Cold cap - I didn't lose my hair

[SJ]

Hi Fairy1518

I would love to get in touch with you if possible please. It's my first time on a forum so hope this message gets to you...

Thanks s

[sandyjojo]

I am on taxotere, carboplactin, herceptin, and projeta - probably not spelling correctly. I have only had one round July and am due for my next Aug. 19. then I'll have 4 more to go. I'm using  the  Artic cold caps, 2 hour before, during,  and 4 hours after my treatment. I haven't lost much, some shedding but seems like the usual. I'm really worried about the 2nd treatment as it seems that most of the hair loss is after the 2nd treatment. I have been babying my hair. No heat on my scalp at all,washing once weekly with cold water, use all natural products and conditioners, satin pillow case, wide tooth comb maybe twice a day, I do wet in the shower too every other day with cool water to gain control and feel clean. My hair is curly and frizzy but I don't care and it sure is getting gray but, I love every precious strand. Don't want my students to know what I'm going through till all is done. Although I cringe when they cough and sneeze.

I am losing body hair and some lashes and eye brows but use Latisse, hoping this saves my eyelashes.

Wish me luck and I hope and pray we all get through this with zero cancer cells.

Will keep you posted.

[Tandy 4]

Hi Helen. 

Firstly good luck with your procedure next week. Xx 

Theres a post on here in the chemotherapy (going though treatment thread) called 'cold capping did it work for you?' There's lots of personal experience paces info, tips and advice on there. But don't get too disheartened by those whom it hasn't worked for, cos it doesn't work for everyone 😞

But, I'm using Paxman cold capping and next Friday have my 4th cycle (first T had 3 FEC. Started December 18th) So far I've probably lost about 50% of my hair, it's quite thin now, dry but it's still there...... 👍🏼

I don't think there's anything you can do to minimise hair loss but you'll get tips and advise how to treat your hair during chemo. Lots of folk use different products. Some pay a fortune for things on Internet while others use supermarket purchases.

Me personally? I bought a very wide toothed comb, soft brush and use the Simple range of shampoo and conditioner. Wash my hair very gently once a week and try and only comb it once a day. Don't use straighteners and only use hairdryer on low cool setting.

It doesn't look great (This affects me as before this my hair was my best feature!). When I go out I've always got a hat on, but have a wig as a backup, not used yet though! 

Resist the temptation to pull at your hair! If I see strands I gently remove. There's times when lots of strands come out during washing. 

Cold cap cap itself is uncomfortable, I'm hoping I'll be able to continue for the last three sessions 🙏🏼. It's awful for the first 10/15 minutes, tight in your head but the staff will keep you warm and provide hot drinks. After 20 mins it's just cold and a pain to have on. The last hour is worse as the treatment if finished and your just waiting for the cap time to end! 

Good luck, keep us posted. Jump on the other thread and join your monthly chemo buddies when it starts xxx Tina 

[Lizzy_BCC]

Hi helen1971, 

It is great to see that you have already had some responses from our users on other threads.

I have moved your post to an already existing and active thread who are already discussing the Cold cap. I am sure the users here will be very supportive and share their experiences. 

Best wishes, 

Lizzy 

Digital Community Assistant 

[helen1971]

Hello ladies. I have my breast conserving surgery on 17th Feb followed by chemo and herceptin. I plan to try the cold cap but is there anything I start doing now to minimise hair loss?? I have read lots of posts about shampoos conditioners and supplements like biotin. Cam anyone give me any advice? Thanks

[JaneS]

Dear All

I believe I was one of the lucky ones but if you can preserve your hair with the cold cap it does make you feel, or it made me feel so much better.  The first hair did start coming out after the first FEC session, so I got it cut but then it just came out more gradually.  After the first T session I had my hair coloured as by then it was starting to re grow on top so beginning to cover my white skull. I use foils not an all over colour.

I found TOPPIK very useful as it covers your white skull - you just shake the contents onto where your hair is very thin and it fills in the gaps. 

I started using the paxman cold cap shampoo and conditioner but it did not make my hair feel like it had been washed so I used l'Occitane - all natural and a much better feel after. 

