I am due to start chemo on 18th July 2014 . I am having 6 sessions of fec . Has anyone else had experience of chemotherapy in new cross hospital . Also has anyone had experience of using cold cap
I was offered the cold cap during my 6 session of FecT. I found the following information helpful: Firstly I had my past my shoulder length hair cut very short. I only washed my hair when it really needed it, once a week with ‘simple’ shampoo. I didnt really know what I was looking for in the ph balance of shampoo’s and so simple was the only one with 0% fragrance free on it so I chose that one! I didnt use cold water to wash my hair but I did have it much cooler than I would usually use. The first time I put the cold cap on I found it really uncomfortable, it made me feel sick and I couldnt talk and had to really zone out, I never thought I would be able to cope. I did not wet my hair before the cold cap, and it is really important that it is of a very tight fit. I had to wear it for half an hour before my chemo started and for half an hour after my last bag of chemo. It was changed every 30 minutes and don’t be afraid to shout out if the nurses don’t come to change it, they are so busy you may need to remind them! My hair started to fall out after my second chemo. I found it would shed about the 5th to 7th day after every chemo session. Don’t be too alarmed!! It’s a bit scary when you wake up and your pillow is covered (oh I used silk pillows as my hair didnt seem to fall out as much with them). I only combed my hair if it really needed it, having short hair meant I could get away with not having to ‘style’ it!! I used a very wide toothed hair brush and only used my hair drier on the lowest cool setting. I must admit sessions 4 and 5 were a real struggle, and I really thought of giving up BUT I knew it was helping my young children cope so i persevered and I’m so glad I did! People who did not know I was having treatment had no idea that I was. I could have even got away with not telling the children I was receiving chemo as they would not have realised the difference. The bald patches were about the size of a fifty pence on the side and back of my head where I laid and were only really visible when it was windy. If you are offered the cold cap I would give it a go!! IT WORKED FOR ME.
Thanks they have mentioned this cold cap but everything seems really scary at the moment . I’m not sure what to expect or how to cope .
Hi Wend63
Welcome to the BCC forums where you will continue to find the support and shared experiences you are looking for
It may help to join the current July chemo thread here as users are already chatting about concerns they have and they are at the same stage as you:
Our helpliners are also on hand with further practical and emotional support on 0808 800 6000, lines are open weekdays 9-5 and Saturdays 10-2
Here’s a link to the BCC hair loss information including the use of cold caps which you may find helpful:
www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/publications/treatment-side-effects/breast-cancer-hair-loss-bcc54
Take care
Lucy BCC
I’m due to start chemo in new cross hospital Wolverhampton does any one know what happens re obtaining a wig
I am due for my first fec in 22 July quite scared as my surgeries diet go well so not sure if I will be lucky enough for my chemo
Hi fiona did you have problems with healing after surgery
Thank you poems galore
Thank you laurelle I’m am pretty scared if I’m honest I know lots of people go through this but it does feel it’s just you doesn’t it . Hope you go on ok
Fiona I’m sorry to hear that I had a reconstruction with implant had a nasty infection and have a deformed implant now .I am lucky in my tumour was grade 1 a though it had gone to 3 out of 12 lymph nodes . They are giving me chemotherapy as a precaution . I’m due to start on Friday I will let you know how I get on with it hopefully to put your mind at rest . What hospital are you under
I have had to have the bottom part of my implant cut away so have a much smaller implant on that side now with lots of scarring . I am having fec 6 rounds pre assessment is 15th July and chemo to start 3 days later . I am in Wolverhampton hospital
Will do and you x
Hi fiona when I had my chemo assessment appointment I was given a voucher for a nhs wig . Hope they do this at your hospital too x
I saw the wig lady today she was very helpful . Will hopefully get my wig before my hair loss starts think it may take a bit of getting used too . Start my chemo tomorrow x
Hello ladies. I am just over two weeks into first round of chemo & my hair is falling out!!! Big shock & lots of tears this week. I wore the cold cap so did not expect/prepare for hair loss. I am trying to be positive that it all won’t fall out (long thick & curly) and all that one day it will return to its former state. It is hard though, I know I don’t have to say that to you lot! Has anyone found any ph neutral shampoo? It is recommended and I can’t bear the thought of washing my hair again after the amount that came out this morning.
xx
Hi miss maize have you joined the gym since having chemo x
Hi fiona I did have a bit of a wobble yesterday as they started but the treatment itself wasn’t that bad. I felt tired had a headache , felt sick my leg were a bit achy but I coped with everything . You Will cope too . The fear of the unknown is worse than the treatment . Let me know how you get on x
Hi
I am due to have the 1st of 6 FEC treatments on Thursday for a grade 3 lump. Just had two teeth out and still have a very sore mouth/infection? so worried they may have to delay…just want to get started now as lump is big at 5cm although ultrasound detects 28mm. Scared about prognosis longer term as appears I have a nasty invasive cancer. On the plus side NAD in nodes as yet. Feeling tired (sleepy) all the time but unsure why…
Hi Fionna00
HER2+ and a lump that is starting to be quite sore. Looks like your going to be a couple if days ahead of me treatment wise. I do hope all goes well…Definitely know how your feeling!
Fiona I totally understand how you feeling I will be thinking of you xx