Cold Cap - did it help keep your hair?

[Angywd]

Hi everyone,  bit nervous about posting as I have never joined any online groups before.  I am just about to have surgery which will be followed by 6 rounds of chemo, then radiotherapy and herceptin for 1 year.  Most of the time I am coping but at least once a day I am hit by an overwhelming feeling of total fear for what lies ahead.  It often happens when I wake up at stupid o clock and then can't get back to sleep.  I'm a single mum with 2 young teenagers.  I've gone through a horrendous divorce and 10 years battle with my ex husband, 25 court hearings and its all still an ongoing battle for the £27k he owes me in child maintenance.  My children and my work have always kept me going, even driving to work in tears and driving home in tears.  I now feel like my life is spiralling out of control, I cannot work whilst having treatment due to the imuno suppressed issue.  My work have basically written me off for 6/8 months and it's killing me.  Don't get me wrong they are so supportive and have reassured me that my job will be there for me whenever I'm ok to go back.  My daughter is diabetic with bad control so I am her rock.  She is devastated but I'm doing pretty well at reassuring her and making her laugh at the thought of me looking like an egg with no hair etc!  But I'm at home now sobbing while they are both at school so they don't see.  Firstly does anyone have any techniques for getting through those moments when the fear is so overwhelming you cannot breath?  Also I have been advised I can try the cold cap but I have fine hair so not sure if this would work for me?  Sorry for the ,OMG post! 

[Lullabelle]

Sorry I hadn't finished my last bit!! I'm really glad that your treatment is also going well. cxc

[Lullabelle]

Hi Naomi,

Sorry for my late reply I have been having in the world of chemo an amazing time I aware this could change but I'm positive in myself that I'll be fine. After the first I lost a bit but nothing major I naturally shed a lot and have a ton of hair!!! I did mindful breathing for the first ten mins of the cap them can't feel it. During session two the room was so hot I was sweating in a tshirt with no shoes on with an ice head that was bizzare!!! I had one day after the second FEC (I left the conditioner in for six days and didn't brush it as I was terrified of it dropping out I was told by my fellow cold cappers round two is the worse) when I washed it I sobbed I lost probably half a handful or less I'm Aware this is pretty awesome with FEC but it was my first huge shed!!! I cried with my mum for probably an hour that was my first and last emotion with chemo!!! I've heard the shedding slows after two and stops after three as a general hoping this to be the case! I cut my hair into a long layered short style do I think this helps as there's little breakage! I use the paxman shampoo and conditioner and my hair is pretty soft. I think it maybe growing yet it maybe my mind playing tricks on me!!! I still have full lashes and brows although my armpits and lady garden are bare very strange!!!
If my hair drops out tomorrow I've had six weeks extra I wouldn't have had of normality!!! I sleep on a silk pillow with a jersey sleep cap in and am taking biotin, hair growth tablets and sea kelp all have been approved by my oncologist but I think they are helping?
I've had a total of three bad days (they weren't that bad even) in six weeks two FEC mostly due to being on my period and constipated I though I was going to pass out!!! No sickness, no loss if appetite and very little tiredness. I walk the dig for two one hour walks and do 30mins yoga and twenty mins mindfulness a day so feeling healthy oh and water my two ltrs of water a day keep things flushing through me I sware this helps!
Sorry this is crazy long but the best bit..... My lump has already shrunk it did after the first one and the second I guess this is the beauty of having a huge lump you feel progress. Btw my surgeon tried to put me off the cold cap and my onc said I wouldn't feel a change yet I have so far proved both these facts to be incorrect for me!!! Oh and the two ladies on FEC-T cold capping at the same time as me one has done six rounds of each said she had thin hair to start with and had loads of hair left. The other lady who will now be on round four of FEC has full hair really long and lovely... I'm aware this isn't everyone's journey but I do think people get scared off of cold capping. So far so good!! I use a wife combed wooden comb and use cocnut oil on my skin as its a little dry! Sorry if I over shared I'm back in on Thursday so will let you guys know how it goes and if I ever dare wash my hair again!!!!!!