I know you have to sit there for a few extra hours, it is uncomfortable and it does not always work but I felt so much better keeping my hair, albeit very thinned, even though I had bought a wig as back up. 

Good luck 

Jane x

[dragonbunny]

Hi

Just wanted to add that my experience of cold cap has been the same as Sonia45. As hair thins the cod cap feels colder but only incomfortable for first 10-15 mins. Didn't like it though so it was grit my teeth time. As Sonia said - hair did drop out after FEC 2 but then slowed. Some mornings I wake up with hair like Ken Dodd but adding serum helps. Also boight silk pillow case but not sure if this helped or not?
Hair bit thin on top which may be due to less contact with top of my head but overall it has been worth. With a hat on my haior looks completely as usual. Chemo now finished so will be interesting to see how it grows now.
xxx

[Guest user]

Hi Sonia!

I dyed my hair about a month after finishing chemo and highlighted it about 6 months after as my hairdresser thought it was strong enough... I guess that's more the question - the condition of your hair. And whether the hairdresser will be happy to do it as the chemo chemicals can remain in the hair and affect the colour taking.

http://chemoforbeginners.com/2012/11/20/keeping-hair-cold-capping/

x

[Guest user]

Hello. The cap worked for me.
Finished my chemo 4 weeks ago and my hair is still there thanks to the cold cap.
I was diagnosed with breat cancer in May 2012 and after having a mastectomy had to face the daunting fate of having chemo. The Cold cap was a horrible experience and not a very glam look when wearing it, but the discomfort is all worth it. The first ten minutes were the worse so keep occupied to take your mind off it but the longer it is on you sort of forget it's so cold. I had 6 x fec my hair did thin after 2nd chemo, especially along my parting, but no one else noticed but me!
I used simple shampoo and conditioner and avoided all heat not using hair dryer and straightners (missed them like mad) did not wash my hair for 48 hours after having chemo but i did use my velcro curlers to try and look nice.
There was is only one paxman machine at the hospital, wish they could have another one as sometimes had to wait for appointment. I found the cap so important as the thought of losing my hair was distressing and didn't want everyone to know my situation.
Just having radio therapy now which is fine then got to start tamoxifen (little worried about).
Just want to know how long before i can high light my hair again?
Good wishes to all xx

[Guest user]

How's your hair coming on, Colette? x

[Guest user]

Bumping this thread up.

[Guest user]

Hi Fran,
I lost some hair after chemo 1, but most hair after chemo 2, and it slowed down after that. I've had 5 lots now, and have another 3 to go. I had lots of very fine hair, and had it cut short after chemo 1. It's gone quite thin on top, and thin behind my ears, which apparently is quite normal. If you didn't know me, you'd not think anything of it. In fact, a shop assistant this week complimented me on my hair, out of the blue! She told me what lovely hair I had, and that the scarf I was wearing (to cover up the nearly bald bit on top!) looked fab! I have to say, I said thank you, before making a quick exit before I burst into tears. This lady has no idea I have breast cancer and am undergoing treatment!
I guess what I'm saying, is, persevere!! You will lose hair, and it will get thinner, but you will still have a decent amount of hair, hopefully, at the end of it all. And it'll be much easier waiting for it all to thicken up, rather than waiting for it to grow from scratch!
Hope this helps, and the best of luck!
Kym x
P.S. I know it's hard, but please try and refrain from running your fingers thru it, lol!

[Guest user]

Hello ladies,
I'm after a bit of advice please!
I tried the cc on my 1st ec and I'm about to have my next one on tuesday so today is day 19 for me.
Today I noticed every time I touch my hair or put my fingers through it quite a lot comes out at the back on the left side and I think about a cup full has come out so far! Is this normal.. I do have really thick hair but had it cut quite short so I can manage it easier and not use straightners but I'm getting worried I'll wake up tom and loads more will come out.
Its so hard not to put my fingers through it!
Any advice would be appreciated as not seen this thread for a while.
Thanks
Fran xx

[Guest user]

I am 5 FEC down, and awaiting my final delayed 6th. I have used the cc throughout, and although I think I am really thinning as I am constantly picking hair out of everywhere, the most noticeable is around my ears. This may be because I wear glasses or because the cap didn't cover that area, but most people would not notice. I would really recommend it, and good luck to those who do.

