Cold Cap advise?

Hi

i had long curly hair and used cold cap for the first two EC chemo.  I didn’t need to cut my hair. I took my own conditioner with me. I coped with it and actually found it distracted me from the chemo itself.  I started losing a lot of my hair after second chemo and didn’t use cold cap for the third cycle. 

I had a nice hair cut now and I am happy with it. 

I hope this helps. 

Mucca x

Just to add to previous response which I agree with. Thick hair is good as you will probably lose some. I lost about a third to a half but never needed a wig.. I took 2 paracetamol before each session. I only washed my hair once or sometimes twice in the 3 week cycle and I used a very wide toothed wood comb. It does take longer but I think worth it. Oh and make sure the cap is pulled down tight to your skull. I also used either baby shampoo or Grow Me.

BTW use dark nail varnish on both hands and feet. I didn't know to and ended up with fungal infections and ingrowing toe nails. Also keep an eye on your feet and report any tingling to your chemo nurses. I have slight neuropathy in my feet.(4 years on), Good luck 

Hi NewJourney,

I cold capped for my first lot of 3 EC cycles. I had to have it on half an hour before chemo infusion, then for the infusion itself which was around 40 mins then an hour and a half after it. I cut my hair to above my shoulders to make it more manageable when washing and brushing every week.

I decided to stop it as it was making me feel unwell, nauseous and dizzy and the thought of cold capping was more stressful than getting the chemo. It was a very hard decision to make. I am very thin on top but have around 40% hair left. My next 4 is paclitaxel which for my regimen is dose dense, is a 3 hour infusion so it would be been a no no for the cold cap

If you can manage it keep going as it was worth it but sadly wasn't for me.

There are many ladies on these forums who had a good experience with it. Definitely worth a try and then you will know if it works for you 

All the best with your treatment 

Hi NewJourney,

I used the cold cap the whole way through chemo, I have long thick hair and didn't cut it, I have probably lost about 50% but starting with so much hair you wouldn't be able to notice much difference. I was shocked how well it worked for me! especially as my oncologist was very negative about it working on the drugs I was on. I wore my hair in a plait the whole time, (apart from when it was in a cold cap) so it didn't get tangled and I didn't have to brush it or wash it very much and as someone has said make sure the cap fits properly and the chin strap in on tight so it has maximum pressure on your head, it will feel tight and i'm not going to lie is pretty uncomfortable. I generally had to wear it for about 7 hours each time as I had 3 different drugs and you do have to wear 30mins before and 90mins after.....

Good luck!!

X

Ah thank you, are you still going through chemo? Did you lose more hair when you stopped the cold cap for your 3rd EC?

xxx

Dark nail varnish on hands and feet? I haven’t heard of that, can I ask why that is?

Ive got dark polish on my fingers but assumed it would have to come off?

xxx

Ah thank you for replying, it’s a shame you had to stop if it was working for you.

I'm not sure how long my chemo’s will last.

I didn’t realise everyone’s cycle can be different.

I know I’m 4 EC then 4 Paclitaxel

then onto Radiotherapy.

all so much to take in  and remember  - feels a bit daunting 

XXX

Wow that is a long time, but if it works then it’s worth it.

I was worried as my hair was so thick, the cold wouldn’t get through. But I’m pretty certain I’m going to have a go.

 Just a couple of questions,

how many times can you wash your hair during chemo ? Also I’m assuming I can’t colour it at all?

My roots are quite grey but I’ve been reluctant to visit the hairdresser .

I’m hoping I get an apt soon and can ask these things xxx

It’s because some chemos are reactive to light, like docetaxel, and it can help you keep your nails. I didn’t do this but many do, I did keep my nails really short though. You’re allowed polish but not extensions of any kind. I kept my finger nails but did loose a couple of toe nails xx

You can was it as often as you like but try to leave it as long as you can between washes. I dyed my hair just before as you can’t dye it on treatment. I didn’t cold cap so I lost my hair but I felt ok about my hair until it was gone if you know what I mean! X