[JoannaT1988]

Hello. I finished my last chemo 4 weeks this Friday & I used the paceman cold cap. I lost ALOT of hair, but I've managed to maintain is say about 40% full head with it patching underneath. I can cover the thin parts. I was was wondering to all you fellow ladies who've coldcapped, how long after does it stop shedding as I'm still shedding now, I understand that I'm only 4 weeks post chemo, it'll be nice to know when it slows down and stops. Thank you xxx

[NaomiW]

Hi a long shot Tracym1  but do you have private health insurance through your work or your husbands work? My husband added me on his last year and they didn't ask any health questions as I was worried as before this breast cancer I had malignant melanoma which has also come back so a double whammy but just a thought in case it was an option. Good luck x

[NaomiW]

HI Lullabelle 

having read your post from earlier just wondered how you  are getting on? X

[NaomiW]

I'm on my second dose of EC chemo and using a cold cap. They put conditioner on my hair and give me a sedative and some paracetamol. Have to confess the first ten minutes are not pleasant and I shed a few tears but breathe through it like childbirth! Think of hot sunny beaches and then I don't really notice it. And then I fall asleep under the duvet they give me. Two and a half weeks after my first session i started to lose a few handfuls of hair and its still coming out... luckliy my hair is very thick. I did have it coloured at the start of chemo as its naturally grey but is coloured platinum blond so when grey starts to show through its not too bad. I've read on line not to use hairdryers or straighteners so am having a re style based on leaving it to dry naturally and am organising a wig now just in case. My nurse yesterday said it was a myth that not washing or brushing your hair will help preserve it! 

One thing that might be helpful if you didnt know this already and if you have any private health insurance you can still have NHS treatment, operations and follow ups but you can opt to have chemo privately and sometimes even at home. This has been a real benefit to me as you can pick your times of when you go based in your schedule.  I'm doing a lot of alternative stuff too through a proper doctor and he recommends juicing the day before and the day of chemo so the cancer cells are hungry and will respond better to chemo. 

Good luck and  remember it will come to an end. I've put all my treatment in my diary and know by the end of feb it will be over and what a celebration that will be!  

[Tracym1]

What can you do if its not available?

[Mary D]

Hi Ladies

I used the Paxman system, and was doubtful if it would work. My hair is very fine anyway and I was dreading having to wear wigs and scarves. The good news is my hair has held on quite well, it is slightly finer but starting to get strong again. I had my last chemo six weeks ago. The cold cap is bearable, I took paracetamol beforehand ( check if this is ok for you), wore warm layers and got the padding at the forehead and nape of neck. It does add time to your stay in the chemo ward but it's well worth it. I know not every Hospital has them, as they had been fundraised for in my Hospital. I'm now two weeks into the radiotherapy and I'm taking the Femara ( which can also thin hair).  So you have nothing to lose by trying the cold cap. Good luck with your treatments.

[karapace]

cancerhaircare.com has good advice on process

4 cycles of chemo. Kept 60% of hair. One length long bob is good style to camouflage patches - sideburns thin where cap doesn't reach, and a thin patch near top of head common with cold cap. These can be covered if you have long enough hair and a side parting. Feels great to be able to walk dog or pop to corner shop looking nearly normal! Did not feel cold for long, no headache.adds 2 hrs onto your chemo day. See cancerhaircare.com

for comprehensive advice on the process.

[thomasc1]

I endured 16 rounds of cold cap during chemo for triple negative . Although it was very uncomfortable and I was shivering during most sessions, I was happy with keeping about 1/3 of my hair.

However. I knew something wasn't right when the hair didn't seem to be growing 4 months after chemo finished.  Whereas, The hair that had fallen out was coming back.  Over the last 2 weeks, all the hair that had been preserved has decided to exit my head- by the handful.  It seems like a really cruel blow given that my chemo and radio are finished and I should be moving on. The hair that had been preserved was mostly from the top of my scalp, so now I have considerable bald patches appearing.