Ali

[Guest user]

Hi Collete,

Yes, fed up that I have to have 8 lots (4x EC and 4 x Tax), but apparently there is dark downy hair coming back (I don't know, can't see it, lol). Great to hear your hair is growing back, and is looking all lovely and shiny! This chemo does tend to make it look flippin awful, doesn't it!

Kym x

[Guest user]

Hi Kym,

Well done with the cc! Seems that most of us who used the cc lost hair at the top and from around the sides .. like you said, others really wouldn't know! My hair is growing back quickly now. My last chemo was 22nd Dec.

8 chemos? Wow! Don't think I could have tolerated more than my FEC x6!!

Love,
Collette x

[Guest user]

Hi Collette,
I'm using the Paxman. Just had chemo no5 - another 3 to go. I seemed to lose the most after chemo 2. My hair has thinned mostly on top and behind my ears, but if you didn't know me, you'd just think I had really fine hair. I've been out this last week without bothering to wear a scarf or anything, and I felt pretty ok - just got a side parting instead of a centre one 🙂 . . . . For now, that is.
Kym x

[Guest user]

How are you all getting on with the cc?

Which sort are you using?

Hugs,
Collette x

[Guest user]

I only started using it after my 5th chemo because that was when I found out about it. I washed my hair daily after I had my hair cut short (just before 3rd) because by then my hair had stopped falling out so I could've used it earlier if I'd known about it. I'm not sure how effective it would be not doing it every day so it might be worth holding off until you can do that? I'm not sure though, it's your choice xx

[Guest user]

Caroline, this definately is worth taking a look at! How often did you use it during chemo? It's just that it advises daily use, and you're supposed to wash your hair sparingly when on chemo. Anything is worth a go! Kym xx

[Guest user]

Hiya Kim,
I'm not sure if it's the same extensions, I had a quick look but couldn't tell. The extensions I'm going for are pretty new on the market they're tiny bits of hair with a ring at the top covered in har as well and the hairdresser says she pulls your own hair through the micro ring at the top of the extension and then clamps it shut to secure it so there's no glue or pulling to your own hair. My hairdresser has a lady firefighter who gets them who had short hair and she's no damage with pulling her helmet on & off, tying it back or swimming etc so they sound good to me but they're £400 which is a lot but all of the maintenance is included and they'll last for 3 lots of having them in for 3 months...
The Redken IntraForce is amazing, I'm on my 3rd lot of it - again, not cheap but well worth the money. It's a shampoo, conditioner and then a spray for when you come out of the shower/bath. Here's a link to it, any hairdresser that stocks Redken will either have it or be able to order it in for you.
http://www.redken.com/products/intra-force/system-1-for-natural-thinning-hair
Hope that helps xx

[Guest user]

Caroline, are those the flip-in hair extensions I mentioned earlier?
And what is the Redken IntraForce??? Sounds interesting!! I have another 4 chemos to go, which are Tax :-(, so hoping I can hang onto my hair until the end.
Kym xx

[Guest user]

Hi ladies,
It's so nice to read everyone's positive comments and tips. I'm now 8 weeks after my last chemo and can't believe the difference in my hair (which I'm putting down to the Redken IntraForce). It's so thick and looks great, I just need to grow it long again now. I'm going to get extensions put in for a quick fix to get the length back but the hairdresser's told me to wait for 6 months post chemo or until my hair is 4" because it won't be strong enough. There's a new type of extension they can do now which is better for hair, instead of using glue they have a tiny ring that clamps onto your own hair. I'll get that in April so will keep you posted how it is..
Sandytoes - I had surgery 3 weeks ago, feeling great and they did an amazing job of my recon - totally exceeded expectations. Hope you're keeping ok?
Caroline x

[Guest user]

Oh what a help you ladies are with all your comments. I am on fec75 and had my first dose 17th feb. I had the cold cap and my hair has just started to come out like some of your ladies more underneath at the back. I was considering not having the cold cap again due to the hair coming out, but thanks to you ladies I will carry on and see what happens. Next chemo is 7th feb. But I have an appointment tomorrow to try on some wigs. My daughter who is 18 is coming with me she want's me to get something bright!. I hope there are no red ones.

