@bella80 I was thinking about the cold cap but haven’t heard from anyone who has used one. Oncologist said it maybe works a bit in about a third of cases. I’ve read it can feel unpleasant and it does extend the time spent having a chemo session but I guess anything is worth trying. I want to be prepared so thought I’d try the wigs.
Definitely the fear of the unknown as far as chemo is concerned! Yes it’s great to chat to others going through the same - and who understand what we are going through xx
I’ve been eagerly awaiting this thread creation. I’m part of the gang, starting on 5th August.
I’ve also got TNBC and it’s been SO fast from initial screening in May to loads of scans and now chemo in August! I’m very grateful to the NHS for moving so quickly but bloody hell it’s been manic!
Got my eyebrows done - microbladed - but I think I’m gonna skip the cold capping. I was super lucky to find a new friend at Future Dreams - which everyone should visit if they can! - who has the same cancer but is further down the journey and she’s been a font of knowledge and she didn’t cold cap but her hair is already coming back beautifully.
I’m also one of those mega researcher types so if anyone does want to talk through anything give me a shout.
I found it ok but I’ve got quite a high pain threshold and I wanted it so badly I just gritted my teeth.
It feels like loads of tiny sharp scratches. No more painful than a blood test scratch but of course repeated over and over so it gets a bit more painful as it goes on. It’s quite quick though. Aftercare I found to be very easy. It didn’t scab, just needed to have a cream applied and then it began to heal.
I did however pay through the nose for it so all of this is said with the proviso that if you are tempted you should absolutely go for the very best you can afford. I used the last of my Dad’s inheritance on mine as I figure he’d want me to have eyebrows, haha!
About to go to my oncology appointment to give consent for treatment and then afterwards tour the chemo unit.
And… I’m just overwhelmingly sad. It’s ok, I know it’s normal and everything I just.. wanted to say it.
That’s all.
I had those feelings as well. It’s good to get it out of your head and on to this forum where people understand. The sad feelings are just as loud as the scared feelings and the worry feeling sometimes.
Hi chacha - All feelings are valid - it is sad we are all in this position. I was feeling really anxious this morning about not having a date for my chemo to start yet - saw the oncologist and consented on 16 July and she said it would start in 2-3 weeks, so I wondered when I’d hear and it became a ‘thing’ in my head I’d been forgotten. I e mailed the oncologist secretary and she very helpfully telephoned me assured me I’m in the system and had spoken to the chemo unit who advised they’d be in touch early next week.
Knowing I have to have chemo I’m dreading it on the one hand and can’t wait to start so I can get it over with on the other!
Keep sharing your feelings on here - it’s a lovely supportive forum of people who understand xx
I went today for oncology appointment, I start Thursday 13th Aug, I think he said 3 rounds of EC, then 3 rounds of DR followed by radiotherapy and herceptin for a year…although I may of got the letters wrong he said he’d put it in a letter so I didn’t write it down.
It all feels a bit too real now, think I was hoping they’d say ah its ok you don’t need it now lol (wishful thinking)!
My main thing that I want to be able to do is keep up my exercise, I enjoy it, it helps me stay focused. Hopefully side effects won’t be too bad
Hi, I think I’m due to start chemo on Thursday 13 August (just waiting for my onco type test result). I’ve been told to prepare myself so telling myself it’s happening. Diagnosed with invasive ductal cancer both hormone positive and her2 negative. Had a high KI67 score so chemo recommended. Will be having EC x 4 fortnightly and Paclitaxol x 4 fortnightly. Radiotherapy after that and hormone therapy. Going to see my Oncologist on Monday to confirm either way. I’m feeling kind of numb really and just want to get it over with. Thankful there are others to share this experience with. Much love to all x
I start chemo next Friday 7th August (picc line is getting fitted on 6th). I was diagnosed back in April with mixed ER+ ductal & lobular cancer, with 2 out of 11 lymph nodes involved. I’ve had to have two surgeries to get clear margins and more lymph nodes removed (my choice) after the first two nodes tested positive after first operation.
@tiro it looks like we’re on the same treatment plan. I’ll also be getting 4 fortnightly rounds of EC, followed by 4 fortnightly rounds of paclitaxel, and then onto radiotherapy and hormone therapy.
I was really hoping to try cold capping, but unfortunately, my local hospital isn’t in the position to offer it right now. So, I’ve had my wig appointment and have a basket full of cozy hats waiting on Amazon!
Feeling surprisingly okay about everything right now—I always do better once there’s a solid plan in place. Though who knows, that mood might change along the way!
Hi @Absolutely_Not sounds like we are very much on the same path . You’re a week earlier, but the diagnosis is almost identical. I am going to try cold capping, but I really am in two minds about it. I just had my hair cut short from having hair down the middle of my back so getting used to that this week. I didn’t realise just how much planning having chemo needs . Hope the rest of your week goes well! X
Well done going for the chop, how are you finding it? I’ve not been that brave but my husband has asked when he can shave my head…not yet that’s for sure! Yes so many appointments. Hope yours does too and everyone else’s
Hi all, There’s so much to take in, it’s head spinning to start off with! I’ve had eye brows done, teeth filled, eyes checked…ordered lots of bit & bobs from ideas that Ive picked up from other sites…found out about adaptive clothing, looked into cold capping, wigs, etc etc.
I am going to try cold capping, if it doesn’t work I’ll go down the wig route.
I’m booked in for the look good feel good session next week & hospital rang today with heart check appointment on Friday!
Hope you all have good weekends, I’m feeling very lucky that I’m able to go to a local festival with friends & family to celebrate my youngest son’s 21st birthday…we weren’t sure if we’d have to cancel, very fortunate!
I did see somewhere on one of the sites that you can buy your own cold caps, obviously no idea how affective they are compared to the hospital ones (which I think its hit & miss with anyway).
But on looking into wigs, you can get some amazing ones & change hairstyles regularly too lol!
Yes, I’ve seen those as well but I’m not sure how good they would be, they seemed a bit of a faff. I’ve at peace with losing my hair now, it is what it is (been saying this a lot!).
I got a prescription from Oncology and went to a local hairdressers for a consultation. The lovely woman is now ordering some in for me to try (big head, none fit on the day ), will go back in a week or so to try the ordered ones. There are some lovely ones on Amazon with decent reviews though that I’ve been checking out!
All still quite overwhelming, however I do now have a treatment plan. 3 cycles of ec, followed by 4 cycles of docetaxel and phesgo. Starting on 13th Aug. So should all be finished before Christmas.
. You’re a week earlier, but the diagnosis is almost identical. I am going to try cold capping, but I really am in two minds about it. I just had my hair cut short from having hair down the middle of my back so getting used to that this week. I didn’t realise just how much planning having chemo needs 
. Hope the rest of your week goes well! X
I need to place the order but keep changing my mind on what I think I will need.