This was never given to me as a possibility by my oncologist or nursing counsellors.

[Sashadogbff]

I used cold caps during 6 doxorubicin treatments.  I lost approximately 45% of my hair, but no one really noticed. My daughter never had to see me bald. I was able to maintain my privacy at school or shopping. No stares. My last treatment was 10 months ago and my hair is very full again. It was interesting to see how the new hairs grew into the longer hairs, as the new grew in very curly. But I'm very glad I did the cold caps. 

[scratch]

Hi powdow.i lost all my hair twelve yrs ago fec...most recent chemo docetaxol I used cold cap only lost some hair not noticable to others.i coloured my hair again about six weeks after chemo had no problems..but you can buy brown powder that would cover the roots.in most chemists obviously not permanent but would help and also covers any thinning bits.sharon.x

[Can-Uk]

I'm on my 6th cycle and I've cold capped, lost about 60% and I always coloured my hair, but the fact that I still have 1/2 gray and 1/2 blond is OK under a baseball cap.  Lossing my hair was one of my worst side effects and the one that upset my son the most as well.  I have a little ponytail coming out of my cap and still feel pretty normal.  I think it's worth it!

[Can-Uk]

I'm on my 6th cycle and I've cold capped, lost about 60% and I always coloured my hair, but the fact that I still have 1/2 gray and 1/2 blond is OK under a baseball cap.  Lossing my hair was one of my worst side effects and the one that upset my son the most as well.  I have a little ponytail coming out of my cap and still feel pretty normal.  I think it's worth it!

[Powdow]

Thanks, my hair is thick too. I don't suffer from any headaches and usually can bare freezing cold ok.
If it comes to it I will cold cap, at least then I don't have to wait till my hair grows in grey and maybe I'll cope with the inches of grey roots knowing that I'll be able to colour sooner!

[Powdow]

Oops sent that agsin and don't know how to delete!

[Powdow]

Marli,
Oh thank you very much for replying. No I haven't started chemo yet, still to have mastectomy, but surgeon has said now chemo is found in one node they will do a full clearance and that it could now mean chemo, still not definate but it helps me if I am prepared. I have had plenty time to prepare, was diagnosed initially on 3rd May!
I just use Nice n Easy at home and yes my intention would be colour as close to chemo as possible. It was just a friend who had chemo (but didn't cold cap) said you can't dye for 6 months till after chemo ends - it may have been because she lost her hair?
I'm still concerned about the grey though, I really have to colour my hair every 4-6 weeks, so if chemo itself takes around 18 weeks, I am going to be pretty white up top- or will my hair not really grow anyway?

[marli]

I have very thick hair and actually had it cut 3 times during chemo, the 3 weeks after. I think if you have lost all of your hair 6 months is more realistic as mine did take that long to grow last time.

I know that cold cap is not for everyone but if you can do it it is so worth it. Didn't even get a wig this time as I was thinking positive.

If you do decide to cold cap follow all of the advice on previous posts. Thick band for hairline/ears. scarf under the freezing pipe . lots of layers (even a blanket) to keep warm. Don't forget lots of hot drinks. It is doable if you are determined but I seem to think that not if you suffer from migraines.  Good luck.  Marli xx

[Powdow]

Marli,
Oh thank you very much for replying. No I haven't started chemo yet, still to have mastectomy, but surgeon has said now chemo is found in one node they will do a full clearance and that it could now mean chemo, still not definate but it helps me if I am prepared. I have had plenty time to prepare, was diagnosed initially on 3rd May!
I just use Nice n Easy at home and yes my intention would be colour as close to chemo as possible. It was just a friend who had chemo (but didn't cold cap) said you can't dye for 6 months till after chemo ends - it may have been because she lost her hair?
I'm still concerned about the grey though, I really have to colour my hair every 4-6 weeks, so if chemo itself takes around 18 weeks, I am going to be pretty white up top- or will my hair not really grow anyway?

