Cold Cap - did it help keep your hair?

[Jill1998]

https://forum.breastcancercare.org.uk/t5/Chemotherapy-monthly-threads/bd-p/Chemotherapy_monthy_threa...

[Jill1998]

Hello ,MaryKamille , welcome to the forum !!One of our Community Champions Blueash had really good results with the coldcap but it does really seem to vary from person to person .When you start your chemo you willl get lots of support and advice from others going through the same if you join one of the montly chemo threads - you can also ask questions of ladies who are further on in their treatment if you post on earlier montly threads .I will post you a link .Let us know how you get on .Jill x

[maryKamille]

Hi Jill 1998 - I am new to Forum & just worked out that you are a CC by spotting your 'star'. I am waiting for Chemo and reading all these posts on 'cold cap'. Still cannot decide whether to go for it, or not, but these posts do cover both sides of the quandary.

[maryKamille]

Hi Agill
I don't know my dosages but you mention that EC is the worst one for hair loss. I am to have FEC - or 5FU. Is the EC you mention included in that?

[maryKamille]

I have only just got my treatment plan and don't see my pre-start team until December. No idea yet when treatment will start, so investigating a few things.

I went to website of cold cap manufacturers (it was in my treatment documents) and they say average chemo is 2 1/2 hour session. I have been told that my 3 1/2 hour session will be increased to 5 1/2 hours if I have a cold cap. Anyone else having that sort of length of chemo session? Also, I tried website's prediction for hair loss and although I did not have my dosages to enter in their profile (for more reliable prediction) I did have the combination of the drugs to fill in. Even so, they said only 50% chance of no hair loss - and they make these caps!. It seems a lot of extra suffering for only a 50-50 chance - of retaining some thinned out hair. Until you have had a chemo session you don't know how hard that is going to be in itself either. Any further comments or tips in helping me make that decision about cold cap, please? Like the rest of us, I would like to keep my hair - dehumanising otherwise.

[SallyG63]

Well, 3 weeks PFC after 4x fortnightly EC and 12 x weekly Paclitaxel and after keeping the majority of my hair all through I'm now shedding loads and it is now very noticeably thin.

I'm not a happy bunny.

[Agill84]

Hi ladies, I started my chemo on 9th August 2018. My chemotherapy regime is 3EC and 12 paxlitaxol . I have done the 3 EC and 3 pax and pleased to say I still have a full head of hair!!!! Apparently it is the EC that really gets your hair,  they call this the red devil .The paxlitaxol causes hair loss but not as much as this is a lower dose.

My tips for cold capping is too be really fussy when getting the cap fitted(i am using the Pac man cold cap, I bring in flannels to pack the cap out where it does not fit. Take paracetamol half hour before y our treatment , this helps reduce the brain freeze in the first 10 minutes. Please be assured it is bearable coming from a girl that has a really . Low pain threshold.I do not put any heat on my hair and I wash it once a week with ordinary shampoo. I did buy all expensive shampoo and conditioners at first buttbecause there is hardly anything g in them my hair looked greasy after washing. I got my hair cut shoulder length as I was told less weight on hair follicles and easier to manage when combing. I also use a wide tooth comb and not brush.

My hair has gone quite thin but you cannot notice notice. I shedded quite a bit on my first chemo around day 20, I lost a bit on my neck line, this was becAuse the cap was not fitted right down at the back. Please don't let shedding put you off, this is norrmal and stick with it. 

By using the cold cap and being g lucky that it is working I feel like it has give me some control back and i still look like myself.

Please give it a go it is definitely worth it, also women who cold  cap with me are all doing really well with their hair.

I hope this helps , good luck everyone xXxX

K

[feelthefear]

I just used cotton wool to keep my ears warm. They numb after about ten minutes anyway.

I kept around 95% of my hair. I had it cut short and layered to thin it out beforehand.

I didn’t find out until my last infusion that drinking something hot when the cap is first turned on helps immensely.
I used Paxman shampoo and conditioner. I did wash it every other day. I think if it’s going to fall out despite the cap then there’s little you can do about it.

[lorraine-1]

Ahhh, thanks Sally.

Lorraine

[SallyG63]

Hi Lorraine,

I just used an Alice band type hair band over my ears. They were fine except I couldn't hear properly as I think my right ear must be slightly higher up my head. I had to pull my earlobe to hear properly.

