Cold Cap - did it help keep your hair?

[Melia]

That's great news, I lost body hair just before second cycle..ive been waiting for a big shed this second time round and still nothing. Im astounded.. I expect to wake up to handfuls on the pillow but the longer it's going on the more confident im feeling about keeping it. Glad yours is doing well too. Hope the move is going well xx

[feelthefear]

Hi Kathryn. I've been off the forum for a week as just moved into a new house (building site) so not much time on my hands.
Thought I'd check in today to see how you were doing with your hair and noticed your post to me.
I've not lost any (anywhere) yet.
I'm due my second fec tomorrow and have noticed some people don't start to lose any until after the second dose, so who knows what this week might bring.
Great that yours is still in tact. I'm obsessing over mine. It's been pretty hard not washing it daily while our new house is in such a state. Walls being knocked down etc. I'm starting to feel like swampy.
Angela. X

[Melia]

Hey that's great news mishy. I've done 2 cycles now was due my next one on Tuesday... but that's been delayed due to being in hospital for 5 days...but tagta another story :/ my hair is staying firmly stick to my head so im delighted with results so far xx

[Mishy18]

Hi Melissa it's day 14 for me after first fec I could capped too and so far so good although I hear it's around now u start losing hair so I'm bracing myself! My down below has already Started! Probably too much info but I left it on purpose to see if that fell out too and it's already happening so every cloud eh!!! I will keep you posted on hair on head situation!

[Melia]

Angela how are you getting on with the cold cap?.x

[riversidedawn]

Hi emilysmom, sorry to hear about your daughter. The hospital should have cold cap for you to use. They seem to keep quiet about it, probably because it takes much longer to give chemo than without it.

There are lots of different makes available. Some you have several caps which you freeeze then keep changing them every 20 mins. Most of us have used the Paxman one which is plugged into a portable freezer throughout chemo. You put the caxp on about half hour before and keep it on for an hour or so after.

My hair thinned all over, no bald patches.

Good luck. Hope it goes well x

[EmilysMom]

My daughter has stomach cancer and will be receiving epirubicin which will cause her to lose her hair.  She is just getting started on the chemo meds this next week.  Where do we obtain the cold caps?  I've not heard anything about them.

[Melia]

Digo that's fantastic.....nice to see a positive outcome from all of this. What treatment did u have? X

[Digo]

I've now completed my 6 chemo sessions and used cold cap throughout, I'm totally astounded with my hair, I actually can't believe how much I have, my hair isn't patchy or particularly thin, it was the Paxman that was used for me, hospital staff were tremendous and reassured me always. Anyone about to embark on their journey must choose for themselves but I'd recommend to give it a go👍🏼

[feelthefear]

Hi surrey girl. I thought I had to have both. So I've been wearing the horrible sweaty cap and soaking my lovely silk pillow case. I'm going to wash it today for the first time since cold cap on Tuesday. Can't wait. X

[Surreyhillsgirl]

Hi, I was recommended to get a silk pillowcase as it helps keep your hair & a side benefit is no face creases in the morning! Worked for me. Never wore a cap in bed x

[Melia]

Oh really hope I've not put too much on so as to stop the freezing happen. I think I actually put more on this time. I guess time will tell :/ xx

[feelthefear]

Gateshead are just using the paxmam. I took my own paxmam conditioner and they said the paxmam owners daughter had been in and advised that you only need to use a really small amount of conditioner once the water is on. I've got quite thin hair though so doesn't take much to flatten it. And as it's going to well for you, I'd probably keep lathering it on. X

[Melia]

Yeah mine is the same, I haven't had ice on my head after either session I don't know if that's a good think or not bit I do out like nearly a half a tub of conditioner in my hair ha. They said they are using a new machine at my hospital and are having great success with it so filled with lots of hope. I found the second session worse than the first for some reason xx

[Melia]

And still no hair loss woop woop still got hair paranoia... hoping the cap was fitted as well as last time. I couldn't have the strap as tight as last time as it was making me feel sick but still had it fairly tight xx

[feelthefear]

Everything I read says expect a slump about day four or five? I was really surprised at how easy I found the cap. It was a bit uncomfortable for the first 15 mins, then at some points i actually thought the machine had stopped working. I was amazed to see ice on my head when I was over. I managed to eat through it though ( with difficulty) hoping it was tight enough. I was paranoid that there was a bubble at the back of my head where it wasn't touching. They kept reassuring me it was tight, but I still kept pushing it down. They left it on for 30 mins prior and 90 after. Is yours the same? X

[Melia]

And still no hair loss woop woop still got hair paranoia... hoping the cap was fitted as well as last time. I couldn't have the strap as tight as last time as it was making me feel sick but still had it fairly tight xx

[Melia]

Well we will be feeling pretty much the same I imagine... I was really tired yesterday but feel fine today and tomorrow I expect my steroid buzz haha. Be prepared u may slump physically and emotionally after the steroids stop. I did last time bit only lasted a few days. I am so hungry too, eat while u want too as much as u can as u may not fancy much later on in the week. How did u find the cap ? Xx

[feelthefear]

Thanks for the tip Kathryn. Unfortunately I'm not on Facebook. I closed it down a couple of years ago. First chemo went well. Felt like I'd been to a rave for a couple of hours this morning, but fine now. Soo hungry though. I'll have to keep an eye on that.
Hope yours went well. Things should be looking good for you if you haven't had any hair loss yet. 🤞🤞🤞

[Melia]

U couldn't wear the night cap as found it too hot also. Try a hair net instead I got mine off Amazon for a couple of pound and fits really well and is still on every morning. Are u on Facebook? Private message me your details and I'll add you to a lovely little group we have goinf for people just starting chemo. Made by a lady on here. How your first chemo went ok I had my second yesterday cx