Cold capping

Yes it is the unknown I get that and hopefully after a few you will know what to expect. Sending hugs and wishing you well for your treatment xx 

Hello all

Just thought I'd pop an update on here after my first chemo and cold capping session today, and following everyone's kind messages.

I feel like it all went smoothly - the cold capping wasn't as freezing as I was actually expecting it to be! Although by the end of my session (which took 5 hours in total because of the time needed for capping before and after treatment) I was ready for it to be removed as it was starting to feel a bit heavy and the tightness was more noticeable. The relief was immediate as soon as it was taken off and my head felt fine, no headaches etc. I did take 2 paracetamol at the start of the day so maybe that helped.

My only concern was whether the cap I was given was actually closely fitted enough to the top of my head - i panicked a bit midway through that it wasn't fitted on my crown properly and that I'm going to end up with a giant bald spot on the top! But the nurse said it was OK, so fingers crossed. I'm going to give it an extra check next time just to be sure.

I'm definitely going to persist with the cold capping on the basis that I think it will help me with the mental side of things.

The chemo itself was fine too, I didn't have any immediate side effects, just a little tiredness, so I'll see how things pan out in the coming days.

Love to all x

Sounds like you had quite a positive experience today then. I found that it wasn’t as bad as what I was expecting which was a relief. I had my doubts about my cold cap fitting too, it only seemed really cold around my forehead so I hear you on that one. Proud of you for getting through it. Take the very best care of yourself. ️️

Hi. 

I have had 2 sessions of EC so far and used the cold cap on both. My 3rd one is Monday. I used a small the first time and I felt the same as you...it wasn't touching all of my scalp. So on my next go I tried small and medium and the medium was too big. So I used small.again. I think unless you had a bespoke cap for your head...its not going to fit 100% and this might be why people still lose hair. 

I have so far lost about 50% of my shoulder length hair. I have enough to tie it up and cover my scalp bit if any more goes I'm probably going to have to shave it short and wear my wigs. At least I can say I tried and it will grow back. Mine had shed gradually....like every day for the past 2.weeks rather than loads at once. 

Good luck....you might be ok.if you have thick hair. I wish you all the best

Hi, thank you for this! I might ask to try the medium next time - they used the small one but I think it was tight on the sides but not on top - I could feel gapping which worried me a bit...but obviously don't want to end up with one too big all over! I have very thick hair so wasn't sure if this would make it more or less effective as I feel the underneath section is buried underneath the upper layers. I think I am massively overthinking it all and probably just need to relax and go with the flow!

Thanks for sharing your experience, all the best x

Hello. 

I am so glad that you found your first Chemo ok, and that you also managed to do the Cold Cap. 
It’s a relief to get the first one over with. 
Well Done You. 

How are you feeling today? 
xx

Ah that’s good to hear - 1 all done and dusted.

I did see a tip when I was having treatment on the Paxman Cold capping FB page where a lady tied a scarf over the top of the caps and tied under the chin to try and minimise that bubble you can get on your crown.

Glad it all went well xxx

Yes it is a relief to get the first one over with, thank you!

I have been feeling OK on the whole since the chemo - just a bit of tiredness and a bit of a weird feeling on my tongue but nothing major, just taking each day as it comes.

Hope you're ok? xx

Thank you for this, this sounds like a good tip - I attempted to press down with my hand but obviously arm was aching after a bit! Will take a scarf with me next time.

Thank you xxx

Try the medium too and then you will know which is best.  I felt more peace of mind trying both. My chemo nurses told me I am overthinking and what will be will be. I was very uptight about it but now I know there is nothing I can do and realise how lucky I am to be able to have chemo and have a good chance of getting rid of the cancer. It's not nice losing hair but it will grow back.