[lorraine-1]

Can i ask the girls who've used the cc how you keep your ears warm? I can't stand my ears being cold! I will have to start chemo after my op and was thinking of trying cc as feel I'm losing enough besides my hair. Been looking online but it's all ear muffs on a band which probably wouldn't fit over the cap.

Thanks 🙂

[Joeyaff]

I was devastated to be told I would probably lose my gorgeous funky purple hair when I started chemo so I decided to definitely try the cold cap to keep my hair as much as possible for me and the kids.  The first treatment was hard, and it left me with a migraine for the full first week on top of the steroid side effects but worth it.  Sadly when I went back for my second treatment the chemo nurse told me I had lost more hair in the 3 weeks than some people do over the whole chemo regime - without the cold cap!!  She said it clearly wasnt working for me and agreed wiht my husband that it wasnt worth the extra discomfort and time.  Sad for me but some people just do not get a positive result.

Seeing what some people here are saying I would say give it a go on your first chemo and see if it works ....if you are one of the lucky ones it is one thing less for you to feel crappy about!!

[Katrin23356]

hi)

[Chiconico]

This is an interesting solution! I already went through this, and I had a completely different approach to this situation. I cut off my long hair under a short haircut, which for a long time I wanted but was afraid to do. I changed  my hair color (unusual) for cool result by Hair Color Changer and a little time went like a freak, but then I liked it! Now, of course, I grow long hair, but the color is not standard, I still paint the ends of my hair.

[Daisy200]

Hi, I'm cold capping and (touch wood) don't seem to have lost any hair yet. I've done 3 FEC and 2 T, so my last one is in about ten days time. I loved my hair so much, it was long and blonde and had extensions. They had to come out, clearly and my fabulous hairdresser trimmed it and did a kind of a dark to blonde colour through it before I started, as you're not supposed to have colour treatments etc during chemo and we thought that would hide any roots etc if they did grow throw.

I'm not going to lie, that first 20 minutes the first time was hell, I can understand why people give up at that point, but after 20 minutes it just becomes numb really. And cold. My amazing friend Jayne who comes with me for mine bought me a plug in fleece, like an electric blanket and it is amazing. Each time cold capping the hard first part seems to get easier and quicker to. Deep breathing and saying f**k a lot seems to help.

Yes, don't forget your wooly hat to go home in.

And now the part you're not supposed to do. I wash my hair, blow dry it and straighten it every single day. Yes, that's right. Every single day. Just like I did pre-chemo.Because I didn't just want to keep my hair, I wanted to wear it how I wanted to wear it. In fact if I had to go to work (iIm a teacher) looking like I do when  get up in the morning, I'd prefer to wear a wig. 

So it could all still go this time (half way between cycle 5 and 6) or it could still go next time, but even if it does I looked good and felt good this far through.

Those bastard treacherous eyelashes are a different matter entirely. I'm learning to love my falsies though,

Hope all goes well for you xxxx

[honeyblonde18]

Hi,

Sending you hugs as I recognise the feeling of what is happening and is it just better to shave it off now.

I found that I lost more hair just before the next round of chemotherapy so likely nothing to do with you styling your hair.

I also used the cold cap and have hair after the 6 sesssions but it has thinned greatly especially in the last two sessions but i also had extra medication due to an infection that slso had hair loss as a side effect.

I kept going with the cold cap as my young girls were struggling with the shorter hair so trying to prevent the no hair look for as long as possible.

I had long hair and as soon as it started to drop out I cut it to shoudler length  but after it thinning so much I have had a short bob and considering even shorter due to all the different lengths of regrowth.

So after my expereince I am not sure the cold cap was worth it as my hair dresser wants to cut it short now.

if you do go for all off it does grow back quickly and within 2 months (after last session) other ladies appear to have a short hair cut.

Good luck with the rest of your treatment

x

[Bcd112]

Just about to start 4 ac. I will try the cold cap. Any tips. Did anyone else have ac and cold cap?

[riversidedawn]

Thank you for sharing your experience Mumof2boys. Fantastic news that your hair is in great shape.

I would like to stress to all you ladies out there that we can only post our opinions based on our personal experience. Mumof2 has some excellent tips but please don't worry if you cannot follow her advice to the letter. Forgive me if I'm wrong mumof2, but most of us have gone through this only once so cannot compare our results with outcomes using different methods and products.

