Cold cap disaster

Hello, I had first chemo last Friday, same chemo drugs I think. 

I was advised that there wasn't much evidence that the cold cap worked and asked if I really wanted the extra discomfort. 

I have very thick hair, which this time last week was also halfway down my back. I decided to have it cut short to match a wig I ordered from the hair specialist at the hospital. 

I wasn't going to bother with a wig at first but I was told that with the specific drug regime I am on that it is more likely my hair will all fall out at once, not just clumps. I will loose eyebrows and eyelashes as well, which somehow I'd not thought of. 

I was told the hair loss most likely after second session, but I would get a bit of a warning as scalp probably become very itchy a few days before. 

I have to keep telling myself my hair will grow back. 

At the moment I would just like the people hammering nails into my bones would stop. I'm not able to take much in terms of pain killers. Positive thoughts not doing much to rid the pains!!!!

Xxxxx

Hi I was having cold capping.I am on weekly Paclitaxel since August I have managed to keep my hair till October then when I had enough with the cold capping it all came out.Just had no patience to wait there another hour or so and outside was colder so didn't want to get sick with wet hair.I am wearing a nice long hair wig plus having a hat on it so it looks like my own hair and I am not upset about it.I am more upset about my finger nails which turned purple.

The hair will grow back when you finish chemo I know because this is my 2nd fight with cancer.Had chemo 2 years ago it grew back soon after I finished chemo.

Good luck with your treatment

So sorry you’re suffering without pain killers, Nina60. The drugs have been great and I haven’t felt nauseous at all. Am dreading day 4 & 5 which you’re going through now. Hopefully it’ll be gone by tomorrow for you and you can enjoy a nice Christmas.  

I've not been too bad with nausea which I thought I would be. I was given extra anti sickness and extra anti hystamine. I did take advantage as it meant I could enjoy a hot chocolate without the usual side effects of the dairy!!!!

You are right, Janet500, hair isn’t everything. Health and comfort are more important. The agony of putting on the cold cap every week since August sounds horrendous. I only have 6 sessions, once every 3 weeks so I might be able to put up with it - but only if it works.  

Purple nails are news to me. Cover up with polish?

So sorry you have to fight another cancer.  You are a strong person.  Good luck with your treatment too.