Cold Cap - did it help keep your hair?

[feelthefear]

Hi mishy, yes I'm at the QE. I've had the rest of my treatment there so thought I might as well have it all under one roof. Although apparantly the radiotherapy is only carried out at the Freeman so I'll be there for that, and I would like my reconstruction carried out there as well as I've heard really good things about the plastic surgery.

I had my pre assesment (bloods etc) nearly three weeks ago, it's taken this long to get my ward visit monday 3rd and then straight in for chemo the next afternoon.

I'm cold capping so maybe I wouldn't of been entitled to a voucher anyway. Like you, I'm worried about the gollum look. I not overly keen on wearing a wig either, but I really wouldnt be comfortable wearing head scarfs. I couldn't stand people looking at me thinking 'she's got cancer'. I'm just not brave enough for that.

Carole, your hospital sound generous and on the ball when it comes to making sure you have the things you need. I cant tell you the hours I spent trawling the internet looking for advice. I didnt even know what  a softie was until I came home with one boob and wondered how I was going to wear a bra. x

[Carole M]

I've found my hospitals pretty generous with things.  They referred me to a wig service despite saying I was going to cold cap, which meant I got £120 off price of a wig.  Therefore I only paid £40. It is synthetic but the guy recommended this as it is so much easier to look after, stays in style and doesn't need any styling.  I'm quite happy with it. 

My BCN gave me half a dozen softies after surgery.  Yesterday I had a PICC fitted and they've given me a prescription for the waterproof Limbo cover for showering. That saves me £18 buying one. 

So I've no complaints on this side of things. 

[Mishy18]

Feal the fear are you having your treatment at QE? I'm starting mine at Freeman on 10th having my assessment and ward thing on Monday I couldn't have a voucher either I'm trying cold cap but well aware I could end up looking like gollum so would still shave it off if I end up with baldy patches all over! Not allowed a voucher when cold capping!

[feelthefear]

Hi Kathryn.
Yea, nightmare getting anything. I came away from mastectomy without even a softie. Had to ask what I needed on here and buy everything online. I didn't have a clue.
Apparently I can't have a voucher towards a real hair wig. Only the hospital recommended fake ones. And yes, I've got an appointment at tribeca 9am Monday before my chemo ward visit. 😳
I've heard he's really good too. I know a couple of people who have had his wigs and say they're fantastic. X

[Melia]

Can anyone remind me what the cold cap times are for fec, I know it's half an hour before. Im.jjst sitting here thinking and sure mine was only kept on an hour after the drugs, is this right or should it be an hour and a half ? And is this just to 'defrost' the cap wasn't stuck or anything and slid of easily after the cap x

[Melia]

I didn't know that about the dry shampoo, I used Batista. I don't know of a chemical free one. Why won't they give u a voucher for that surely it's up to you what you buy! It's a total nightmare trying to get anything from them isn't it. Where are you going for it In going to a place called tribeca in Boldon, supposed to be really good xx

[Surreyhillsgirl]

Hi Ladies,

My chemo nurses advised me not to use a dry shampoo between washes as they contain lots of chemicals. I found I could manage anyway with twice weekly hair washing. x

[feelthefear]

Thanks for the encouragement slowski.
Melia, I'm relieved you're not finding the chemo too bad. Well done for managing only two washes in 26 days. 😳 If I go two days I look like I've been caught in the rain. I'm going to buy some dry shampoo but I'm worried about the chemicals. Really struggling to find any info on what brand I should buy.
I want a real hair wig and apparently Gateshead won't give me a voucher towards that. I have an appointment Monday morning at a salon that does them. Have a feeling it's going to be pricey. Kind of pleased my hair is short now as it might not cost as much. Cancer is expensive. X

[Melia]

Hi angela, still not been offered a voucher from my chemo nurses and reluctant to ask again. I've got an appointment at a wig shop on Monday so I'll get a fair idea of prices etc though im hoping I won't need one at all. I go from feeling totally positive and that I'm not going to lose a single hair to I'm going to look like friar tuck! As most say that's where they lose it. I've not started shedding yet but dreading it I'll freak out if it falls out in handfuls. I've only washed my hair twice 16 days since chemo With the help of my mam, I haven't used the shower but used a jug like when I was a kid! I did put dey shampoo on last week as the grease was horrific and I had to go to a party I just sprayed it and left it overnight as didn't want to rub it.. and combed out Next morning. My hair better bloody survive as it's getting treat really well haha. Also the chemo has been fine apart from really tired for a couple of days. It was the low moods I struggled with more, this doesn't seem to be listed as a side effect but everyone I've spoken too said they suffer this... so just to prepare you. I think it's the steroid come down. Good luck for starting let me know how u get on with the cap. Kathryn x