Thanks for all your comments you are all wonderful and by christmas we will all have nice shiny new hair.

xx Debby

[Guest user]

I'm with you, Filosofie -it's a case of trying to hang onto some normality!
For all of you who are out the other side now (well done!!), and waiting patiently for your hair length to grow, have you seen 'Flip in hair' ?
Its a fabulous way of getting that extra length, using real hair, but no damaging hair extensions. I'll definately consider it when all this is over, and if I have enough hair to do it with!
http://www.flipinhair.co.uk
Price for 12'' hair length is about £159.99 inc vat and £189.99 for the 16'' hair length. They do 20'' too - £219.99.
My friend told me about this when, at a hairdressers in Bolton, she saw a lady having one fitted and trimmed and said it looked great!
I'm in Preston, and there are various hair salons around the country who sell these.
Sorry if post a bit odd - chemo fog descending! 😞 xxx

[filosofie]

Thanks Kym

I guess my very thick hair that hairdressers admire on first sight then curse whenever they have to do anything with it, has finally come into its own. I have lost a good 50% of my hair but all from underneath. All I want to avoid is having to talk about having BC when it's obvious by having no hair. I was quite happy to go with the wonderful wig my sister and I found, but this way is considerably cheaper!

Mustn't speak too soon though, still have 5 chemos to go. The woman next to me having a CC said that she was told by our consultant that she doesn't have to bother with the cold cap for CMF. Not sure I'll be willing to risk it. Anybody else had this advice? Most people seem to have FEC here but I just had the E for the 1st 3 and having the F&C in CMF after Tax. I know it's epirubicin and tax that are meant to be the worst for hair loss.

Sorry those for whom it hasn't worked well enough but I would always recommend people try. I don't see it as vanity, just an attempt to hang on to some normality.

[Guest user]

yeah no regrets here Fairy1518, i'm glad i tried it. thank you for the kind wishes and best of luck, i hope you manage to keep as much as possible xxx

[Guest user]

Oh, that's such a shame Lynzi84. But at least you tried the cold cap. Like I say, I don't know how much longer I can keep mine, but at least I will have tried too. Its not the most pleasant experience, and certainly not worth pursuing if the nurses think it isn't either. Hope you get along with your chemo ok xx

[Guest user]

Hi Kym,

it was only cycle #2 today and we decided against it. nurses didn't think it would be worth the discomfort as so much has already come out. they said my dose of chemo is just too strong. i'm not too bothered as i've kind of accepted the hair loss now. although i think i will be very upset to see myself totally bald when it happens. mustn't grumble. it'll be worth it in the end and i have 2 good wigs and lots of hats and lots of lovely headscarves and accessories 🙂

thank you very much to all you lovely ladies for all your advise, best of luck to everyone else xxxx

[Guest user]

Hmm, just shows how we're all different. Lynzi84, how many chemos have you to go? It would be a shame to stop now if you are nearing the end of the treatment. Lots of people comment that their starts growing back before chemo ends, and that using the cc helps new hair come back quicker.
I'm now 4 down, so waiting to see how much hair I lose this time. Then I go onto Tax. I'm losing it on the crown, and underneath (longer hair on top disguising that to a certain extent, but my hair does look really thin. However, I think it's better than being bald).
Filosofie, your hair looks great! No noticeable thinning on the crown at all. Really hope it's stays that way for you!
Rainbow Dancer, I really hope by chemo 5 my hair does start to recuperate and that the hair on my crown starts to re-appear and fill up the gap up there! At mo, I'm pinning hair back so it's not noticeable there (to anyone shorter than me, lol) think I will get some of those wide headbands you mention.
Kym x