In order to give a balanced view I'd like to add my comments from my personal experience 3.5 years ago. 3 x 3 weekly FEC and 11 x weekly paclitaxol.

I used the paxman cold cap system
I started using incredibly expensive organic shampoo and conditioner from the health shop but when that ran out I used Herbal Essence naked range (I really couldn't tell the difference)
I always washed my hair the same day as treatment as I couldn't stand the sticky conditioner in my hair
Generally washed my hair once a week
I tended to either leave to dry naturally or a cool hairdryer setting and ran my fingers through instead of combing
I tied my hair up in loose ponytails using covered scrunchies - anything soft and gentle, no metal hair clips
I wore hats outside as I chemo'd through winter
I had my hair cut as much and as frequently as needed throughout chemo
Had a good cut and colour between 3-6 weeks after finishing
I didn't use any heat (tongs, straighteners, hairdryers etc) but neither did I keep my head cold other than during chemo

As I say, this is my experience and it worked for me. No bald patches, good hair condition, loads of new growth during paclitaxol.

Good luck to all x

[Jill1998]

Great advice Momoftwoboys - hope you are doing ok post treatment .

[Momof2boys]

Hi Warriors!, 

There are so many questions and concerns on this thread about the cold cappiing. i have stage triple positive breast cancer and had to go through 12 rounds of Taxol and  currently having the Herceptin every 3 weeks.

I was more stressed about losing my hair than losing a breast. I was determined to keep my hair. I did my research and founf that cold capping was for me. I was completely comitted to the process. I chose the Penguin cold caps bt the elastogels are good too. Whatever you can afford is the ones to get. THere are important things to know when cold capping. I kept 80% of my hair. It just thinned, no bald spots. NObody could tell but me when my hair was wet. I am going to give some advice and tips for you all as this is what i did for optimal results. 

It;s is very inportant to use orgaic shampoo without any parabens and sulfates. try to find a clear shampoo without added color. I also used Rogaine for women and take a Hair/Skin and Nail vitamin.  Do not wash hair 2-3 days before chemotherapy and only use COOL water on hair. I waited 3 days AFTER chemo to wash again. Very important to wash hair on the 3rd day to remove residual chemo residue from the scalp. Use conditioner and use a the widest tooth comb you can find to comb through in the shower with conditioner. Do not use a hair dryer, curling iron or any heat tools. Do not use a hair brush. Wide tooth comb only. Do not put hair in ponytail, use clips head bands. Nothing to pull or put stress on hair. No hats or head bands. Do not get head hot as the scalp needs to stay cool all the time, (even working out or being in the sun getting head warm is not good) THink cool all the time. Use a satin pillowcase as this does not pull hair. DO not cut more than 2 inches during chemo and wait 6 months after chemo for any color.  It is important to keep this up for 6-8 weeks AFTER your last chemotherapy infusion. THe hair will remain delicate for awhile. Treat it well and it will be reward you back with a head of beautiful hair. Research good shampoos. Don;t go cheap here, Get the best you can afford. I used Juice Beauty shampoo and conditioners. Got it from amazon. Read the labels and make sure its chemical free and organic. Hope this information helps ladies. I am 6 weeks out from chemo and get compliments on my hair. I am so glad I did the cold capping. Cancer took my breasts but it was not going to take my hair!! Wish you all the best in health and beautiful hair! 🙂

[Harebell]

Hi

I think I posted in wrong place before. I have secondary bone and liver mets. I have my second weekly chemo with cold cap today. I dont know how long before eyebrows will disappear but wonder if anyone knows of a good and sensitive tatoo place in London who would do eyebrows.

[Jill1998]

Hi Chocolate , It is done at the hospital on the day you have your chemotherapy treatment - you wear the cap for a time before they administer the drugs ,during the treatment and for a little while afterwards . Are you using the forum on a phone /tablet/ laptop ? We may be able to help you find your way around if we know what format you are using .

