Hi everyone, after abit of feedback if possible?
I was diagnosed with an invasive lobular cancer at Christmas, and on valentine’s day had a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction using the muscle from my back.
Because it was a big one and reached my chest wall, I’m now about to start 6 cycles of FEC chemotherapy.
I’m so worried about the hair loss, my hair is half way down my back and took 10 years to get there! My oncologist told me about the cold cap and I’ve read mixed reviews on it, ranging from amazing to didn’t work at all…has anyone on here tried it? Would be very grateful of any feedback. I start my chemo this Friday and would like to know as much as possible.
Thankyou in advance. Xx
Hi Loulou,
I didn’t have chemo but met a lady at a bc event who was about halfway through chemo, had tried cold cap and while it had thinned she still had a full head of hair. She had cut it shorter (shoulders) before cold cap and alternated with a wig more similar to her longer hair length beforehand. She said it was good to be able to have natural hair as well as the perhaps slightly overly perfect wig hair. she also said she had surprised herself since she actually liked the shoulder length natural hair. I’m sure those who have been there will share. I appreciate it doesn’t work for everyone. Hope you make the right decision for you.
Seabreeze
Hi Loulou
I start my first chemo on Friday and also having the cold cap - my hair is quite thick and past my shoulders so worried about loosing it. There are mixed reviews about the cap but I’m going to give it ago and hopefully I can persevere as I’ve read it can go to -40. I am going to get a wig similar to my own hair so at least if I do start to loose it I won’t feel as anxious…I keep being told that your hair grows back thicker and stronger so can’t wait. Good luck!! x
Well, the sister in clinic told me to cut it short for it to work, which sorta defeated the object for me. I didn’t use the cap, had it all cut off to make the loss easier, and am now bald and it’s ok. Very liberating! I have an amazing collection of scarfs and bandanas and my getting ready time has halved, haha!!
Hi …I’m in the waiting room I’m afraid but whilst reading your posts thought I’d share my friends cold cap experience … My friend was on her 2nd mastectomy and opted for the cold cap after chemo for the first one . She had bob length hair and it thinned so much on the top it looked like a max wall (balding comedian) hair style . I’m her hairdresser and was in charge of sorting it out lol … It took some time and we just kept cutting the length to help the top catch up . It did take almost a year to thicken up and gow and the texture was wirey and completely different to the rest . The length that was left was brittle too no moisture at all . In my professional opinion I think she would have been better without the cap , although she would have lost all her hair it would have grown back at an even rate … That said she is the only person I know who has used this method so I have no comparison … Good luck to you ladies through your treatment keep strong and positive there are more survivers theses days than not … We can beat this xx Jan
I also wondering whether to bother or not.
Have heard it is panful? As I already suffer with sinus headaches I am not sure if it’s worth it. Plus if you have to cut your hair short I agree with LouLou… would rather risk without.
Thanks, that really does help. Will give it a go!