[Guest user]

hi ladies,

well i'm sad to say i've lost most of my hair now. i'm due for next chemo tomorrow and not sure what to do with regards to the cool cap.

i think i'm just gonna go off the advise of the chemo nurses. i'm very thin on top and round the sides. most of the hair i have is at the back, strangely enough that's where i felt the cold cap wasn't tight enough?!

if i have as much as i do now tomorrow then i think i'll brave the cold cap. although i'm worried about the bald patches getting burnt/frost bite from the cold.

i can't get away with not covering my head now, gonna have to start getting friendly with 'Beverley' and 'Zoe' hehe

anybody got any advice??

wish i could show you all pics so you could see what it was like, it's hard to explain.

xxxx

[myexperience]

I had cold cap from the beginning, wash and condition my hair daily and my hair has thinned but now finished 3 FEC and 3 TAx and still ok. Seem to lose eye brows and lashes with Tax but hopefully will grow back soon.

[filosofie]

I've posted this rather odd picture of the back of my head, taken by me with my phone. I've had 3 x Epirubicin and am 11 days post 1st Tax. I've used cold cap throughout and even though it is very unkempt and not in good condition, you can see that I have retained enough hair not to need my reserved wig yet.

Onward and upward.

[Guest user]

Just an update:

Day 18 and still no head hair loss! Haven't been good - ie washing, brushing, same ole cotton pillowcase but no extra hair yet!!

2nd FEC on Friday - so far so good!

Stil no major body hair either - just bit of LG thinning!

Fingers crossed!

Marina xx

[Guest user]

thanks coll. Hope you're ok and feeling better. You 're advice is much appreciated. Day 11 for me today so far so good but just dreading this week as quite a few ladies have started losing around day 14. I'm so nervous! I need to get my backside in gear and collect wig this week - just in case! Speak soon x x

[Guest user]

Hi Ladies,

Good luck and keep going with the cc! Your hair will fall out, look horrible, scalp will feel prickly, you can't really comb it or touch it, no massaging of shampoo on head, you will have nightmares that it falls out etc! ... BUT .. by chemo 5 your hair will start to grow, fine wispy bits at first, your patch on the top of your head will fill in and so will any wide parting! A stretchy hairband will cover the bald patch on the top of your head. (happens to us all the top patch and possibly around the ears!)

No washing your hair for 48hrs after chemo! Use a satin type of pillowcase. Bob cut - best style. Wash once or twice a week, the less you touch it the less it falls out! Wash with cool water, no hot hair dryers!

I am just over 4wks post chemo 6 FEC. My hair has thinned but the bounce and shine are back! Onc is impressed!!

Hugs
Collette x

[Guest user]

Thanks everyone!
marina i was told not to wash for atleast 4 days after chemo. Try to wash your hair every 4 days instead of 2 as apparently the less you wash it the better?! Good for you if you enjoyed it! atleast it is not uncomfortable for you. Mine was waist length but had it cut just above shoulders if too short I'd look stupid as thick dark curly and frizzy hair! Wat a sight,
Filosofie Thanks for your input really useful to no. Mmh i may invest in the head bands it Will help front of my head as looks rubbish as not used straighteners!

[Guest user]

I actually (sadly!) enjoyed the cold cap - no issues at all with wearing it - maybe those cold canadian winters as a child are finally paying off!! Only had first FEC last friday so no ahir loss yet but i am washing it every 2 or 3 day - straight hair and it looks and feels awful after 2 days! using simple shampoo though - just have to wait and see!

Oh i did have it cut quite short hoping less weight might mean less loss!

Marina

[filosofie]

I'm having my 1st Tax (of 3) tomorrow after 3 E and to be followed by 3 CMF so 9 in total. Everyone tells me they couldn't tell I had lost hair but I have lost a lot underneath and behind my ears am quite bald. However I haven't lost anything from the crown yet. I guess if it comes back a different colour or texture at least it will be underneath and might not look so weird? I bought one of those thick furry hair bands which I may start to wear to cover it round the hairline - may just about to pass it off when inside, unlike my hats.

