Cold capping

Hi LiloFD , I’ve had 2x EC chemo so far, 9th and 30th May. I’ve used cold cap both times and tolerated ok. I take paracetamol 1-2 hours prior. I get a bit of a headache and feel slightly dizzy, but not sure if that’s the cold cap/ chemo or combination of the 2. 
So far I’m pleased with the results, yea I’m shredding but no clumps/ no patches and it appears to be coming from underneath, so no one is aware my hair is thinning. I do have quite thick hair. 
The unit I am having chemo has provided everything, conditioner/ blankets and they put it on and sort everything out. 
Im still prepared, in case my hair falls out more- buzz cut and I have bought some nice hats/ turbans to use if required or donate if not. 
Good luck on your chemotherapy journey, sending love and hugs x

Hi , I tried cold capping , but 2 weeks after 2nd chemo session , all my hair suddenly went. I had extremely thick hair and wondered if that was why it didn't work for me?

I'm told it's an individual thing .

It was a shock and rather demoralising, but I found this was quickly remedied with a wig search online. I decided to be positive and use it as an opportunity to try different styles and colours and be more adventurous. It proved to be great fun and at times highly entertaining! I found a style I wouldn't have thought of ever trying before that I love and is incredibly flattering. 

I got a couple of wigs as well as hats/beanies from Amazon to start with and there are some on Etsy too.

They're reasonable ,quick on delivery and easy to return if they don't suit.

Good luck!

Oh no! I’m glad it ended up being positive for you. I did think about the different colours and styles I can go for. Are yours synthetic or genuine hair? I’m just wondering how different they’ll look. 
i think I’m overthinking it now because I haven’t gone through it yet. 
thank you for your reply x

Thank you for your reply! I’m worried about the pain and discomfort of it but like everyone else who has done it, I want to try keep my hair. Have you had your hair cut? I’ve been advised to cut my hair in preparation x

• Hi, I've used the cold cap and to be honest found it really unpleasant but persevered. It's definitely worth taking paracetamol around 1/2 hour before treatment, taking your own blanket (softer than hospital provided!) and something to do to pass the time which doesn't need too much concentration - I found magazines/short stories best. The worst part is the first 10-20 minutes so if you can get through that it does get easier. I have fine hair to start with and it did start coming out after the 2nd session of EC, to the point where I'm not going out in public without my wig/hat. It's very thin on top but I'm happy it is still there! The MacMillan nurses at the hospital gave me a referral to a lady in the local area who provides wigs - I got a nice one for £10 but I have found I prefer a hat with a hairband underneath which has a fringe attached ("fake bangs headband" from eBay). It is definitely worth having something to use prepared. And even if you do lose hair, people say the cap helps protect the follicles so regrowth is faster once treatment has finished. Sorry for the essay but I hope it helps! Best of luck xxx

Don’t apologise for writing all of that, it helps me understand much better! Thank you for taking the time to write it. I’ll make sure I’m prepared after reading what you’ve written. Someone else said it was the second round that affected their hair too. 
thank you  I hope you’re feeling better xxx

Hi there, I am 75% of the way through chemo and have cold capped all the way. I have been really lucky and maintained a really good head of hair. Have had 3 EC and 9 Paclitaxel/carboplatin so far

First ten minutes are the worst as it freezes - then numb head anyway. Definitely worth giving a go but  apparently 50/50 whether it works or not.

Janx

Here’s me 75% through chemo with own hair after cold capping. Having a mini break in the yorkshire dales!

Hi LiloFD

I cold capped for 2 rounds of chemo but gave up as I didn't like the extra time I had to spend in the unit, so I decided to shave my head..

I would advise cold capping and if it doesn't work at least you have tried. 

I got my first wig from a local specialist shop that takes NHS wig vouchers so got that wig free. 

The other places I got wigs from was Valentine wigs and simply wigs, I got quite addicted to them and still wear them even though my hair has grown back. Below are some of the different styles I have the last photo is my own hair. 

Good luck with the rest of your treatment. 

Carolyn x