Cold Capping!?

Hi, 

I am currently using the cold cap, i have so far had 5 cycles of fec-t treatment and i am due to have my last cycle next week. I have been quite lucky so far in that i still have a fair covering of hair, my parting is more noticeable and it has thinned all over a lot. Before i started my treatment i researched a lot on the paxman scalp cooling website as they had lots of advice to get the best results so maybe take a look on there. 
The most important part is that the cap fits correctly, it should be quite tight so as your hair starts to thin you may need to ask for a smaller size. I have also used a silk pillowcase the whole time and never woken to hair on my pillow, I haven’t used a cap in bed though. I also only wash my hair once a week and have not used hairdryers/straightners etc. I have used the faith in nature shampoo and conditioner. I comb my hair daily with a wide tooth comb to remove any loose hairs. 
The first 10 mins of the cold cap are the worst part so i take paracetamol before i attend the hospital to reduce the discomfort but after those 10 mins it is bearable. 
Good luck with it and if you need any more advice i am happy to help. It is not for everyone but it is worth a try. My motto was that i would lose it anyway if i didn’t try it and i didn’t want to regret not giving it a go and i am happy that i perservered with it. 

Thank you so much for sharing your experience so far. Just ordered my silk pillowcase and got my blanket, flask and paracetamol at the ready.

I'm of the same thinking, if it works that will be great if not, I tried!

Hope it works for you too, thanks again for replying.

Hello LisaJDay. I had my treatment in 2019 and used a cold cap. My hair thinned a bit but I kept most of it and it stayed healthy looking but it is not guaranteed that you keep your hair even with the cap. I felt it was worth persevering with the cap because on the days between receiving treatment I could forget about my situation at times.  I strongly recommend that you take a narrow headscarf or thick headband to tie around your forehead as a barrier/cushion under the cap edge.  The cold from the edge of the cap resting on your forehead is uncomfortable. The disadvantages are that the whole process adds at least an hour onto the chemo experience: extra time to cool down the scalp before treatment and extra time to warm up when the cap is switched off but you factor it all into a routine.  The first time I used the cap I thought that I would give up. I stuck it out for 15 mins and thought , “This is dreadful, so uncomfortable it was painful” I was waiting to ask the nurse to remove it and I saw an elderly lady opposite, in her early 80’s I guess, wearing a cap, sipping a hot drink and reading a book. I thought, if that lady can do it, then I will try harder. So I persevered. It got a little better. Second session I used a headband and steeled myself, though ready to give up, it was sharp cold for 5 mins and then felt okay and the sensation thereafter felt ‘normal’. It became routine and I had 12 sessions. I hope this helps. I wish you well through the treatment and onwards. 

Sorry for the delay in replying it's been a busy week! Thank you for the advice. I did put a headband on but it slowly slipped down during treatment so ended up taking it off. I really didn't find it that uncomfortable either at the being so hoping that I have done it right!?!

Good luck

Hello. Great to read that you were okay throughout with your cold capping experience. You are clearly tougher than me . Well done. I wish you well with the rest of your treatment. One step at a time and then you will arrive at the end of it.