[Slowski]

I just wanted to encourage you cold-cappers; I shed quite a bit of hair two and a half weeks into my first FEC but that was really the bulk of the hair loss throughout 3 FEC and 3 Docetaxal. I kept about 40% of my hair and now, 8 weeks after final chemo am wearing headbands just to keep it and the new hair in order as its quite fluffly and unruly. I did find it very uncomfortable, although as others have said its the first 10-15 minutes in particular, and I always dosed up with paracetamol beforehand. By chemo 6 I was unsure I could face it again but I did, and with hindsight I'm so glad I did. So don't be discouraged by early hair loss ladies !

[feelthefear]

Hi Melia
I hope you're coping okay with the chemo. Mine starts next Tuesday at Gateshead. I'm also trying the cold cap. My bc nurse says to expect to start losing it around week 4 to 6. She also said most of the ladies she knows who cap lose around 40%. That doesn't actually sound too bad. 🤔
Did you get a back up wig? I remember how determined you've been from the beginning to keep your hair.
Are you using a dry shampoo between washes?
Angela. X

[Melia]

*shed not she's

[Melia]

Hi I'm day 15 of my first fec, lost no hair as of yet. When should I expect my first big she's? I've got total hair anxiety waiting and wondering 😕 x

[feelthefear]

I start fec-t on July 4 and I'm doing the paxmam cold cap. Can anyone recommend a dry shampoo without too many chemicals for use between washes? Thanks

[Surreyhillsgirl]

Hi everyone,

I have just finished chemo, x4 cycles TC and used Paxman cold cap throughout, as I was dreading losing my hair with the Taxotere. I'm very fortunate that it worked for me. I started with quite thick hair, and I had it cut shorter to a mid shoulder bob to reduce the weight, as advised by my breast care nurse. 

Two and a half weeks after my first chemo I shed the most which was quite upsetting, and it was very matted after washing so took ages to untangle with my husbands' help, but after that it the hair loss slowed and although my hair is a bit thinner it isn't noticeable really unless you look carefully. I've since found out that the hair follicles in the growth phase are attacked and as hair follicles are the 2nd fastest dividing cell in the body it's quite normal to shed 2-3 weeks after 1st cycle!

It's really important to have a tight fitting cap. Mine was put on for 30 minutes prior to starting the drugs, and left on for 20 minutes after being switched off at the end of treatment, if it's removed any sooner the ice crystals sticking to the hair will pull the strands.

I had conditioner applied before the cap was put on, and bought an empty tiny spray bottle in Wilkinsons to spray warm water before the conditioner in my last two treatments as that's what Paxman suggest.

My breast care nurse suggested using a wide toothed comb - I got a cheap plastic one by Mark Hill in Boots which has been fantastic at detangling in the early days when I used baby shampoo as advised. DON'T!!

I was told by the Chemo unit that baby shampoo contains lots of parabens & chemicals to make it non sting, and to use  Palmers, Simple or Dove. Since I switched to Palmers (I got mine in Wilkinsonss) my hair stopped getting matted & tangled after washing, felt much softer and the shedding lessened considerably. I stopped wrapping my hair in a towel turban to dry it and just pat it,  and let it dry naturally, wash only twice a week.

Yes, cold cap is uncomfortable at first, but with lots of hot drinks and chatting to others, plus my husband and something to read I kept myself distracted, after the first session I got paracetamol prescribed and took that as needed. The last two cycles I took 2 xParacetamol 30 minutes before I knew the Cold Cap was starting which worked for me.

Hope this helps. I only saw a Paxman leaflet halfway through my treatment, the website is:

www.paxman-coolers.com

Good luck to everyone with your Chemo!

Gill 

[Cath48]

Hello, I'm new here. I life in Belgium and here many breast cancer patients get 4 EC dose dense (this meens concentrated and every 2 weeks) + 12 weekly Taxol's.

