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Cold cap again ???

littlejunkheap
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Hi and thank you for looking at my post.  

I've had 3 x EC and due to start 3 x Docetaxel. I've used the cold cap but they have made me feel progressively worse each time.  First time was fine and no problems with the cap and had a slight headache after for a few days.   Second the cap was OK again but i had a 2 week headache after, like a sinus headache around my eyes mostly, and Last time the cap was so painful straight away rather than agradual pain, and I had a headache around my eyes for over 2 weeks.  It was so debilitating. I tried pain relief but it didn't help. 

So I'm due to have a treatment tomorrow and really in 2 minds to do it again...  I don't know what I'm asking really, maybe reassurance???  Im terrible at making decisions so I've just gone along with it.  I've been scared to lose my hair. I still have hair it's very thin but I don't have bald patches as such just very thin so you can see my skin. The hair I do have at the top feels painful so I'm thinking that that is on its way out so its not worth the pain of the cap again...

Maybe I've just not been in the place to lose my hair, and I'm clinging on to what I've got.  I've heard it's very liberating to shave it but how do you know when your in that place?? 

Thank you for reading x

  • Hello and thanks for your post

    Scalp cooling can be effective in preventing or reducing hair loss in some people. Unfortunately there are some side effects associated with scalp cooling which you can read about by clicking here.

    As you can see headaches can occur and some people are mildly affected by this, where as others can be more affected . Before your next treatment, there are some useful tips for helping you cope with scalp cooling that you might find helpful.

    Do ask for some painkillers before you have scalp cooling to reduce the risk of developing a headache. Bring extra layers of clothing with you to put on and bring or ask for a blanket to help you keep warm. Also drinking hot drinks can make you feel warmer. 

    I don't think anyone ever feels ready to shave or lose their hair. Hair loss and hair thinning due to cancer treatment can be very upsetting. There are some practical things you can do that may help at this link

    I hope this helps. Give us a ring if you would like to talk anything over. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Best wishes,

    Celene

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Celene

    Thank you.  I had a really long good think about it and decided not to do it again.  I had taken paracetamol before on the previous ones but the last one was just too painful to even get to the numb stage. I was prepared with warm blanket and had my flask of tea but I just couldn't see me getting to that point again.  Plus just wondering if I was going to get the after effects headache was stressing me out a bit.  

    I think I've now come to terms with having the hair loss, and I'm looking forward to seeing how it grows back, whenever that may be... 

    My last docetaxel is on 1st march.

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