On week 8/12 of taxol Herceptin and perjeta program ( triple or all three on week one then only taxol on weeks two and three of the cycle. ) then will take perjeta and Herceptin once every three weeks for two more cycles then Herceptin alone to finish out the year.
I have been so excited about using the cold caps. But the protocol that was given to me from the company was much more stringent than what I have read here. You start with the caps 40 minutes before the infusions and 3 hours after the last drop has dripped from the infusion bag. The caps are changed every 20 minutes to maintain the cold. Yes it is a bit of a task but I feel it gives me something to “do” or I sit and wallow about my plight. Between the mastectomy and the chemo, I cut my hair from mid back to just above my shoulders to give the follicles a bit of ease from the weight of my hair. I have had excellent results and find the cold rather tolerable. I live in a cold region of the US so I guess I could be used to it?!?!? I use the warming blankets at the oncology center quite liberally, around my shoulders seems best. Blessings and best wishes to all. Keep fighting.
In the UK our caps plug into the electricity and do not need to be changed. They go on 30 minutes before, all during and then depending upon which drugs you are on for so long after.
Hello all. I would just like to echo Vivica in saying how well the cold cap has worked for me. I finished chemo 2 weeks ago and have a full head of hair thankfully. Chemo regime was 12 weekly taxol, plus 3 weekly Herceptin injections. At my local NHS Trust they have the Paxman machines, and I needed it for 30-45 minutes prior to chemo, an hour while chemo was given, and an hour after. Everyone is different in terms of success but I would say to anyone thinking of trying a cold cap, give it a go as it may well work brilliantly. I have washed my hair every 3 days with Dr Organic shampoo and while hair did come out I have been lucky that it is small amounts all over, rather than clumps, so no bald patches just a bit of thinning. The cold, for me at least, was tolerable and nowhere near as bad as expected, particularly after the first 10 minutes or so. I just took books and magazines to distract myself. So ladies (and gents) if you decide to try, then I hope you have as much success as I have been lucky enough to have - good luck and best wishes. X
Blue ash
Cold cap envy!? Thanks for the input I will look for a plug in unit as I talk w the folks at my oncology infusion office.