I found I lost most on 1st and 3rd, don't know why but may have to do with the amount of conditioner and dampness of hair (loads on 2nd). My hair loss is worst between days 10 and about 17, but varies a lot.

I was told by the nurses to take paracetamol before using the CC. If neuts were low they wouldn't go ahead with the chemo anyway and one dose is not going to mask a high temperature for very long. The first time was definitely the worst as others have said, not knowing what it would be like. But having the gauze on the forehead on the 2nd helped a lot.

Good luck everyone and keep us all posted

[Guest user]

Hi lovely ladies I've just read your posts and it has given me hope! I've just had my 1st chemo last week I'm having 3 fec and 3 t. Cc was ok 1st 5 min was not nice but managed fine wi it, just keep having nightmares last few nights i dream i wake up bald and all my hair is all over pillow. It's really disturbing. I need to get a grip! Any1 that did lose hair when did this start i no they say 14 days + but just curious. I'm using simple baby shampoo and simple conditioner once a week on my hair apparently it is ph balanced so ok to use. It's not too bad i use alittle almond oil to tame my unruly frizz and define the curls! Using a silk pillow case to avoid draggin of hair. Due to pick wig up next week just hope i don't need it! Good luck to everyone pls do keep us posted on progress. X

[Guest user]

I think having 8 rounds (I also changed to TAX for 5-8) does mean more hairloss. I met one girl who looked amazing after 6 FEC with a thick head of hair and didn't need to faff around covering up areas! I'm not going to lie - I do have shorter hair that came through so there are different length hairs but you can only see it along the parting as all of the other bits are under the longer hair...if that makes sense...? But that just makes it look a bit thicker as it poofs up my hair out a bit. I just straighten the short bits and whack on loads of serum so they don't frizz up! It's the same colour and consistency as my old hair I kept - I don't have 2 completely different types of hair!!

I was allowed to take paracetamol as long as I knew I wasn't neutropenic - so no temperature or feeling dodgy. But Alice Cliche is right - you probably should check with your unit.

x

[Guest user]

Hmmm, think I will persevere then, especially as you say Gill, you had minimal loss after no 4 (I'm changing to Tax chemos 5 - 8, isn't that what you've been on all along?)x

Interesting that hair makes a reappearance before chemo finishes! but does it look like you have 2 different sorts of hair on your head? (Mine is dark and curly. Will I have a wad of grey straight hair plonked on top of my head? Altho I know I shouldn't complain, I mean, what if nothing came back at all???)

And yes, more creative ways with scarves sounds like a great idea, Sandytoes! making sure of course that my fringe and hair at the back is plain for all to see, lol. So a toupe won't be in order after all!
and also interesting that you also had 8 lots of chemo too but managed to keep hold of a decent amount of hair. I was worrying that I may have had to resort to a severe comb-over using ALL my hair from one side!! The cc is definately a tight fit, my forehead is full of ridges when they take it off, sooo not a good look! and my hair was full of ice last time they took it off too 😞
Also, I agree as re clear skin - mine has never looked so good! No zits, no nothing. (just watch, I'll have a major skin break-out tomorrow!)
And thank you, tis a very flattering picture - NOT, lol.

Alice Cliche, I'm seeing my Onc next week, so I'll add that question as re taking paracetemol prior to chemo onto my long list of questions to ask her. My chemo unit have always told me that taking paracetemol after wearing the cc is helpful to eradicate brain freeze, so I can't see that taking it before would make a lot of difference. But I'll ask, just to make sure. Isn't it funny how different health authorities have different advice and ways of doing things.

x

[Guest user]

I've posted this before, but no apologies for saying it again...
I would check with the dept before taking painkillers as I was "told off" at my first chemo when I told them that I had taken paracetamol that morning - which I did cos it was a cold cap suggestion from here. Embarassing because the next q was what do you do - and I mumbled "I'm a pharmacist".

They are paranoid about painkillers masking a temperature spike and having had neutropenia since, I don't blame them.