Normally only patients who only need to have Taxol can have an ice cap. I convinced my oncologist with recent study's to use an ice cap in my case but they have no idea how long it should stay on. (Paxman cooling machine) So they have put it on for half an our before the chemo and 90 minutes after, as they do for Taxol. Please, can any of you who has/had a combination with EC (FEC e.g.) tell me how long it has to stay on? Sue124?

I had my second dose of EC 9 days ago. I started losing a lot of hair on day 19 after washing it very gently with baby shampoo as they recommed me. And I'm still losing a lot of hair. I think I've lost already 50% evenly and I have a bad feeling it won't stop. In 5 days I have my third chemo 

To anser the question: Nevertheless I think it's worth the pain, cold, headache, feeling of nausea! For me it's not about keeping all my hair or not having to use a wig. I would be enormously happy if I had a little bit hair left to camouflage the short hairs afterwards. But I don't think I'll be so lucky.

Cath

[Sue124]

Hi, I've had 4 of my 6 EC chemo cycles and have used the Paxman system. Like others I had my long thick hair cut ear length before it started which, although a wrench, I'm glad I did. It is painful and the first 10 to 15 minutes especially so. Also this pain seems to have increased as my hair has thinned and I too have gone down a size in caps. I estimate I've lost 50% but evenly so it's not obvious to those who don't know me. The condition is not good,very dry and brittle, and I may be overdoing the conditioner As my scalp is flakey or there's residual conditioner - not sure which. Is it worth it? It has been for me - have a wig tucked away in a cupboard which I can't bear to look at despite my partner and friend telling me it's fine. I've got this far so I'm going to continue. But I do wonder after all this is it actually better then to cut it off to allow the, hopefully good condition hair, afterwards to grow. If not I'll have soft hair near the scalp with my current fuzzy stuff at the end! 

Hope this is useful, Sue

[Sue124]

Hi, I've had 4 of my 6 EC chemo cycles and have used the Paxman system. Like others I had my long thick hair cut ear length before it started which, although a wrench, I'm glad I did. It is painful and the first 10 to 15 minutes especially so. Also this pain seems to have increased as my hair has thinned and I too have gone down a size in caps. I estimate I've lost 50% but evenly so it's not obvious to those who don't know me. The condition is not good,very dry and brittle, and I may be overdoing the conditioner As my scalp is flakey or there's residual conditioner - not sure which. Is it worth it? I have a wig tucked away in a cupboard which I can't bear to look at despite my partner and friend telling me it's fine. I've got this far so I'm going to continue. But I do wonder after all this is it actually better then to cut it off to allow the,hopefully good condition hair, afterwards to grow. If not I'll have soft hair near the scalp with my current fuzzy stuff at the end! 

Hope this is useful, Sue

[Deanie]

I had 12 weeks of Taxol last year and I used Penguin Cold Caps. It worked very well for me - I would say I kept 90+% of my hair. Cold capping tends to work pretty well on weekly Taxol. I know it worked for me as I lost it EVERYWHERE else. It's a pain in the ass - it makes the chemo day long and it caused a lot of neck and shoulder pain in my case. But for me, it was well worth it. I did all of my normal activities and felt mostly fine. And after the 12 weeks, it was easy to move on. Hope that helps. Best of luck!

[Mai7]

Cuteboy, I cold capped for my first FEC treatment and by day 19 I started shedding significantly and developing a thin patch on top. The cap was well administered and fitted.  It gives you 10minutes of brain freeze agony and then numbness which is easy to tolerate. I didn't cold cap again for my next 2 sessions as I personally felt it was too much pain for too little gain. I also decided I wanted to make sure the chemo gets into every cell in my body, especially since the lymph fluid runs under the scalp and I am lymph node positive. I had my 3rd FEC a couple of weeks ago and still have about 40% of my hair (I had it all shaved off after 2nd FEC which makes it easier to manage with a wig). Hope this helps. X

[Melia]

Thanks Anne I start tomorrow, dreading the pain but hope I can bear it. I will be following everyones advice x

[annekaye57]

I used the Paxman  1st one  March 2nd 2017  No 4  was  May 4th  I am having the operation  June 16th I found the cap  quite horrid  very  uncomfortable  and  gave  me  a splitting headache I have lost 30% of my hair. not sure if I need more chemo after operation .

