I’m having my first chemotherapy treatment tomorrow and just wondering if I should try the cold cap treatment What does everyone think does it work My hair is long and thick and I’ve been told it may not work
Hello Sumac, the cold cap works for some people and not others, and it can also depend on things like what type of chemo you are having and what condition your hair is in. You won't know whether it will work for you until you try it. You need to be prepared for the fact that you will still lose hair if you use it but you may not lose it to the extent that you would if you didn't use it. I've been using it and have had 7 out of 8 chemo cycles and my hair has thinned out a lot but I still have around 50% of it left, with no bald patches (I had short thick hair prior to chemo). My hair has also changed colour and is now a golden blond but is no longer shedding at the rate that it was initially. I have not needed to wear a wig and have only just started wearing a hat when I go outdoors, due to the colder weather. If you do decide to use it take conditioner with you and a stretchy hairband - to protect your forehead and ears from the cold - and a hat/scarf to wear on your journey home as your hair will still be wet. I recommend taking some paracetamol prior to using the cap (check with the nurses first that this is ok) and having a hot drink or sucking on a bolied sweet helps to distract you for the first 15mins, which are the worst. Hope whatever you decide to do that your chemo goes well x
