Chemo and cold cap

I can’t help with the cold cap but I do have have to inject myself, the first time it was weird but you get used to to quickly and I’m a whizz at it now! Mine isn’t an epipen style  but it is easy to use and simple to operate, sort of semi automatic, I was daunted at first but it’s fine now x

Thanks x

I've just got to get used to it hopefully

I’ve just finished my chemotherapy and used the cold cap. I have kept most of my hair with just two thinning patches which I can disguise.  I got a wig voucher and have a beautiful wig which I really don’t need. I’m awaiting a topper to use to cover the thinning parts it’s like hair extensions that clip in. The cold cap is bearable if you can get past the first 10/15 minutes, to be honest I never found it that bad but I reckon walking dogs in all weathers minus hats helped as I don’t feel the cold to bad! It does add time onto your treatment though which was the hard bit as you have to wait after you’ve had the chemo for up to an hour/ hour and half before it can be removed.

Hi Jo E3

I think policies must vary. I had the cold cap and I was also given a wig. They were seen as being completely separate. I did well with the cold cap but many people do give up on it. What then if you have opted for the cold cap rather than a wig? Plus, I doubt if there is anyone whose hair doesn't thin and for a special event /night out you might need a wig. I would query this.

Regarding injections, the district nurses came once every 3 weeks to do this for me and to check on how I was. I was asked if I wanted to do the injecting myself but said no and they were fine with this. They were lovely and very reassuring.

If you don't ask/push you won't get,

I am now over a year post-chemo etc and have a good head of hair, despite being 70. Even got complimented on it the other day.

The very best of luck with all your treatment. xxx

Hi, hope the chemo is going well today!

I did cold capping. It doesn't work for everyone, so I'm surprised you were told either cold capping or wig. I got both, and I'm glad I did because the cold capping didn't work for me.

Chemo didn't hurt but it did make me feel weird. They had to stop/slow it a couple of times. But no, no pain. I have a PICC line.

My self-injections are not the steroids (those are pills), but to stimulate the white blood cells, at the same time each day for a week after each chemo, starting the day afterwards. Make sure they show you what to do, because nobody showed me and the syringes were completely different from ones I'd used before. The actual injection takes seconds and is only a pin-prick. It does make you achey though, so don't worry if random bones start hurting. That goes off a few days after finishing the course.

Go through your list of questions and write the answers down, because sometimes you don't remember what they told you. There's such a lot of information to absorb when you're not at your best. Good luck! x

Great! I’m pleased, thanks for letting me know, how did you get on today? X

I couldn't have the cold cap due to covid restrictions, so I'm now sat here after two cycles of chemo, with very little hair and absolutely resenting whoever made that a policy.

The injections are given through such fine needles that its unlikely that you will feel either the in or out of them.  Good luck and best wishes.

Hi JoE3, I got a voucher & bought a wig & also used the cold cap. I would definitely recommend trying the cold cap as you can always stop using it if it's not for you but you're not able to start using it once your treatment has started. The first 10-15 minutes is the difficult bit but take magazines & books to distract your mind. The chemo nurses are lovely & will support you through it. You are at the hospital for a longer time but I found after the first few sessions you get into a routine with it. My hair still thinned out, particularly above the ears, but have still kept the majority of my hair. Wash your hair & comb it gently a few days after treatment. I used the Aussie shampoo & conditioner & found this worked well. With regard to the steroid injections, it takes a bit of getting used to but after you've done a couple you'll get into the routine of doing them. Wishing you lots of luck with your treatment, you'll get through it xx

Hi Sheba62, if it's any consolation, I had the cold capping and it still didn't work - it doesn't have a very high success rate. I also lost most of my hair after 2 cycles. Try not to feel resentful because that's not a healthy state of mind for recovery, and we need to be as positive as we can. Hugs to you.

Hi Sheba62, I agree with RedSquirrellsNuts, try not to feel resentful. I didn't cold cap and now my hair is growing back really well. If you cold cap, then your lost hair would grow back in and then presumably you'd need to go for a new haircut anyway due to the different lengths, so all options have their advantages and disadvantages. You'll get through this and enjoy your hair once again.