Should I bother with cold cap ??

Hi MrsB23

My hair was not really curly but then neither was it completely straight and as I had it blow dried every week at hairdressers I haven’t seen my natural colour in years  

I haven't found the cold cap too bad - first 15mins or so feels cold but you get use to it - I take paracetamol I find that really helps and have a heated pillow. It is time consuming and with the three different drugs involved..... for the last hour or so it starts to feel tight and uncomfortable but for it to have the best chance of working it really does need to fit properly. 

Try not to be be too worried about chemo. I find days 3,4 & 5 to be the worst and that is mainly extreme tiredness and awful metallic taste but then I can start to get out and about again. I know everyone reacts differently but fingers crossed for you.

Ax

Thank you Belle123!

So good to hear someone on the same treatment that I will be starting soon & that you are doing ok. I don’t personally know anyone who has had chemo so I’ve not had anyone to ask these sorts of questions. I will look into the heated pillow thank you!

Jx

I had similar chemotherapy 2 years ago and opted for the cold cap. It was uncomfortable but it enabled me to keep some of my hair and whilst I still had to wear head scarves I did not lose my fringe but otherwise my hair did thin. However with a fringe the scarves looked much better so in summary I would go for it. Hope that helps. Good luck. 

Definitely try it. 

I was told I would lose all my hair with a course of carboplatin, pacliotaxel and bevacizumab - but by using the cold cap I didn't.

I read that it does not work for everyone but that your hair could grow back stronger and more quickly if you did. That was my incentive! You have to start on the first chemo session so be prepared - take layers of warm clothing, request a blanket, take a shawl, and even a heated pad to cuddle. Drink plenty of warm drinks. Take 2 paracetamol half an hour beforehand - Nurse told me this so check with yours.

The first 15 minutes are the worst but then your head gets used to it. Read a book, watch a video - anything to distract yourself.

My hair did thin, it is upsetting to see it coming out when you comb it, but I never needed to wear the wig I had ready just in case.

Treat your hair gently; use a wide comb, a natural shampoo but perhaps only wash hair once a week, do not rub vigorously, do hot use heated tongs or driers. A silk pillowcase was another recommendation.

Good luck.

xxx

I didn't cold cap, no regrets, i have finished my chemo 6 weeks past lost all my hair and its growing back thick and fast. I am 61 and always had short hair, Even with short hair it came out so fast so had buzz cut and then went 6 mm and nature did the rest. i never wore wig but wore pretty tied scarves and turbans, what i was more upset about more than anything was loss of eyebrows and chemo changing the shape of my face, it was like seeing a stranger in the mirror, all coming back to normal now. 

I had the same regime as you and cold capped, have just added to my blog on this subject, blog title TCHP journey. Highly recommend the cold cap it worked for me. Good luck 

I was on the harshest chemo AC-T and really wanted to save my hair. I used Paxman and supported by Daniel Field products and am thrilled with the results. Finished chemo 3 months and hair still shoulder length and despite losing about half I can get away with it. It’s a lot of work but for me it was worth it. Daniel Field does free consultations which were very helpful.

It’s a personal decision some prefer to go this route but it’s not for everyone. Other thing is you can’t really predict if it will work or not. Everyone v different.

Good luck with your treatment and whatever you decide. 

Hi I have just had my 4th round of chemo for breast cancer and I’ve been wearing a cold cap for all. I have kept all my hair so far! I’m not going to lie you have to dig deep, the first 10 minutes are hard but then I’ve just persevered! It increases the time your in the chemo ward but in my opinion it’s been worth it. I’m using the paxman system which I believe is used by all the nhs trusts. They have a great website explaining it all and also hair care during and after. I wash my hair 1/2 times a week with simple shampoo and conditioner and then leave it to dry naturally no hairdryers etc. brush carefully then leave it! Really hope you give it a go, happy to help if you have any further questions x

If you have the time Microblading eyebrows was brilliant also. Has to be done b4 chemo but really helped when I lost my brows.