Before using the paxman  I had  my hair  cut  from  shoulder length  to  just below chin length  which helped a lot  as my hair  was  heavy  and  thick . I  bought  shampoo and  conditioner  called Korres (  you can  buy  from amazon   ) expensive  but  worth it  . I found  the best  way  was to comb  my hair  gently  with  a large  shower comb ( wilko  £1) when it was dry .  when washing  dont  rub in  and the conditioner  I watered down just  pat it  gently  then rinse  off .  Pat with  a towel then drape this  over  your  shoulder  leave hair  to dry  naturally. I only wash my hair  twice  a week..  The outcome  is  a bit wild  looking  but  at least  I have  some left  . I woud use the cap again.  Hope this helps  anyone who  is like me  wanting  to keep their  hair  . There is no guarantee but  at least  I have  tried .. Good Luck  Anne x

[Amoyart]

Hi Riversidedawn,

Thanks for your previous advice.  I have had 3 rounds of FEC and 2 rounds of docetaxel,  so one left to go on 22nd June.  I have lost 80% of my hair despite using the paxman cold cap.  The nurses used gauze particularly on my crown and a blue scrub cap to prevent ice damage to my scalp.  I moved down from a medium cap to a small cap when I started docetaxel as I guess due to the hairloss it now fitted on.  I am spurred on to continue with the cold cap as there is a 6% risk of permanent alopecia with docetaxel,  but the head nurse at the chemo day unit was unsure whether I should continue.   I am definitely going to try to manage one more time if I can. I had abit of a headache by the end of the last session so I was relieved it was over, I am hoping in 2 weeks I will feel up to it.

I was wondering if there is advice on supplements that will help hair growth, the registrar mentioned zinc and selenium.

Any thoughts appreciated,  I too might ask about the tramadol if it doesn't make me too sleepy.

[blueash]

Blue2 you can wash your hair as normal from now on. Don't colour it for at least 6 weeks after you last chemo.

I am getting my existing hair trimmed ever couple of months until my regrowth catches up. To disguise it I use a topper if I am going anywhere have a look here:

http://www.internetwigs.com/toppers.html

The best one for me is the Jon Renau Top Notch but it is expensive - worth it because I like myself far better when I am wearing it plus you don't have to pay VAT if you tell them you have had chemo.

This one is also good but cheaper:

http://www.internetwigs.com/toppers/medium-tp-top-piece-.html same thing with the VAT

[Melia]

Thanks for all Your help 🙂 I've downloaded the leaflet too cheers cx

[riversidedawn]

Hi melia

I did wash my hair as normal straight after chemo, I know some ladies have been told not to wash it on the same day - I didn't see this advice so washed in warm water as normal!

I lost may be 50% of pretty evenly all over my head. The majority came out after the first session - quite a lot all at the same time, after that it wasn't really much more than normally comes out when I wash it.

The top of my head was quite thin, so I adopted the comb over look and tied it up into a loose ponytail! The hair loss wasn't really noticeable to strangers.

I did put a soft fleece hat straight after chemo as it was so cold. Also wore hats whenever I went out as my chemo was November to April.

***** add to my list below *****
(sorry, it's finally starting to fade from my memory, 2 years on!)

Put cold cap on at room temperature and freeze it on your head (takes a little longer, but gives a better fit.)
Put gauze over any thin bits to avoid ice burns.
Have someone get it for you - Lots of warm drinks
Blanket for when your temperature drops.

**** Watch this space for updates! ****

[Melia]

Thank you riversdawn did you use cold water to wash it immediately? I think I might be scared to touch it straight after! How much hair loss did you have if you don't mind me asking? Did you wear a sleep cap or net for bed xx

[riversidedawn]

Hi Linda, please see my previous comments (sorry takes me ages to type on my phone!)

- See cancerhaircare website (stevenage)
- Don't use heat or pull wet hair
- use colour and perfume free products

[Linda123]

Thank you riversidedawn 🙂 I took painkillers half way through this time which was better and I will ask about tramadol. Do you have any advice for afterwards? In terms of washing hair and the type of shampoo and conditioner - I was thinking of trying the paxman. Also, do you have any tips for styling hair without damaging it?

Thanks again x 

[riversidedawn]

Hi melia, take a look at cancerhaircare website for loads of tips.

I washed my hair immediately after each chemo (and weekly between 3 week fec) although I've read on here that some people have been advised against this.

I was very fortunate that I had a good result - I am hairy with very thick eyebrows which thinned but not disappeared during chemo!

