New patient Ductal

Hi Bellapaws

Welcome to the forum and sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with breast cancer and have to have chemo. While I haven’t any advice about the cold cap because I didn’t bother with it, I know others on this forum who did with varying degrees of success in keeping their hair.

Make sure to bring something to occupy yourself with you to chemo as particularly if you do do the cold cap you will be at the chemo unit for at least a couple of hours. I suggest a good book or download a film on your tablet to watch while having chemo.

While I won’t say chemo is easy it is doable. Make sure that you drink plenty of liquids which can help with side effects. Make sure you take your anti-sickness tablets for the first few days after each chemo cycle. Try and get out for a walk every day even if it’s only a short one as that can help prevent side effects. When I was undergoing chemo I got out at least once a day most days for a walk and I have any side effects witch I put down to exercising almost everyday. If you do feel anyway ill while having your chemo make sure you let the nurses know straight away as they can sort you out. You will be given a out of hours number to ring if you have any side effects that you can’t cope with and you should also be given the number of your chemo unit to ring during the day.

Wishing you the best of luck with chemo and any other treatment your team think is necessary.

Best wishes

Daisy53

Hi Bellapaws  sorry to hear your diagnosis so close to Christmas. I’ve been cold capping and had 4 sessions so far. I’ve prob kept around 30% of my hair which doesn’t sound much but I had really thick hair to start with. It’s enabled me to just wear a wide Alice band to cover the top and still feel normal! It’s worth trying as once you stop you can’t go back. Advice, take a paracetamol just before you start. It’s very cold and some people get headaches to start with til you get used to it. You will be advised to bring simple conditioner with you, this is to put on before the cap to stop the cap sticking to your hair. Also bring a towelling head band to protect your forehead from the cold. It does add longer to the sessions but I think it’s worth it! Any questions about it just ask! Good luck! X 

Hi Bellapaws, sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I have used the scalp cooling cap twice with EC chemo. The first time was fine and I didn't really notice any hair falling out. The second time seemed colder and when I spoke with my oncologist he did say my hair would probably start to fall out by the weekend  he was right, my hair is coming out and I am bald on top of my scalp. Whilst I wouldn't say it hasn't worked it maybe has lessened the initial falling out but I understand EC even with scalp cooling does have a higher percentage of falling out according to the information on the Paxman website. Its worth trying as everyone is different and depending on the chemo drugs this may also have an effect. As Daisy say's a good book, film, something to keep you occupied as the chemo sessions are longer with when using the scalp cooling cap. I also take with me a snuggly cardigan and blanket as sometimes you can feel colder with the cap on. Plus snacks and drinks. Take a leave in conditioner as they will apply this before putting the cap on and also a headband to go under the front of the cap on your forehead. It sounds a lot but I just leave my bag packed so its ready for each session . Drink plenty of water and take the anti sickness meds which will help. Eat little and often, I try to make sure I have fruit and veg and juice (apple or orange I go for)

Wishing you all the best on your journey.

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x