I lost 50% of my hair on docetaxel, and was on cold capping. The key to retaining the rest was to Not wash you hair in hot water nor use the hair driyer on hot. This was clearly stated on the many booklets we were given and those i obtained via Macmillan. Your scalp will remain sensitive for a good while following Chemo. We were also given a Free wig through our Christies. Perhaps you should enquire. Its a shame that different area of the country do not give out this information at the same time. Macmillan also have scarves and other hats at a reduced price, to save patients buyin online, and cashing in, when we are most vulnerable. Some say it was unfortunate that my drivers licence photo was due for renewal during this process, but i’m proud to admit that i came through breast cancer, and can pass on tips to others - like yourself now- and especially to seek help early rather than late. As i wear a baseball cap much of the time, i just used this even through winter when i put a fleece hat on top. My hair , now has grown back much thicker and as i hope like most of us you will notice the tendency for it to form curls. Some have reported a change in colour. One tip i will give, enrol yourself on the ‘Feel good, look good workshop’ i booked mine after my last cycle, but i knew by then when my good days were, and if you want to ask me further questions feel free. i’m now 4 years beyond, with thicker hair than i had before. Love and light moonsox x.
Thank you so much. No hot heat on head hairdryer. I’ve already been told you leave the cold cap on after treatment before leaving hospital but what do you put on your head when going home. Im now thinking nothing warm has to be cold?
Hi we had a maggies unit across the road from the breast unit, so i just wore a towel turban, whilst i awaited collection by my partner, and after a brew. My hair soon dried though and the nurses gave me a towel to pat dry before leaving the unit. Then i wore a fleece hat on my head, the type with extended material that covers your ears as well. There is a name but i can’t remember it. The cold cap does add extra time before and after your treatment roughly allow 90 mins in all. and you have to hold your bladder, but i soon got used to that. It was worth not having the negative even colder head whilst you wait for your hair to regrow. lol Moonsox.
Hi I ensured i went to the toilet before my treatment as you do whether you have cold cap or not, its just a few times whenthe nurses came round and offered a brew, i realised i needed then to hold my bladder until they had disconnected me from the chemotherapy, then i simply wen to the loo with my cap disconnected but still on my head for a while. hope that helps. Its important to drink plenty of fluids post treatment to get rid of the red dye, if they put you on doxetaxel. Moonsox.