I'd recommend a wide headband to protect your forehead and ears, lots of hot drinks, layers, hot water bottle, blanket, food, music / book / someone to talk to as it takes a long time. Also put cap on unfrozen then freeze it on your head for a better fit.

Good luck, I'm here if you need any Moore tips / talk x

[Melia]

Also when should I wash my hair as soon as I get home, or leave it a few hours or days? Should I use tepid water or cold as read so much different info x

[Melia]

Hi ladies im due to start treatment next week and cold capping. Im trying my best to think positive that im going to keep it but having total anxiety over it now. No one data suggest a wig to me as I'm so adamant im going to keep it. I think I'm prepared as I'll ever be, will pillow case, wooden comb, neutral shampoo etc but keep thinking I've forgot something important. Any additional tips please. Has anyone used a little cocunot oil to style hair just a little on the tips of my hair i was thinking to stop frizz. And should I be using a leave in conditioner after the cold caps over x

[Blue2]

Thanks riversidedawn. I like the idea of scrunch drying my hair to disguise the short bits and having layers put in. I'm already getting a bit of a lift on my parting from the hair that I lost originally and has now started growing back.
In this hot weather, it's a nightmare only washing my hair once a week. I'm so anxious to move on from my cold capping routine but am going to stay with it for a few more weeks I think, just to be safe.

[riversidedawn]

Hi blue2, well done for getting to the end of chemo! I found that by the end of chemo I already had quite a bit of new growth. I've always had shoulder length hair all the same length but found my new natural layers looked good so after chemo I had it cut to a short bob with layers and it looked so much better. I was able to scrunch dry it which made it look even thicker.

It took me a long time to get confident to go back to my old hair care routine. I carried on using herbal essence naked range for a year and very little hair drying etc But I do think you can get back to normal quite quickly - I rather enjoyed my new speedy routine!!

[Blue2]

I'm looking for some advice please......i had my last chemo last week, EC-T, and used the paxman cold cap, and want to know, when can I reclaim my hair?!!
I've got about 40% of it left after 5 months of treatment, its patchy and i have a few almost but not quite bald patches but have managed to get away without wearing a wig. I can use hair filler powder and a wide headband and look relatively OK. It's bob length at the moment.
I've been following all the cold capping hair advice - washing it just 1-2 x week on chemo with simple shampoo, once daily combing with a wide tooth comb etc etc, but wondered when I can start using proper shampoo and washing and combing it more often? I don't want to make a mistake right when I'm almost there and risk loosing it!
Also, when my new growth comes in, has anybody any tips on how to blend it into my pre treatment bob length hair as don't want to have to cut the remaining hair short and start from scratch. How do others manage the long bits and short bits?

[swampy1901]

I had my hair cut by a volunteer hairdresser at our local Hospice. My hair had been falling out all over while using the cold cap but as you say unless people knew - they wouldn't have known the difference.  I had really long wispy bits which looked a mess. As soon as it was trimmed up - it looked so much tidier and much thicker looking. If you feel you need a trim then go for it - it's the little things that make us feel better when going through treatment.

I had my last chemo in January and now my hair is starting to thicken up on top but thin on the ends - I had it trimmed by my hairdresser four weeks ago to neaten it up before I started my phased return to work. People have been amazed at well my hair has coped with all the cold capping and chemo - it may not work for everyone but it does grow back quickly - I'm so glad I stuck it out. 

[JeanneAnn]

Thank you for all the excellent suggestions! Could you please elaborate on the type of supplements that you took, and the hair growth products that you mention as being "best friends".

Thank you.

[riversidedawn]

Tramadol

[riversidedawn]

Hi Linda, sorry you're getting that pain, I can't advise on that as I found it got easier the longer the cap was on - I even asked the nurse to check it was still working!

I took strong painkillers before hand -petramadol so may be that's why I coped well.

Are you wearing a wide head band to protect your ears and forehead? If not you may find that helps. Also lots of warm drinks and something to occupy you to keep your mind off it.

Hope it's easier for you next time x

[Linda123]

Hi, I am new to this forum and have just had my first chemo treatment with the cold cap (which I wear for 4 hours in total). I've found that the last 2 hours are the most difficult due to migraine pains and being uncomfortable. I took paracetamol beforehand but this doesn't seem to help the last couple of hours. Does anyone have any advice for me? My next session is in a weeks time and I was going to give it another go. Thanks in advance 🙂 

[riversidedawn]

I had my hair cut during chemo Tink. It was so fine it needed a trim, also it got too long to wear my wig. Can't see any problem with cutting?

