In early July this year I was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer. I underwent a lumpectomy and having tested positive for the HER2 protein I have just completed 12 weekly rounds of chemotherapy kick starting a year’s course of immunotherapy (herceptin).
Having thought I was just going to need radiotherapy after my surgery, it came as a huge shock that I would have to endure Chemotherapy for three months. I’m embarrassed to say my first and lasting fear was losing my hair. I felt really guilty about this but it did really affect me. Everybody’s journey is completely different, personal and unique.
Two weeks ago today I completed my final round of chemo and I have managed to preserve my hair. I have extremely curly thick hair which, for most of my adult life, I have tamed with a blow dryer and my curls have not been seen in public that often!
I just wanted to share a few tips I picked up along the way.
Back in August I was told that it was possible I may keep my hair given the type of chemotherapy I was to receive but this could not be guaranteed. I decided to confront my fear and take control of the situation. Again, this is a very personal approach. However, within a couple of hours of learning I would most likely lose my eyebrows and eyelashes (I didn’t) and whilst on the train home, I had already arranged to have my eyebrows micro bladed and had purchased five sets of false eyelashes! Tip - if you want to get your brows done you must do this before your treatment begins. The risk of infection with a compromised immune system prevents this during treatment. Although I did not loose my eye brows I have loved my new neat look.
My next step was to book an appointment with a fantastic wigmakers in London round the back of Paddington station. I went with my husband for a consultation and had a really fun hour despite the circumstances. I purposefully did this before I started my chemotherapy and before any possible hair loss. This way it was a less stressful and upsetting experience, and I was able to choose a wig almost identical to my “blow dry “look.
Wigs are not cheap and I realised this was a bit of an investment. However, just having that beautiful wig in its box ready for use really helped me prepare for chemo. I have worn it a number of times just to make me feel more like my old self, and when quite frankly, I can’t be bothered to tame the curls! Oh and make sure if you do buy a wig you give it a name. I ran a family competition to name mine and settled on Moira. This is a bit niche, but if any of you love Schitt’s Creek, you will know the character Moira has many, many beautiful wigs which she hang on nails in their motel bedroom!
I have such huge admiration for all of the healthcare professionals who care for us. Their kindness is awe inspiring. They also know exactly how to drip feed the “difficult” information.
One of the early pieces of information I was given was that throughout my chemotherapy and beyond I would have to treat my hair completely differently. This meant only washing my hair once a week after my weekly infusion and then as best as possible, leaving it alone until the next session. As anybody who has curly hair knows, the thought of not washing my hair for that period of time was horrendous. I was convinced my hair would look like a rats nest within days.
The cold cap…. I was prepared for the worst and determined to try and see it through. Again, this is such a personal experience and I have such respect for every single one of us trying to get through this. I have watched so many posts by inspirational women, Amy Dowden and Sarah Beeny to name two. I have cried tears for them and for me.
During an assessment/information meeting prior to treatment, a wonderful chemo nurse gave me a hugely important piece of advice. She said to me regarding the cold cap “this is YOUR process, you are in control and do not be afraid to ask questions or seek clarification before you start the infusion”. I watched the information videos and on a few occasions did intervene to make sure my hair was wet enough before they placed the cap on (especially around the ears and nape of neck). Also don’t forget to take a soft hair band to place against your face where your hairline meets. Rookie mistake on my first week which left me with a rather sore and bruised forehead!
It would seem my rather thick curls acted as a barrier, and I realised I was one of the extremely lucky people not to find the cap painful. I think I have surprised many nurses over the last 12 weeks. I guess what I am trying to say is don’t be afraid, it might be ok and if it isn’t that’s absolutely fine too. As a migraine sufferer, I like nothing better than an ice cold head. I probably have a high pain threshold in that area too. On one occasion I turned up for my treatment with a headache, that cap sorted it right out!
Another tip I have is that if you do have thick hair, make sure you wear the cold cap for 45 minutes before your infusion starts. This is longer than normal, but recommended for people with very thick hair. All in all I’ve worn the cold cap for three hours plus every week.
My final tips relate to care of your hair at home. On the recommendation of my hairdresser, I am using a sulphate free shampoo and conditioner by Pureology (others available!). It was actually created by a husband for his wife going through cancer treatment. I was advised to wash my hair upside down gentling massaging the lengths and to not put much pressure on the actual scalp, definitely no scrubbing! Once towel dried and combed (this was when I could gauge how much hair I was losing and was always a little bit scary), I first put my hair in a towelling turban to dry. I then put on my secret weapon for containing curls over an entire week, a silk turban. I sleep in one of these every night and absolutely swear by them. Having been sceptical, I was amazed that my curls stay fairly neat and tangle free for seven days! I have not been using any products in my hair, but this tip alone has meant my hair has been manageable throughout my treatment. I have been advised to treat my hair the same way for the next 3 to 4 months whilst the chemo gradually leaves my body. That means still no blow drying, guess Moira will be busy over Christmas!
Final message - embrace those curls! I feel strangely liberated and free from all those hours of blow drying, fretting about the weather and the humidity. Making sure I took a hat with me whenever I went out just in case! I have two grown up daughters with the most gorgeous curls. It’s now time I joined them!
Wherever you are in your cancer journey, I send you love, hope and courage. I hope some of this helps you even if just to know you are not alone.
Hi, whilst I didn't cold cap, I did blog, and here's a list of stuff I wish I'd known before chemo. Hope it’s helpful Chemo hints and tips
