Hello Scared
I had my 6th FEC on 23rd July, and used the cold cap all the way through. Im 28 yrs old, and always prided myself on my beautiful long hair. I did not cut it short (as was advised). I felt that I could manage it better (not washing it often, not using hair dryer or straighteners), if it remained long. I had it cut to just below my shoulders instead, just to reduce the weight.
After my 2nd chemo, it started to thin slowly. Now its very thin, and I have almost, a bald spot on top. Saying that though, comments from friends are that they can hardly tell! I still look like someone with a full head of hair, be it very thin! I always considered myself to have thin hair anyway! But now, I realise it may have been thicker than I thought.
My hairs still coming out but hoping it stops soon. I am confident that I will not be going completely bald, and I wont need to shave it off!
My final thoughts are that it was worth it, although it has made having chemo, a very dreaded experience. If Im truly honest to you, I feel chemo would have been alot less painful, if I hadnt have used it, but then being a girl who loves her hair, it was worth the pain. I can say that now I have finished!!!
Just be prepared for extreme cold, which gives you a headache and makes you feel sick. Yes you do need warm clothing, no matter how warm the weather. It helps if they give you a heat pad. Also, you need a friend who you can chat to for england!!! Making the time go quickly is the key to sucess with the cold cap. Someone who doesnt keep you entertained is no good for a chemo buddy, especially when you use the cold cap!
Just to add, I washed my hair 3/4 times a week to start with, then tried to drop it to 2/3 times. On special occasions, I used the hairdrier and straighteners gently! And I gave up with the satin pillow. I never have hair on my pillow. It comes out when I wash and brush it, and just generally during the day. Be prepared to have hairs everywhere, if your hair is long, they end up in very private places!!
Hope this helps. Goodluck.
Anne xx