[Tink1]

Hi Rach,

Thank you for sharing your experience. I am having the same experience. I'm losing it all over and it and you can't really tell unless you know me and can see the difference. 

The company I used said not to cut my hair for 2 months afterwards and I really don't know why that would matter. I need to cut it because it is fine like yours and I just think it will look much better and be a lot more manageable. I noticed that you did cut your hair during treatment and wonder if it seemed to affect it at all and if the company you used said it was okay.

Thank you so much! I hope everything is going great for you!

[Tink1]

I have done 4 treatments of AC. I already did Taxotere previously so I am done with the chemo, hopefully for good. I used the Arctic Cold Caps and kept my hair until the last round and a month out I am still shedding. I don't have any noticeable bald spot but my hair is very thin and I am wearing a wig sometimes because it just looks so much better. I am afraid the shedding will continue and I will lose all of my hair but it looks like that will not be the case according to some of the responses to this thread. I am so grateful for the hope that gives to me. And it is reassuring to hear that my hair should come back faster. I have done everything I was told to do and I am still doing it. I was wondering if anyone used a dry shampoo to help with the oilness between washes. I am only washing my hair once a week because the most shedding occurs after I wash it and it starts looking pretty bad toward the end. 

[riversidedawn]

Hi melia I used an organic, colour free, scent free shampoo and conditioner from the health shop. About £5 each for a small bottle but as I only washed my hair on chemo days it lasted about 6 months. I then moved on to herbal essence naked range. I can't comment on paxman products as I didn't use them.

I wore bobble hats in winter and sun hat/baseball hat when the weather warmed up. If the hairs going to fall out it will so I wouldn't worry about hats making it worse.

I fashioned a nifty comb over to cover thinning scalp and tied hair into a loose ponytail with soft scrunchies from boots. I'm definitely not a scarf person either!!

[Blue2]

Melia, I wore bobble hats in winter and then struggled as soon as the warmer weather arrived. I do have a sunhat and baseball cap but am loving these headbands at the moment - much cooler than a hat! My balding is across the top of my head and my crown and wearing a headband covers the worse bits and does a sleepover type effect on my crown!
I don't know how to paste a link but if you put China flower retro hair band on Amazon, it will come up!

[Melia]

Hi ladies did any of you use the paxman shampoo and conditioners whilst cold capping and for normal washing or is their something better out there? Can I wear a baseball cap to hide bald/spots and shedding or is wearing hats not recommended. I am not a scarve kind of girl x

[Jadepanda]

I did great with the cap. I used the Penguin Cold Cap May 2015-August 2015. My treatment was TCH. The way my oncologist set up my. He I mess, I only had to do it 4 times. I did everything they (The Penguin Cold Cap Company) told me to do and I continued this regiment for 10 months after I completed chemo, just to be on the safe side. I also had 6 weeks of radiation treatment. I had a little shedding but in all actuality, the strands I did loose weren't much more on a day to day basis than I have had throughout the rest of my life! When my hair fell out everywhere else, yet still upon my head, it was absolutely the greatest feeling. My eyes filled with tears because I could see the proof that it really really worked! It was also very nice to have a goal, something to focus on, something positive that I could do for myself. Something other than focusing on the cancer diagnosis. My husband and daughter got into it too. It gave them a way to be helpful, something they could do to help!  As far as the temp (30' below C), well, that wasn't an issue either. I swear, it was only a few minutes of cold. Your head gets so cold, you don't feel it and there it is... problem solved! A little Ativan (0.5mg in my IV) did the trick and I stayed alert and talked with my friends and relatives while they capped me every 30 minutes! I recommend it and i's a shame so many people don't know about it. I work in the medical field as a nurse and as far as I know, it still isn't FDA approved here in the USA. I think the cost of renting the caps ($1600) was well worth it. It would take me years to grow my hair back and the cool thing was I had something positive to focus on and people didn't question me and tell me stories of loved ones with cancer etc when they saw me. It was my business if I wanted to talk about it, not someone else's. 

