hi there
i am starting chemo end jan or beginning feb. just wondered if anyone could
give me any tips re trying cold cap. i know it will depend what drugs i get though
i dont know yet.
my hair is thick and shoulder length. should i cut it/layer it? im worried about the
cold not getting thru my thick hair. i know this all sounds so vain and im not even a vain oerson
but i can be quite anxious and self concious. im ferling like ivwont be able to go out as everyone
will know.
also welcome some tips on eyebrows etc i dont have much srlf confidence and know
ill look really ugly without hair.!! sorty ti moan.
thank u xxxxxxxc
Hi Lavendersun
My profile picture was taken on New Year’s Eve, after 5 x FEC using the cold cap. It is thinner and in rubbish condition but I have not needed my wig or hats so it is good enough! My hair started to shed at FEC 2 and has shed ever since but slowed down after the 3rd - don’t panic, it is surprising how much hair we have, I can’t believe I still have hair when I think of how much has come out!
Tips:
Only wash it once a week using PH neutral shampoo and conditioner (I use Dove)
Only brush it once a day
Sleep on a silk pillowcase
I have kept mine at the length in the picture - I even had it trimmed after FEC 4
Generally be gentle with it, no drying, straightening, styling
Read the Paxman cold cap website - they give lots of tips
Good luck
Jayne x
Hi
I used the cold cap and while my hair thinned (I probably lost 30-40%) many people (mums in the playground) did not notice that I had undergone chemo.
I had my hair cut to about shoulder-length. I needed it trimmed to this length so that it wouldn’t be so tangly. Just get it cut to a length where it is easy to comb. I bought a wide-toothed comb, so I could comb it easier and would stress it less. Wash it as rarely and gently as you can and be vary careful if you wrap it in a towel. I never wore a hat, as I was scared of my hair getting caught in it. I have a winter coat with a big (loose) hood that I used - you will need something as the loss of hair does make your head cold. I also made a concious effort not to fiddle with my hair.
I did get a (nhs) wig just in case, but it is still in it’s box.
When you go for your chemo, do wear warm clothes. You know what they say about losing heat through your head - well a cold cap does it even better.
I hope all goes well for you.
Sue
Thank u sue and jayne such helpful information it would really help to keep my hair.
thank u xxxxxxx
Hi Lavendersun
I am posting a link to the ‘Treatments’ web page where you will find the ‘Hair loss’ publication and information about the BCC ‘Headstrong’ service which I hope you will find helpful:
Take care
Lucy
Hi! I used the cold cap, and while I lost alot of my hair and had to wear scarves during my treatment, one month after my final one I was sporting a chin-length bob and nobody would have guessed I’d just had chemo.
I’ve got a whole blogpost on tips to deal with the cold cap - including photos. If you’d like to have a look click here: K is for… Keeping Hair – Cold Capping | Chemo For Beginners - an A to Z of all things "C"
I really hope it works for you.
X
PS my profile pic is 6 months post chemo and now, a year on, it is past my shoulders and I can wear a ponytail again!
Hi Sandytoes
How long after your last chemo were you able to treat your hair normally, e.g. Washing it more regularly, using a hairdryer etc? I have my last FEC next week.
thanks
Jayne x
Thanks - where did you buy the shampoos?
I waited a couple of weeks until it felt much stronger and stopped its constant shedding and then used some specialist shampoos. I had TAX as well which is alot harsher on your hair. I still tried to use hairdryers and straighteners when needed rather than all the time.
This is a post from my blog:
10) What to do post-chemo. I continued treating my hair as above until it felt a bit more sturdy – about 2 weeks after my final chemo session. I then tried out a number of products. My favourites were Nioxin (which Kylie was reported to have used) and Kerastase. Both came in packs with a shampoo, conditioner and a spray. My hair thickened up very quickly and grew really fast. I also ignored professional advice and got my roots dyed a couple of weeks after my final session as they looked awful – and I didn’t see what the point of keeping my hair if I had to continue to wear headscarves. But maybe best to talk to your hairdresser and consider a vegetable-based parabens, ammonia and peroxide-free dye.
So glad it worked well for you.
x
Thanks - where did you buy the shampoos?
Nioxin online and Kerastase from my hairdresser.
Hi
I’ve got through 7 our of 8 cycles now with the cold cap and although not pleasant it’s worked really well for me. I’ve teated my hair gently, washed as little as possible with Simple shampoo and condition and haven’t used my hairdryer at all. I had it cut to shoulder length so it wouldn’t tangle on my pillow. I’ve also had it cut a couple of times during chemo to keep it short. I wash it and home and the hair dresser just does a wet cut combing it as little as possible - oh, get a wide toothed comb as well.
The other thing I think helps is to take a couple of paracetamol about half an hour before you have the cap put on I think it takes the edge of the initial shock of having it on.
It is true what they say the first 15 minutes are the hardest, if you can keep it on through them your body will adjust. I make sure I have lots of layers on and take a blanket with me as I do get cold at times.
I’ve been lucky and haven’t lost my eyebrows or eyelashes (yet) and am hoping I might be able to keep them although I know some people don’t lose them until really late on say may lose them yet.
Good luck, Clare.
Wow,
Thanks ladies for all the helpful comments. They really give me hope.
We’re not being vain are we . We just want to look " normal" even if we feel unwell at times.
Thanks you . Keep healthy xxxxxx
No, it isn’t about being vein at all. For me it has helped because I haven’t had to tell everyone I’m being treated for cancer, it isn’t obvious because I’ve not lost my hair. I think endlessly having to go over it with people would be very hard. I haven’t had to dread the school run for fear of constant questions. Also, once you are diagnosed you lose all control of what is going on in your life. Using the cold cap is perhaps one small way of taking back a little bit of control.