I kept the majority of my hair using the cold cap along with my Paclitaxel chemo, so I would definitely recommend giving it a go. Yes, it’s a longer time in hospital but so worth it. I noticed it shedding more when I washed my hair but not a lot, and no one would have known the difference between that and my normal hair. I have a very short pixie cut anyway so I think that’s why it worked so well.
Here’s a link to a post I made last year so I hope it helps anyone thinking about using the cold cap - scroll down a bit to see my posts
I wouldn’t say it hurt at all. It does feel really cold for about the first 10 minutes but after that, I didn’t really notice it. Some people take paracetamol beforehand as a precaution against headaches but I managed ok without anything. I must admit though that by the end of the session (about 2.5hrs in total) I was pleased to get it off. But the bonus of keeping my hair was worth it.
I wasn’t going to do it initially as I’d heard it was painfully cold, but a lady opposite me was trying it for the first time and said it was perfectly tolerable so I’m glad I changed my mind. The good thing is you can give it a go at the first session and if it doesn’t suit you, you don’t have to continue.
That’s a difficult question as we all tolerate different levels of cold! That’s quite a long time - maybe someone else will come along with experience of that length of cold capping.
If I were you, and your hospital supports it, I’d give it a go and if it becomes intolerable, then just take it off. In that case you wouldn’t regret not giving a try. Best of luck x