[Lullabelle]

Hi ladies,
I just wanted to give you all a big high five you are all doing amazingly well.
I had four FEC and four Docetaxel ending on December 22nd I used a paxman cold cap and had the most amazing team of nurses only my two lovely ladies touched my hair as I trusted them. I knew I'd lost a fair amount of hair but I lost it all over and havevthock hair so it wasn't that noticeable. Now only four todo entries months on I have full brows, lashes although not as thick and hair which is insanely thick and curly I'm in love with it 😍 Oh and as a blonde my hair eyebrows and lashes are now really dark it's like being a new person!!!
I will say I've found I still have nightmares of my hair falling out and count the hair in the shower, I shudder if my head gets cold but then I take a moment and realise I'm so lucky to have tried the cold cap and have kept my hair as I now go out curl my hair and no one knows I've had anything wrong with me this helps me. Although I have noticed the buzz cut is becoming very fashionable!!!
I would say my tips for cold capping is as follows;
1. Try and go somewhere else for those ten mins when it hurts your oncologist can prescribe meds to help with this they do help and I have no idea why I didn't get them from the first session!!!!
2. Use paxman products if you can they are expensive but work like a dream!!
3. Check your own cold cap after the nurses have and if your not happy with the fir get them to recheck it they really don't mind.
4. Wide toothed wooden combs are your best friend at the end you can go onto a tangle teaser but they are scratchy during chemo if you have any bald patches.
5. Don't believe everything you read - I did and convinced myself that I was shedding in a way I would go bald and that the tingling you feel means your losing your hair at that moment.... it dosent mine is still attached and no tingling scalp now woop!!!
6. Use Teppid water to wash your hair and don't rub it with a towel it will create a nest of attached and non attached hairs so you lose tons more.
7. Coconut oil on your scalp will help but be careful as it clogs the scalp of not washed off properly which is hard with teppid water.
8. Don't use a conditioner when cold capping that you want to use afterwards the smell will make you feel nauseous and remind you. I used a deep conditioner from lush and now want to vomit when I smell it which is unfortunate as it was my fave!!!
9. Watch the time don't let the nurses start treatment early as this could compromise your treatment and at the end let your head defrost. I always nipped to the loo as I was too scared to unplug the machine during treatment got my stuff sorted then gently checked befor taking it off.
10. Ask if there are supilments you can use that helps I took tons and my growth furring chemo was insane!!!!
11. Sleep Ina silk pillow case because you are a damn queen and deserve the very best oh and it will stop your hair drying and knotting. Also use a soft bamboo cotton cap (I still use mine to dry my hair and as a comfort love my little skull caps).
12. Get someone to pour water gently from a jug whilst you wash like you would with a baby it stops knots and causing trauma also itsvthenone time you may want some moral support if those little curls of doom start coming out!! Having a reassuring voice telling you it's fine and taking the hair out of your hand helps!!!
13. Use gentle detangler with your bamboo comb when wet bit then leave it alone!!! Comb your hair morning and night but try to just leave it be!!!
14. Bandanas are also a friend they keep the falling hairs off your face and cover your scalp if it's hot as burning is easy with the shiny patches I can only imagine this would hurt!!!
15. Afterwards hair growth products are your best friend!!
16. The cold cap doesn't work for everyone- this isn't fair but is the bottom line.
Sorry if this is long but I kind of wish I'd have had it laid out for me from the start.

I wish all of you the best outcome possible in every aspect of your treatment. I found this thread a lifeline so like to pay it forward. Xxx

[aussiegonewrong]

Hi all

I went today for my third FEC , I have lost 90%of hair and resemble Gollum now too, I was thinking I could no longer do the cold cap but they said carry on as changing to Tax next round and nurse advised it is not as harsh on the hair so my hair should start growing back so after reading comments on here I carried on. it was much colder this time couldnt wait to get it off , however painkillers took the edge off , I wear my topper to work  and thats all good and hats and beanies at home . Like someone else said I was really disappointed in my results as other ladies I saw still had so much hair but it growing back quicker motivates me to carry on

[riversidedawn]

Hey billy bear thank you for commenting - hopefully our thread will help others through their treatment.

I didn't lose as much as you (probably 50% all over) but like you it started growing back during treatment. Had my last chemo 10 April 2015 and 6 weeks later had cut and colour and 2 inches of new hair growth filling in the gaps.

Many ladies had commented similar experiences, it seems that even if you do have hair loss with cold cap it appears to help re-growth to be quicker. X