[chocolate]

Is this done at hospital or do you wear indoors I’m a bit confused with it all

[chocolate]

Can someone please help I have posted but can’t find replies or anything

[Meesh73]

I've also used the paxman cold cap. Had chemo 4 last week of fecx 6. Mine has thinned quite a bit and I have a balding bit on top (bit like an old man), but I still have lots of hair! I did lose loads during cycle 2 but It's definitely worth trying and I'm glad I did. I think mine has gone on top because the cap is probably not a great fit and my first session the machine wasn't working and I only realised 15 mins after them putting it on. So they took it all off to check the cap and machine. I then think they rushed putting it back on. At a glance no one would know as fringe, back and sides are all pretty good. I think it has made a huge difference to my confidence and mental state to keep my hair. I also wash it once a week with gentle shampoo and conditioner, I ash it in the shower with a jug using warm water. i have curly hair so the only time I use a comb is when I've washed it, the rest of the time I fluff it with my fingers. The first 5-10 mins are the worst and I take paracetemol 30-60 mins before treatment. Just 🤞🏻That I don't lose too much more.

[VJ]

I had sore and scabby scalp after my first cycle but this was because I didn't wash my hair much compared to before treatment when I washed it 3 times a week. However as months have gone on, my hair has got used to not being washed that often and my scalp has got used to it and is fine. The loss in the shower after each treatment feels dramatic but when hair is dry it's not so noticeable at all.

[Nikki4287]

Hi miliemoo,r u using cool water to wash ur hair and shampoo and conditioner are supposed to have no sulphate or parabens,and ur supposed to hold ur hair in sections when combing with a wide tooth comb.no hats on ur head or any covering they don't want any heat on ur scalp. Same thing happens to me In shower I get a big clump everytime I comb it in shower while conditioning.i lost about 20% but I still have a lot of hair.i have one treatment left.what cooling cap are you using?

[Nikki4287]

Hi i have one more treatment left, thank God! I use penguin cold cap.its not the from hospital,the hospital one is only 3° and penguin is -32°,so my dermatologist said it works better. I lost 15 to 20% of my hair but i still have it and not really noticeable. I wear the cap 1 hour before 3 hours during treatment and 4 hours after,also I have to change the cap every 25 min,so I have family come with me to help because u can't do it urself. It's not pleasurable at all and it depends how much u really want to keep your hair. Good luck to all of you !

[VJ]

It makes a 3 hour normal treatmentioned (on fect) last 5 hours but frankly worth it, not like I have anything more important to do on the day. Pop a paracetamol or ibroprofen half an hour before. Discomfort lasts about 20 mins then I forgot about it and could watch a film or check phone x

[riversidedawn]

Unfortunately you have to wear the gold cap for much longer than 20 mins 😞
Depending on the drug cocktail you are on you wear it for about half an hour before the infusion starts, then during the infusion which can be an hour or so, and then for a set time afterwards which is specific to the drugs - can be an extra couple of hours. My memory is a bit faded (3 years since I had chemo) but I think I wore it for around 3 hours with FEC and a bit less with taxol.

The first 10-20 mins is the worst but then you get used to it (like getting into a cold swimming pool!). It helps to take some pain relief half an hour or so before.

When do you start treatment? In "going through treatment" you'll find monthly threads, if you join the one which is named after the month you start chemo you will have lots of other ladies to chat to who are going through treatment at the same time as you.

Us old timers are always here if you have any questions.

Sending you big cyber hugs xx

[riversidedawn]

Hi chocolate (love the name!) and welcome to the forum, you will find lots of useful info, tips and support on here.

To get alerts when someone comments on a thread you have contributed to go to "my profile" and in settings tick "subscribe to topics I post to". When you post a comment it will appear at the top of the thread. As you are new to the forum the moderators will approve your first posts before publishing them, after that they will appear instantly.

[chocolate]

Where do I read reply’s to comments I put cant even see them anymore new to this

[chocolate]

Is that all you wear the cold cap for 20mins and is it really uncomfortable jus found out I need chemo and feel sad at losing my hair

[VJ]

..and have had what seems like huge clumps of hair come out in her shower which made me think "that's it" but once hair dry it doesn't look too noticeable at all, so has been worth perserving.

[VJ]

Thank you. Happy to answer any practical questions on cold caps. I am using paxman at hospital, only wash my hair once a week, leave it 3 days after treatment to wash it, use fingers to come hair, no highlights, hair dryer, straighteners, and use the Aussie brand of shampoo and conditioners. Don't know if any these things have helped or whether it's just good luck. It could still all fall out on my last 2 treatments but it's allowed me to keep my hair for 3 months from start of treatment to date, which has covered my birthday, and psychologically has really helped despite everything else.

[Jill1998]

VJ that's great news - glad the cold cap worked for you !!!