[marli]

Powdow  - Yes it is worth doing. I had lost my hair 6 years previously and really didn't want o lose it again.

If you have not already started chemo , I would suggest that you have it coloured the week before and the follow all advice about caring for it throughout your treatment.

I coloured mine 6 weeks following end of chemo. Hair was not damaged but I did find that it absorbed the colour more so probably best to leave it on for less time.  I just used my usual Casting brand but if you are worried you can get vegetable dyes.

I understand how important hair is to both you and your boy. Keeping my hair this time really made a difference to how I felt about myself - and I am a very positive person anyway.

Good luck with your treatment.  Marli xxx

[Powdow]

Just read my post sorry about the little errors but you get the jist, doing it on my phone. My son is 9.

[Powdow]

Hi,
Looking for some advice/info. I've just been told, after they found cancer in the sentinel node biopsy (only one node taken) that the chance of chemo is now on the cards.
I had always intended cold capping if I could, but now hearing that you can't colour your hair for 6 months after treatment I'm wondering what to do, I'd there any point keeping my hair when half will be grey and the other half brown? I'll end up covering it up anyway.
How have other ladies dealt with this?
I really wanted to keep my hair, more so for my littkr boy, he's only, and his first question when I told him I had cancer was an I going to lose my hair. My hair is just past shoulder length and even when I got it cut to a shorter bob a few years back he didn't like it. I know he's going to have to deal with the changes, but if there is a way around the grey issue of love to hear it.
I did buy one on those spray on colours that L'oreal do now to cover my roots when my colour is needing done, only tried it the once, not sure I was that keen, and that was just a little showing of the roots.
TIA

[stacym]

Hi Lullabelle,

I am in the States and I just ordered it from their company in Kansas. Are you sure they won't deliver it there if you're paying for the shipping? It's great stuff and works, I hope you get your hands on some...good luck!

[Lullabelle]

Hi Stacey M,
I gave hunted high and low for the Brian Joseph's lash gel in the uk with no luck can't even get it delivered here!! Are you in th uk? If so where did you get it from please? Xx

[stacym]

Hi! I just finished 8 rounds of R-Chop for lymphoma (Adrimyacin(red devil), Vincristine, and Cytoxin). I have long curly hair and still have a full head thanks to cold capping. It is a little thinner on top now that I'm done and I hope the shedding stops soon. You CAN save your eyebrows and eyelashes! I used the lash and brow conditioning gel from Brian Joseph's since the beginning and have kept all of my brows and lashes. This is a must have and pretty reasonably priced (about $50 per tube) to keep your lashes and brows. Hope this helps and good luck with your treatment!

[Lullabelle]

So I had my first round of chemo and cold cap tester day.... It really wasn't that bad you forget it's there after 10mins! I used a lush hair mask and am leaving it in for the 72hours many women have recommended then will rinse with tepid water... Am on the FEC-T so not looking forward to the eyelash/brow loss am hoping the cold cap saves a good majority of my hair... A lot of the ladies that used it had a good coverage even towards the end of treatment. So I'm remaining positive 😊 The staff and people there are so lovely 😊

[Chen-boy10]

Hi ladies, can anyone tell me if there is any chance of keeping your through 6 cycles of fec? Everything I have read so far indicates that you won't keep hair even with the cold cap if you are on this cycle? I had my first fec 9 days ago and have 5 more to go and will willingly persevere with the cold cap if there is a chance I can keep hair....Thankyou for any help or advice xxxx

[marli]

In the UK most hospitals have their own cold cap systems. Do you live overseas? x

[choise]

hi ladies, does anyone wholesale the cold cap from www.osell.com, i want to wholesale, but i never bought from this website, does anyone knowing this?

[Johnso9c]

Hi ladies. I will have my 9th chemo (Taxol, Herceptin and Projeta) treatment today July 22. I am cold capping and still have a full head of hair. I have lost less than 10% of my hair. Its not noticeable because my hair is very thick. It is worth trying and gives you some control. I'm very thankful because this allows me to have normalcy and privacy as I go through this journey. I decided to rent my cold caps from polarcoldcaps.com. www.rapunzelproject.com has great info on cold caps.

