first two, then gave up. Hair was coming out anyway. For me it was an instrument of torture. Once I'd decided not to use it again I was better able to face the chemo sessions. The first 10 minutes are the worst, after that it does become bearable so if you want to give it a try go for it. It's certainly an experience!!! No harm done to give it a go. I met a lady who told me she had 18 sessions with the cold cap and she had a lovely head of hair. She talked me through those first 10 minutes bless her. I thought losing my hair would be Awful. It wasn't. Quite liberating to be honest in a wierd way. I'd always had long hair. Mines growing back now, coming along nicely. So... There's no right or wrong answer. Go with how you feel. But be realistic, it doesn't guarantee you'll keep your hair, or how much you'll keep and it grows back!!!! What ever you choose, embrace the experience. Best of luck.
The first time I went for chemo, the nurse was talking to me so much that the 10 mins went quickly after that I took a stress ball and squeezed the hell out of it. If I am honest, it is the hardest part of the treatment on the day and I always think why I am putting myself through it, but I know when I go for my last treatment in 2 weeks I will do it again but there is no shame in stopping if it is too much x
First 10 minutes...hmmmmm. not a headache... Cold, definately... Different... icy cold feeling...I remember saying out loud "oh my goodness", ( or words to that effect LOL) and the lady next to me saying just breath through it, the first 10 minutes are the worst, then it gets better. I did a bit of panting... That always helps me... Bit of a drama queen... I was Thinking you have got to be joking! But then, yes, she was right, it suddenly felt easier and not so bad. After that it was just cold and uncomfortable. Nothing too awful. I was given a cuppa and just got on with it. Read my book etc.
Having said that, it just wasn't for me. The hair was coming out in handfuls so it's just wasn't worth that 10 minutes being there all uncomfortable plus it extends the treatment time/ appointment time. Psychologically, once I gave myself permission to stop I felt more in control.
We are all different. Go with what works for you. But if you are in two minds then just give it a go. But stick with it for the whole session if you do. Good luck, you can get through this.
For me its ok , it feels tight but not bad, get the nurse to loosen the chin strap after the cap is in place that i found was easier , give it a try, i found it not as bad as i though and got through it without too much difficulty although the waiting for 90 mins afterwards with it on your head as it warms up before you can take it off is a bit of a bind it might be worth it . My tip is plenty of conditioner on your head before the cap goes on. Everyone is different .