[VJ]

My daughter (7) said it was her worst fear if I turned up to pick her up from school with no hair. Sob. I tried the cold cap upon a friend's recommendation as it worked for her and it has been amazing. It is uncomfortable to wear, to be fair, and unpleasent when on for first 20 mins but doable enough, and 20 mins is worth it compared to results I have done 3 x fec and 1 x t, and finish treatment next month,and have kept about 75% of my hair. I look no different than previous to my treatment and no one can tell that I am going through this unless I choose to tell them. I can do the shopping and school run etc without anyone looking at me twice. It has been a Godsend. Please try and preserve if you are able to.

[chocolate]

I’m due to start chemo very soon like you This my worse fear for me avd also don’t want my children seeing me bald or with patches is it really uncomfortable or bearable

[Snail888]

I'd add to this that the taxman cold cap is brilliant. I have a shoulder length curly mop thanks to it. I used my capping time in hospital to ensure 1) I had 2 extra litres of saline runs through my veins (did 6 x fec all through 2 veins on left) 2) check I felt ok to go home 3) ask lots of questions about treatment and plans etc. Chemo day was the only time I ate food made out of the house e.g. subway.
I encourage everyone to at least try the cap through fec. X

[riversidedawn]

Hi milliemoo I can totally understand why you are distressed, it is very upsetting as your hair is important to make you look like you. I hope my experience helps to ease your worry:

I was diagnosed in September 2014 and cold capped through 3 x FEC and 11 x weekly taxol. After my first cycle I had a very similar experience to you at around the same time. Handfuls fell out, a big matted lump when I tried to wash it and I was really upset. BUT after that I didn't lose anymore! Yes my hair was thin, but only I knew that, I had no big patches. Some people have naturally thin hair.

I only washed it once a week on chemo day. Lots of people say don't wash it after chemo but I wasn't advised that and had to wash it as it felt so sticky with the conditioner in, and I was sooo cold I needed a bath to warm me up. I patted it to remove excess water and left it to dry naturally. I did tie it up in a loose ponytail as that helped disguise the thin top. I found really soft scrunchie hair bands in Boots, covered with soft fabric which didn't pull my hair.

When I finished chemo I had a good 2 inches of new hair growing all over my head filling in the gaps.

Make sure that the cold cap is really snug. For my first chemo the nurse cooled the cap and then put it on and I don't think it had a really good fit. Subsequently the nurses put it on at room temperature and then cooled it on my head, it seemed to fit much better that way although it is on for an extra 10-20 mins but isn't such a shock as you get used it it cooling down. Make sure you are happy with the fit before the infusion starts.

Hope that helps. Have a look at cancerhaircare.co.uk for lots of tips. Xx

[Milliemoo]

Hi Ladies, I'm 35 with shoulder length hair and day18 after First Cycle of EC. I used the cold
Cap, didn't touch my hair for a week afterwards and since then have washed it twice a week, very gently in Aveda shampoo and conditioner, which I thought was natural and gentle. Admittedly I got confident In the last week and have worn it down and styled it like usual with a hair wand, avoiding any heat near the root. I Started shedding in the last couple of days but thought things were going well until I made the mistake of trying to wash it today, and handfuls and handfuls seemed to come out. Got terribly distressed as it seemed like it wasn't going to stop and I got my hands tangled in it. I know it's silly to be distressed because it's the number one thing to get yourself ready for in this process, but I couldn't get it off from my hands, it was caught on every surface in the shower room, and I freaked out. We were staying in a friends house and I was distressed at the idea of leaving hair everywhere and my poor boyfriend cleaned the whole place up while I tried to deal with the matted sections caused by so much coming away and getting caught in what was left. Now my head is itchy and sore.
Not sure what I've been doing so wrong? Now my hair is dry, I don't have any patches missing just the whole thing is very thin. I can't wear if loose because of the shedding, but wearing it up pulls it. Am I better to just cover up and not touch it from here on in? I have another cycle in 2 days and will it continue to fall as it is or slow again then have a dump in a few weeks? As some people have done so many more cycles than me and not lost anyone does this loss so early mean the cold cap just isn't going to work for me?

