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Cold cap

Daydreamer58
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I'm due to start chemo in a week or so and looking into cold cap treatment. I'm sure it will be explained to me by the hospital staff - but do you have to pay for it? If so, what is the cost? Due to the cancer I cannot work at the moment so my income is extremely low, and may not have funds to go ahead with it. I have long hair and already feel devastated by my diagnosis. Losing all my hair is a double whammy. Any advice please?

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    Hi Day Dreamer,

    paxmanscalpcooling.com/
     

    I am using the cold cap, it's been great so far.

    This is free on the NHS ( it is in Devon anyway) you will need to let your team know that you want too do it so they can allow extra time.  It is best if at all possible for you to get a fitting before you chemo, maybe when you go the day before when you go for your bloods ask them if you can have it fitted then.

    Take some Simple Conditioner with you, the nurse  will wet your hair and put conditioner in it.

    I take 2 paracetamol before hand, you will need a wide cotton hairband to protect your ears and Forehead as it's soo cold. The fitting it crucial, unfortunately the cap didn't fit me very well so I have a big bald patch at the top. 
    I am due my 3rd FEC before my 3 docetaxel and I probably still have 75 percent of my hair. I use simple shampoo and conditioner but only wash it once a week and use a Comb
    happy too answer any questions but it's definitely worth it. The first 20 mins are hard but once your over that it is ok 

  • Hello and thanks for posting,

    I can see that another forum member has replied with some helpful information. The cold cap treatment is part of your overall NHS cancer treatment.

    We have a section on hair loss here,

    www.cancerresearchuk.org/.../hair-loss

    I'm afraid as nurses, benefits are not our main area of expertise. You may find it helpful to contact Macmillan Cancer Support as they have benefits advisers on their helpline. There is more information about this service on their website, just click here

    www.macmillan.org.uk/.../benefits-and-your-rights

    They can advise on what financial help you may be entitled to. Their helpline number is 0808 808 0000.  This charity also gives ‘Macmillan grants’ which are a one-off payments to people affected by cancer to cover a wide range of practical needs. This can be applied for by a health professional on their behalf, and there is more information about this here

    www.macmillan.org.uk/.../macmillan-grants

    Citizens advice can also help you. You can access the website here,

    www.citizensadvice.org.uk/

    I do hope that you are able to find out more soon. 

    Best wishes

    Vanda

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