Cold cap with long hair

Hi

Probably not much help but......I'm on the same treatment as you and had my last EC just over a week ago. I have cold capped and so far kept 80% of my hair which is just under shoulder length (Hence why I may be of no help)! There is a young girl also using the cap who has long hair but I haven't seen her recently so not sure of the results. The main thing is to make sure the cap fits tight enough and that the outer cap has no bits that you can sort of press in if you know what I mean. I have been relatively lucky  on the first two treatments and the nurses took time and knew the process well. However, on my third treatment the nurse said she knew what to do but didn't! Not only did she not turn the machine on at the start or the end she put the outer cap on like you would a beenie. I don't like to ask or bother them but so glad I did and tried to pull/tighten the cap myself. The other nurses could see that I was in a state on panic and came over and asked if I was ok. They helped tighten the cap and switched the machine on. I usually a very quite person and don't like to ask for help  but on my next treatment day I keep telling myself I have got to say I don't want this particular nurse to put the cap on

I also have Winnie the Wig on standby but so grateful that I haven't need her! So the main bit of advice I can give you is don't be afraid to ask and make sure the cap fits tightly.

Good luck

Thank you.

yes, this would be me…hate to make a fuss or make someone feel like I don’t like the way they’ve done something, but obviously not doing this correctly would have quite severe consequences. Dreading it all and just really don’t want to lose my hair as well. 

thank you for the advice. I hope they know what they’re doing with it. X

I cant comment on.long hair. I had same treatment and finished a few weeks ago and cold caps every time  I had it cut.in a short bob at the start and kept about 50percent of my hair. 

I did loose loads after the second treatment I.believe that's quite common but not much on the others. In fact it started to grow.on the docetaxil at the sides although it's a bit sparse at the back of the parting.

I think having the cap on properly is probably a big factor. Xx

Thanks bobbiboo. Can I ask if you lost it fairly evenly or was it more like big patches? 

how did you find the chemo in general? I’m so frightened.

Thsnks xx 

My hair is thinner all over and have a patch.at the back.of my parting (I just comb it over from a lower parting) and sparse patches at my temples but the longer pieces if hair cover it. I had two wigs in the nhs but have only worn them a few times.

The chemo isn't easy but it's doable. I found as it went on I stopped trying to push myself and rested more which helped.  I'd say if you.have family or friends willing to.help.let them. I counted the days down and once you are over half way.it soon passes.

Most of us on her are going through it or have been so you're not alone.

• Xxx

Hi Hel39

Just to say I started chemo in October. I didnt get chance to get my hair cut before treatment started.

My hair was long and thick, after first chemo I had a dry cut. As it was thick and wavy I  found it got really knotty. I had it cut to just past my shoulders with some layers. My hairdresser didn't think it was necessary to go any shorter. 

I finished chemo 31st  of January and have kept the majority of my hair albeit thinner but no patches. Nobody would of ever guessed  that I had done 6 rounds of chemo. I'm still actually losing my hair and don't dry, straighten or colour it yet.

Eyebrows and eyelashes disappeared at Christmas but started to reappear last week. 

I would definitely recommend it. 

Best wishes xxx

Exactly how I feel but just keep thinking that I'd feel worse if I hadn't said anything and lost my hair after keeping it on the first two rounds. Plus the nurse was from South Africa and was waiting for her PIN to be able to due certain things which made me feel worse but like I said so glad I did. As to the treatment I feel fine for the first 48 hours, then you fell it coming....... You will get to know your own pattern as everyone is different but you'll find everyone also has an opinion. Usually back to feeling OK after about 7-10 days then you have a week off and it all starts again! But then you're getting nearer the end 

You'll be fine x

Thank you so much for the info. Think I’ll feel better after the first one….it’s just the unknown. And I’m scared I’ll feel really sick as I get travel sick, had awful morning sickness that was 24/7 for nine months both times. Xx

Hope today wasn't too bad x

Hi Lisa

It was bloods today and first chemo is tomorrow. Thanks so much for thinking of me.

I got to see the actual chemo ward which was a little reassuring. Nobody was rolling around being sick :). Everyone just looked bored, if anything.

Hope you are having a good day. Xx