The cold caps do not bother me even at -36c. However I'm also doing cold hands and feet with Elasto gel mitts and slippers to prevent chemical induced neuropathy and prevent nail lost. My hands get so cold until I don't think about the cold cap.I keep the caps, mitts,and slippers in the freezer until morning of treatment and transport in cooler on dry ice to infusion center. Just like cold caps you need several depending on the length of your infusion. I've read where some women soak there hands and feet in ice water to get the same results without the cost. Please do your reach on the varies tips and tricks available to help through this process. Many blessings to everyone.

[claireduncalf]

Hi everyone. I've been reading lots of posts - Thank you everyone for sharing. I've also been doing some of my own research on scarves as well! Amazon doesn't have a great collection of scarves and wigs etc.... I found: https://livebetterwith.com/products/collections/cancer/hair-loss/ 

They offer lots of products related to hair loss and some nice variety of scarves and turbans. I thought it might be useful to you. I hope you are well. Keep strong! Claire x

[popkit50]

Hi Ladies

I've just jumped over from June 2016 starters forum. I am day 14 into second cycle of FEC and cold capping. I reckon I've lost about 50% of my hair and it does look a bit thin, especially on the top. I was recommended a great product by my hairdresser - BOUFFE - it is £5.99 from Boots. It's a spray which comes in a variety of colours to match common haircolours and it colours the scalp and hair where it is thin and also adds volume. It worked for me! I was on the verge of giving up on the cold cap but have now decided to persevere. I will be doing one more cycle of FEC then three of Docetaxel (Taxotere) and hopefully the hairloss will slow down. I did wear a wig to a wedding at the weekend but it felt very odd and I was aware of people giving me funny looks. I have another wedding to go to this coming weekend and will try without the wig! 

Best wishes to all those cold capping! 

[marli]

Its called Colour my Grey. There is a post a little way down dated 8/7 with the details . I was very pleased with it. x

[fds5]

Thank you Marli!

What was the product called?

[marli]

fds5 - Well done for getting this far. DON'T PANIC even if you still shed some hair. It slows down and does continue for a little while after end of chemo BUT mine started growing back quite quickly and after 6 weeks I had it trimmed again and hairdresser said the thin patch was growing in nicely. I used a powder to fill in any thin patches, which I bought from Amazon for about £7.99 and it worked well, lasting all day.

Good luck and keep thew faith lol.  Marli x

[fds5]

Hello

I have three more treatments of Taxol (have had 4 AC and my first Taxol this past week), and would say I've kept around 50-60% of my hair. It's much much thinner than it was to start, but I must say I am glad I've used the cold caps.They are a huge burden and a painful process, making each treatment tougher physically and mentally, but they are worth it. However, I'm nervous my hair is going to start falling out even more now. It still comes out when I comb it, as it did starting in the middle of my AC cycles, and I'm wondering when it is going to stop. Recently, it's been thinning around my part (middle) and some scalp is visible. While this probably isn't noticeable to others unless I mention it to them, it's really irritating and makes me feel dirty. Scalp is also peeling, and it's hard for me to resist picking at it, leaving dandruff looking skin follicles. Anyone know when the shedding stops? If you've gone through taxol, does it? Also, for hair falling out around the part and top of the head, does anyone recommend the cover your hair product? It looks like it will work but not sure; may have to just start wearing the wig.

