Hi there
I know I have a way to go … surgery in a couple of weeks before the chemotherapy but trying to think ahead and understand a bit more.
Some have said about cold cap - what is this and how does it work?
Some have said about getting teeth checked before - why is this please?
Thanks.
Hi collywobbles
Thanks for posting on our forum
We hope to be able to respond to you on Tuesday.
In the meantime, if you would like to talk things through, our helpline is open between 9am and 1pm on Saturday. We are closed on Friday and Monday due to the bank holidays.
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Lisa
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the cold cap can help preserve your hair during chemo, I’m sure others who have or are currently cold capping will pop on and give you some info, I didn’t cold cap through chemo. Getting your teeth checked before starting chemo is because oral hygiene during chemo and stopping and risks of infection during chemo is important the nurses will guide you more next week, just didn’t want to not help, do ask away on here any of the threads 
everyone will reach out and try and help 
Shi xx
Thank you 
enjoy your time off x
Thank you for your message. Best wishes x
I’m bumping this up the threads and hoping other fun members can share with you while you wait for response from nurses after Easter Shi xx
Forum members not fun but from personal experience and the journey us Oct17 chemo lot shared we did have plenty of 
and still do daily the friendship we forged on here is unbreakable Shi xx
Hello collywobbles,
Thanks for posting. It is natural to have questions following your diagnosis of breast cancer.
Hair loss is a side effect of some chemotherapy drugs. The cold cap is a system used to reduce the risk losing your hair. You can read more about this, including how it works here. You might also like to know about the organisation Cancer Hair Care
Another side effect of chemotherapy is that it can cause your white blood cell count to fall and if this happens you can be more at risk of developing infection. If you need dental treatment when your white blood cells are low an infection could develop in your mouth, as @Shi says.
Also, some people are prescribed a bisphosphonate. These have a rare but serious side effect of osteo necrosis of the jaw so its best to avoid any dental work when on this treatment.
This is why people are often advised to have a dental check-up and any dental treatment necessary is completed before starting chemo or a bisphosphonate.
We have a range of free services you may interested and this section of our forum is for women who are going through chemotherapy at the same time and who can support each other. Its lovely to see that @Shi developed a friendship with her Oct 17 group.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK -prefix 18001).
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Best wishes
Jane
Breast Care Nurse
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As we are unable to monitor for further replies, this thread will now be closed. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread, call our helpline, email us or request a call back.