Lots of people have been told it's OK but I'd want to stay in the nurses good books. Incidently I didn't find the cold shock any worse the other times without painkillers - in fact the first time was the worst because everything was unknown.

Oh and have just had some thinning on my crown.

Goodluck!

[gill13]

hi fairy Kym 🙂

i did loose quite a bit of hair on one side of my head, but it was underneath so pretty much covered by longer hair on top (this i think was mainly due to the way i sleep) But it has all grown back. I can see whispy bits where hair is growing back along my parting too.
i found that after each chemo i did shed, but each time seems to be getting less, after no 4 I had minimal hair loss.
i'd say persevere for now, esp as you don't find it a nightmare to wear the CC, and i'd second the hot choc, its the only time i drink it (and they have it in the machine on the unit)

Gill x

[Guest user]

PS You're totally rocking the cold cap look!! 🙂

[Guest user]

I thinned alot on the crown to the point where I had to wear little headscarves - think gypsy-fortune-teller type look with fringe and hair poking out of the bottom - so wasn't screaming cancer. However, this hair started growing back over the course of my chemo (I also had 8 sessions) and by the end of my chemo it was a couple of inches long. So I have some funny short bits but had my hair cut into a short bob and will keep it short until the short bits catch up with the long bits.

I had a few points when I thought it hadn't worked and was going to give up but am personally glad I persevered. Also "they" (breast care nurse and Paxman) say that if you continue with it your hair grows back much quicker. I don't know if that's true but there was a lady on the May thread who said this was the case with hers. However, it really depends on how it is making you feel.

Make sure it is a tight fit - and you can always try leaving it on for longer (tip given to me by Paxman - they are great if you want to call them with questions).

x

[Guest user]

Hi Ladies,
So glad to have found this particular posting (hello Gill!)! I'm now 3 chemos in - another 5 to go. I've been using the coldcap to try and keep my hair.
I find the first 10 minutes the absolute worse as it really IS like shoving your head in the freezer!! the rest of my body goes into shock as it tries heating up to compensate for this. Always end up rolling up my sleeves and kicking off my boots and my legs go all jumpy.But after 10 mins or so I'm fine. If I do continue with the cc, next time I go, I'm going to take your advice Sandytoes and take pinkillers beforehand and sup some Hot Chocolate! (think I'll make myself a flask up of it, the coffee in the unit last time was dire!!) I'm also going to ask about these paper doctor caps?
Thing is, I've lost a lot all from underneath (I had my past shoulder length hair cut to just below my ears about 3 weeks ago), and I'm losing it on the crown. If you didn't know me, you wouldn't think anything of it, but my (curly dark) hair has thinned drastically! I can't put my hair up because it does look weird underneath. At the mo, I'm pinning my hair back on top (like a 5 year old, lol), because this is disguising the lack of hair up there. Thing is, I've another 5 chemos to go - will I hang on to it??!! Is anyone else losing it from the crown? (I'm wearing the smallest cold cap and it is definately touching my scalp when I'm wearing it). I just can't bear the thought of wearing scarves and looking like a cancer patient!! (I've got Esmerelda, my wig - but, she's. a. wig.)

[Guest user]

Lynzi, I hate my curly hair too. In fact most people I worked with didn't even realise I had curly hair! I used to have Brazillian blowdries which are fab - could almost wash-and-go. Going to wait until my hair's feeling a bit healthier. I think we just have to accept that we're just not going to look our best on chemo (although my skin was LOVELY!) but great if you manage to keep your hair.

Loli - I took painkillers beforehand and had a hot drink while it was being put on and never really found the coldness too bad...

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[Guest user]

Loli i would give it a try if i was you. i did and it certainly wasn't as bad as i was expecting. infact it didn't bother me atall until it came in contact with my skin on my forehead but that was easily sorted. give it a try, you have nothing to lose. if you don't like it you can just take it off xx

[Guest user]

Wasnt going to bother with the cold cap, but now I heard that it can work, especially with paper surgeons cap 1st its not too painful and with the pain killers taken before hand! What do you think please? Anxious.