I feel so pathetic being bothered by this as so many braver women than me embrace the loss, but I'm just not 'there' yet...
Feel grateful this forum exists, thank you in advance fellow warriors xx

[Positivevibes]

I was diagnosed with stage 3 invasive ductal carincoma breast cancer in October and I’m 23. Currently on Taxol and Carboplatin every week for 9 weeks then Epirubicin & Cyclophosphamide 3 weekly after. One of the first things I said to the doctor after he told me my diagnosis was what about my hair whilst crying and laughing because I couldn’t quite believe what he had told me. The nurse mentioned the cold cap which I was already aware of as my mother had breast cancer 10 years ago. 

Ive had the paxman cold cap every time I’ve had Chemo for the last 3 treatments and I haven’t lost any hair. It isn’t as bad as people think it is, it’s cold to begin with but just make sure you have paracetamol about 30 mins before and you’ll be fine. Put lots of water and condtioner on it and you’ll find you have icicles once it comes off haha, it’s very numb for a little while so make sure you bring a hat.

I don’t wash my hair half as much anymore because I’m terrified of losing it and when I do wash it (which is tops twice a week now) I only dry my front bits with cold air and let the rest dry naturally. When it starts to feel greasy I just put dry shampoo on it and put it up. If your hair is important to you definitely go for the cold cap, it’s tolerable! It’s just like your head being in a cold pool. I tell myself it’s a spa treatment to cope! Another thing I’ve found helps me is making sure I still do my make up to go for treatment, I just think it makes you feel better and positive. I hope this has helped anyone, we can get through this!!!! 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼 Positive vibes everyone Xxx

[Nikita]

Hi.  I start my first ever chemo 21november. Every week 1.5 hours for 3months. I am told it’s a low dose

its all new to me. I am still not accepting it’s me we’re talking about. I just had a masectomy. 

I want to use the cold cap. I will have my layers cut slightly shorter as I have shoulder length long layered hair 

i have been told I might not loose my hair with it been low dose.  It want to take precautions

 what is TEC please 

[danat]

Hi everyone,

Thank you for sharing your stories and best of luck with your treatment!

I have a family member who started chemotherapy less than two weeks ago.She is now considering using the cooling cap,but fears that it won't have much of an effect since she didn't use it in her first session.Her hair hasn't yet thinned more than usual though.Does anyone have any information about this? I know that the elasto gel caps website says that the caps shouldn't be used after the first course of chemotherapy,but I would like to hear from your experiences 🙂

[blueparrot]

I, too, kept my hair throughout chemo thanks to the cold cap.
Definitely worth giving it a try, even if nurses or oncologists suggest it probably won't work, but you MUST get a very short haircut before your first session. The shorter it is, the less you have to brush it, so the less pressure is put on the roots, which will obvoiusly be weakened by chemo.
Throughout almost five months of treatment, I brushed it only once a day, incredibly gently, first thing in the morning. If it's a pixie cut or short back and sides equivalent, you can get away with that.
Like feelthefear, I touched it as little as possible throughout six chemos (3 FEC, then 3 Taxotere).
Was advised by a lovely lady I met on my first chemo, who had kept her hair throughout, to take conditioner with you to each session. Then when they're ready to hook you up to the cold cap, zip to the loo just before that, wet your hair, put masses of conditioner on, gently stroking it through with your fingers (rather than a comb), then put on cold cap.
By the way, cold cap wasn't painful at all for me the first few times, but was quite painful last couple of times for abt first 15 mins, after which my head went pretty numb with cold and stopped hurting, thankfully ( a couple of ordinary painkillers 20 mins before also helped).
I didn't wash my hair till three days after each chemo (yes, felt pretty gross, but it means drugs not as high in your system by then).
Then I washed it every couple of days in
the shower. Normal hot water, normal shampoo. BUT don't rub it in with your fingers as you might normally do. I put a blob of shampoo in my palm then just dabbed it all over my head, rinsed and repeated this then rinsed again and it was perfectly clean.
Did find after 2nd chemo hair started coming out a bit for a week in the shower - then it stopped.
It did get thinner all over generally and pretty much stopped growing, but kept it all over
throughout treatment, and nobody at work noticed.
Las tip: don't bloody scratch your head!
As your hair starts to loosen, it will itch and tingle, but leave well alone. I scratched an itch once without thinking, and a thin strip of hair come off in my hand - bugger!
Managed to cover it up using a coloured root retoucher from the chemist and just a hairband for last two months. That strip grew back within 3-4 months post-chemo.
I was incredibly lucky to keep my hair and I know the cold cap doesn't work for everyone. But give it a go, touch your hair as little as possible and you might be lucky, too.
Good luck, girls. X

[feelthefear]

Yes. Well done to both of us Melia. It’s brilliant isn’t it. 😀 I bet you enjoyed that first proper wash. What a treat. X

P.s. I’ll just add for anyone considering capping that in England most hospitals offer the paxman cold cap for free. No cost to us at all.

