Chemotherapy Scalp Cooling

twiglet98

Sorry you're having to go through this but honestly, I think it's worth persevering.

I had 7 months chemo in 2008 and used the cold cap each time. I kept my hair.

I didn't take any special supplements, just my usual multivitamin and mineral one-a-day tablet.

It was past shoulder length beforehand and my DD cut it to between collar and shoulder length just before I started treatment. I had Epi-CMF. My oncologist was not enthusiastic about the cold cap but the chemo nurses were really encouraging and positive.

I was off work and not going out anywhere, so I touched my hair as little as possible - quick comb through with fingers in the morning, reduced washing it to once a week if nobody was going to see me. It did thin out a bit on the very top, at the back of the parting, but only someone looking down at the top of my head would see that - it wasn't bald, just thinner, and I was advised to wear a sun hat so my scalp didn't burn. My eyebrows and lashes thinned too, but didn't disappear completely. Other body hair went, and grew back when chemo finished.

I had wonderful chemo nurses who talked, laughed, held my hand and I can't praise them enough. Only once did I feel queasy from the cold, mostly it was nothing more than a bit uncomfortable, like dipping my head under cold water. Definitely not unbearable.

After chemo the small amount of hair that I had lost grew back, the same colour as before but softer in texture, so I went from having thin, flat, straight hair to hair that looked quite thick, though it was really just fluffy. I had it cut quite short so it could even out, and now it's long again, and completely as it was before the big C (well, greyer but I colour it!).

Good luck, hang in there and let us know how you get on.

xxx

twiglet98

Oh, and I always wrapped up in a fleece blanket, scarf, and gloves, the nurses would get extra layers if I wanted, and had a hot drink. I went off tea and coffee but liked fruit tea (esp strawberry) or even hot Ribena.

xx

thistledome

Nothing relevant to add to OP, just wanted to say very best wishes and good luck. Let us know how you get on (if you feel like it), some people find an online diary quite therapeutic.

dizsiebubba

Hiya,

I know of a charity who has some good advice on hair loss with cancer. I worked with them in a professional capacity so cant advise on hair loss etc but they did send me some products for my nan who is undergoing chemo and she said they were lovely.

Have a look at www.cancerhaircare.com/ - the owner, Jasmine set it up as she wants to make a difference, not a profit so they really do care.

P.S - Nans hair has thinned but not gone, not all chemo makes you lose your hair x

Hermia

My mum didn't lose any hair at all and her friend had really good results from the cold cap. Bear in mind that if the worst happens the wigs are so much better now. A couple of my relatives ended up with nicer looking hair than they had before! I have one friend who was actually really annoyed when her hair started growing back afterwards and has now chosen to keep it really short.

mr_and_mrs_ts

Hi there
Just wanted to wish you allt he best. Last year at 43 I had breast cancer, chemo, mastectomy and other breast realignment. I asked about the chemo cooling hat and they told me it wouldn't be worth it as I will lose my hair whatever! I hated losing my hair but once gone I felt so much better. My hair has grown back all white, which was frightening at first but I see it i have free mse higlights :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:
I wish you well, take care and chin up .:beer:

You are not a wimp just human! I have to young children of my own and when I found out I felt the life I have and love was caving in on me. It does get better.

pinkmami

My granny has chemo every 4th Friday & has a head full of hair. As a PP mentioned, not all Chemos result in hair loss.

Best wishes to you xxx

snapping_crocodile

My mother-in-law had breast cancer 3 years ago. She used the cold caps, and whilst she said they were really hard going she persevered and she didn't lose her hair. She felt it thinned a bit, but it wasn't noticeable to anyone but her. Good luck with your treatment

TinyPablo

I have no idea about this treatment but I just wanted to wish you all the luck in the world, x

NickyBat

One of the Nolan sisters was on Loose |Women today talking about, and it worked for her.