Thanks, xx

[karapace]

I cut my hair to shoulder length to make it more manageable. See cancerhaircare website for a good booklet outlinig the cold cap process. Tolerated the cap well but I am not prone to headaches. I just pretended I was going swimming in cold sea for those first ten minutes. It really is a bit like your head at least is going swimming in cold water - a shock at first but you get used to it. Wore an old cashmere onsie, sheepskin boots and scarfs. Biggest drawback is the extra 2 hours it adds to your day in the chemo unit, but hey what else was I going to get done that day? Lost a bit of hair at the 3 week point, but this is from sideburns and underneath at the back where the cap doesnt quite reach, easy to cover with the longer bits. I have pretty thick hair to begin with. Still have hair everywhere else so far, afraid my moustache and peach down cheeks hair is still showing. Still have 2 cycles to go so fingers crossed. Hair is thinner than it was but at least I don't have that chemo scarf look! You can get stick on eyebrows, there are some temporary ones for around £9 including post for 10 pairs available in lots of shapes, or you can buy longer lasting real hair ones for more like £65 if you have a long term problem. reviews say they are good, but I havent tried them. They are available from simplywigs.co.uk. If you are having a drip into your vein they will fit the saline drip before you cool down as once you are cooled it is pretty hard to find a vein. Take a wooly hat to go home in. lady on the machine next to me was on treatment 5 and still a full head of hair. Thank you whoever it was that raised the money to buy the two paxman machines af my hospital. THe helmet over the cap is soft neoprene you look like you are going to play hockey in it!

[marli]

Hi Jo - I have just checked my Amazon orders and the Product I purchased is Cover Your Gray Fill-in powder. The colour I used was Dark Brown as I do have  dark hair but noticed that they also do medium and light brown too. There is also a product for blond hair. It is £7.99 with free postage from the company Cosmetic Solutions. If you put hair fill-in powder on Amazon it will bring up all the products.

I found it lasted all day even at the sides where I had lost my sideburns.  You don't actually use a lot of it so I passed it on to someone at chemo. Her hair was lighter than mine but she found it worked well for her.

Good luck.  Marli x

[angeljo]

Hi Marli what is the hair powder called what you get off Amazon as I've been looking and they are all above £10 ? Don't know what colour to get don't mind paying £5 and trying a couple of colours . 

Thanks 

Jo 

[Lullabelle]

Thanks for your response Marli, I will have to look into the powder. It's inspiring to see so many strong people fighting So hard in fact it's beautiful! I will get myself booked in I gave heard the look good workshops are good. I only got diagnosed a few weeks ago, T this is the first time and was determined to not come on any forms or do anything related to cancer but then I wanted to research cold cap so happened to come on this thread. I will get booked into everything my area does now as its good to be prepared for everything!!! It's all about facing these things head on!!! Thanks xx

[Runningfree]

Hi all

I cut my long hair down to a pixie cut reckoning on a better fit for cold cap, think it puts less stress on your hair as well

lost what looked like loads of hair around 3 weeks ie 2nd dose of AC but then it just stopped!

carried on with it all the way through and where as it felt thinner to me everybody commented on how normal my hair looked. Problem was my husband and kids kept forgetting I was having any treatment!

A hairdresser who I met who had used cold cap herself told me to get a parabens free shampoo, wash and conditioner hair the night before and make sure the nurses apply conditioner to your hair  before putting the cap on.

I took a towelling head band to protect forehead and ears, but gauze does fine.

It IS cold, but get through first 10 minutes and you get used to it.

Wear loads of layers, I took all my fleece baby blankets and draped them around me!

IMPORTANT: leave your hair then for as long as you can ,72 hrs is good. Having short hair helps, all the dried in conditioner made it spiky! I got used to washing my hair less and tried not to mess with it too much.

3 months on and my hair is pretty thick. I read to get your hair cut around 6weeks  after last treatment.

I lost all my body hair, I saw a great running vest that read ' chemo gives you the best Brazilian...Ever' ! Wish I'd got it. My eyebrows and eyelashes definitely thinned towards the end but had enough to touch up with pencil

All the best with it, hope this helps

Xx

[marli]

Lullabelle - you seem really well prepared and have a good attitude. Cold cap worked really well for me which was great as I lost it all after 1st dx in 2009. I never needed to wear my wig this time, and didn't bother wasting NHS money on a new one so well pleased. 