[Mishy18]

Hey Melia I'm so pleased you did it and saved your hair too you and Angela were very lucky with the cold cap and got through treatment hope you are doing good xxx

[Melia]

Hi just thought I woukd add to angelas (feel the fears ) advice.

I too have very successfully cold capped, I have done 5 x fec which is said to be the worst for hair loss. My initial nurse toldme not to bother capping as it rarely works, so glad I never listened to her! So don't be put off by anyone if you want to try it everyone is different.

I have been overly careful with my hair, I have just began washing it in the shower 4 weeks post chemo. I washed my hair once a week woth tepid water, with the help of my mam and a jug. I too used the paxman shampoo and conditioners. I would wait a week after chemo to way it the grease was horrific but it made me feel like I was giving my hair a better chance. I wore a hair net for bed and used a silk pillowcase. Only ever brushed when my hair was dry and with a wooden comb. I still haven't used a hairdryer or straighteners though I'm dying to get it dyed and straightened. I was maybe overly cautious but losing my hair was my worst fear I have kept all of my hair which I am still rather shocked about. No thinning or bald patches anywhere. I nwver expected it to be so successful though of course I'm delighted it was! Not going to lie I found the cold cap awful I was always aware of ot even after ghe first 15 mins and would make me feel dizzy and queasy. But glad I stuck with it. Good luck to all those just starting with it, I'm well aware it doesn't work for everyone but I am proof that it can and will work. I'd upload a pic if I knew how. And Angela..hooray we DID IT!! I would put a swear word in there but it would be blocked haha x

[kaipup2]

hi there-I just finished using the Penguin Cold caps thru 4 rounds of TC infusions--I have kept 85-90 % of my hair!- am 2 weeks out from last round and am still shedding about 25-30 strands a day but no widened part, no scalp showing, and no clumps--I look normal to myself though hair feels thinner and totally normal to everyone else. I usually flat iron my shoulder length hair but now just touch  up ends and let hair dry ntaurally- is naturally wavy and it looks fuller. the 7 hour capping process each time was long and grueling but so worth it- my daughter was my partner and really stepped up- I highly recommend capping and highly recommend Penguin--you rent the caps- it is expensive--495/month but you can rent used ones for 300 /month- you have to ask about this- they dont offer up front.=Go for it!

[feelthefear]

I thought I’d bump this for anyone who is about to start chemo and is considering cold capping.

I’ve now finished my fec-t regime (Oct 17) and have kept all of the hair on my head (bald everywhere else) thanks to capping.
I had my long fine hair (lots of it) cut and layered into a pixie prior to treatment.
I used the paxman shampoo and conditioner. I washed it twice weekly in warm water using a cup and dried it on the lowest heat if I was going anywhere, otherwise I allowed it to dry naturally. I never washed it straight after chemo and always left it a day.
After my third fec I got a bit braver and started to wash it 4 to 5 times a week in the shower. I also started to use mousse.
It’s continued to grow throughout treatment and hasn’t thinned at all.
The cap isn’t the most pleasant experience and is pretty uncomfortable for about ten to fifteen minutes, then you forget you’re wearing it.
Drinking something hot when it’s first put on helps, also take 2 paracetamol an hour beforehand.
My hair is now over 3 inches at its very shortest and around 6 on top.
I’m so grateful to the paxman cap company I could shout it from the rooftops.
I know this doesn’t work for everyone, but I also know I’m not a one off as I know of others who have just finished treatment who have also kept all of their hair.
Also, I didn’t wear a silk cap for bed to protect my hair as some do as it was horribly sweaty and the same with silk pillowcases.

Some people worry that by using the cap you are stopping the chemo reaching your head. This isn’t true. It’s only your scalp that is effected and the chances of breast cancer spreading to it are extremely tiny and rare. Have a look on the paxman website for more info.
If anyone is considering capping, I definitely say give it a go. Any questions, just ask.
Angela