I just can’t believe it- everyone on here says they’ve been allowed it. I am going to raise it again for a 3rd time with them. They know this is massively impacting my mental health (which they keep saying ‘concerns them’) and knowing that others have been allowed it on the same treatment regime seems really unfair. I know there’s no guarantees, but I feel like I should be provided with the opportunity.
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Don’t give up asking @treacle. If you dont ask you dont get and if they see how important it is to you they might be able to find capacity. Good luck
I am genuinely stunned you aren’t allowed it. I was diagnosed TNBC September 2025, cold capped weekly October to early January, now chemo is every three weeks and still cold capping. At the start hair was ok, bit coming out here and there but now I have switched drugs, quite a lot has come out but I have enough to mostly cover the thinner parts. My hair is still there and if you don’t know about my diagnosis, wouldn’t notice anything is amiss. Does sound like it’s about capacity, can be the only explanation. I hope you are successful in changing their minds. I know cold capping doesn’t work for everyone but at least everyone should have the option to try it.
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I’m Triple Negative and in the U.S., so my experience is different. Cold capping wasn’t offered by the well-regarded practice where I was treated. That left two options: arranging for a professional to come do the cold-capping (expensive and not necessarily likely to be reimbursed by my health plan) or going the DIY route. I ordered two caps off of Amazon and used them each chemo session. Several weeks after my first chemo session in October, I started losing large amounts of hair. I felt okay because I had enough hair to peek out of a cap. By my final treatment in December, I had lost most of my hair and moved over to using a glamorous wig that I found the local Wig Room for cancer patients.
Now that it’s March, my head has about 1/2” of soft fuzzy hair. I plan on sticking with my wig until my hair is about shoulder length.
On a very positive note, I used gloves and booties for the first 20 minutes of each chemo session and I did not develop neuropathy! These were purchased by a friend on Amazon.
I hope you get approved to cold cap and I wish you peace with all the ups and downs of this journey! I know it is a lot to handle.
Hi Treacle, sorry it is such a stressful time right now; we all understand the stress of the hair loss. My oncologist said the cold cap didn’t really work well, I did try feet and hand ice but ended up with neuropathy anyway. For the hair loss, once I started to see strands coming, I cut from long hair to a very short cut, it helps. Once inevitable I did a buzz cut. I bought a wig before any hair loss and never once wore it, and it was an expensive one. I went on Amazon and bought a bunch of different styles of chemo head scarf/bandanas that are pre tied and slip on and stay on; some short tails other long tails in back. Tried solid colors, tie dye & prints based on what clothes I wore; do it now before you start to loosen your hair. Family, and my honest sisters, all preferred the scarfs and so did I. We all have been there, but it is part of the journey and it will be ok; just a necessary part of getting well. check out some fun bandanas, although not easy now, it will be behind you and will grow back after your treatment is over. Best of luck, you got this