One of the ladies at my chemo also kept most of her hair (it did thin) and kept it in her shoulder length bob.

You can buy powder to "fill in " any thinning patches , £6 from Amazon.

Losing your eyebrows and eyelashes is horrid but once they start coming back they come back quickly

Take care with tattooing as sometime your brows do not grow back in the same place. Body Shop eyebrow powder compact is great and if you have a fringe no eyebrows is hardly noticeable.

Book into a Look Good, Feel Better workshop - they help show you how to deal with things like that and you get a lovely goody bag to take home.

Good luck.  Marli x

[Lullabelle]

Hi ladies,

I'm due to see the oncologist on the 20th July I have already made my mind up about cutting my hair and cold capping. My consultant pulled a face and said it doesn't work that often. My argument is that if you don't try you don't know. I have felt no emotion just a sense of I have things to do and need it all to be in line so I can kick chemotherapys butt!!! I have scarves, night cap, silk pillow cases, jersey headband, blanket, big hoody and will be getting a wig, collagen, biotin and hair growth oils for the end and coconut oil to put on whilst I'm cold capping. Is there anything else I will need? Oh yes and pain meds to help of course. I'm worried about losing my brows and eye lashes but presume there's nothing I can do to stop this? I will be booking in for eyebrow tattooing as well. I aware it's like a military operation!! Then hearing how well you are all doing makes me feel all the more ready. This thread is priceless thank you ladies xxx

[Joan Bannister]

Like you I feel very calm so I think it is normal. I have found cold cap no big deal. What hair I can keep I will fight for. Keep strong xxx

[Joan Bannister]

I have used cold cap for 2 treatments and found it no big deal at all, just shut my eyes and switched off. It is easy to keep your eyes closed when your face is squashed. I have lost forty per cent of my hair most from the top of my head. I shall keep going as long as the hair stays. Getting a wig this week as back up, dont know if I will look like Mork or Mindy in one, but we will give it a try. I feel lucky sfter 2 frv I feel well and have not missed three walks every day with the dog

[rattlesnake]

Hi everyone. 

I'm exactly a year on from diagnosis and happy to report I have a full head of healthy hair largely due to perservering with cold cap.  If you can face it its worth doing, and I'm very grateful to the friend who told me about it. 

Like others - it was a HUGE deal to me losing my hair...I had kept my illness secret from all but my nearest and dearest, because it seemed less scary that way. 

My lovely hairdresser cut my hair into a cute bob ahead of 4 cycles of chemo, and I was delighted it stayed same length and shape over 4-5 months (small perk!).  In the end about 40% fell out, mostly thinning at the crown, not noticeable to most people. I had very thick hair to start with, washed it gently in the bath rather than shower (though not sure if this made a difference) with regular shampoo and conditioner, regular brushing.  

My treatment was during winter months, so had to buy wooly hats to make up for lost heat through hair 😉 

A month or two after chemo ended it started growing and now I have 3-4" of perfectly healthly baby hair 

As some others have said, using the cap is tricky but gets easier - imagine putting your head in a bucket of ice - then pull the chin strap tight! I was advised to cover my head with conditioner ahead of putting cap on so hair doesn't stick to cap when its taken off. 

It worked for me, I hope it does for you too

Best of luck X

[Lucy Lu]

Thanks for your responses.xxx

[red_robin]

Keep going ladies! I kept 40% of my hair and it looks really good now 3 months later! Well worth keeping it going! Xx

[riversidedawn]

Well done ladies, keep going! I do believe that if hair is going to come out then it will, so wouldn't worry about the wig pulling on it. I only wore mine a few times for parties and school visits! Other than that I wore a loose ponytail which allowed for a comb over for thin bits.

It started growing back as soon as it had come out, so by the end of chemo (April 2015) I had 2 inch layers throughout my hair which thickened it up. I had it trimmed to a short bob and scrunch dried to make it look thicker. A year on and I have better hair than I did before - now having layers cut in as looks much better than before chemo !!