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Pros and Cons of Cold Cap

Mumkat
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I was diagnosed with BC in October, had mastectomy end of October and a second op on 9th Dec for auxiliary node clearance. I've to start chemo in the new year. Still to meet my oncologist but just wondering what's people's experience of opting for using the cold cap and experience of others who didn't. I do know that it adds extra hours onto chemo treatment time. Also if not used and have hair loss what was it like when your hair grow back? Ie was it same texture/colour and how long till it grew back?  I do have a voucher from NHS to get a wig which they recommend even if I opt for the cold cap. Just looking for real honest experiences so I can weigh up my options. Thanks in advance to any replies x

  • Offline in reply to Mumkat

    I hope you manage better on your next docetaxel, when it's over it will be another thing to tick off. I'm sure you'll find radiotherapy much easier in comparison. Still not had my surgery, not sure when it will be. Xx

  • Offline in reply to Pippin24

    Thank you Pippin24, hope you get word of your surgery soon.  Had more bad side effects with the docetaxel, had 3 of them so far but looking like I won't get my 4th because of side effects and my dose reduced to 75% which is as low as they can go.  Oncologist told me dose used to be 3 ec and 3 docetaxel and only recently increased to 4 and my 7 doses should be plenty.  Find out on 1st July if I get 8th chemo.  Have my radiotherapy consult on 7th July then radiotherapy booked for 3 weeks during July August.  I'm same as you re hair loss. Hair started growing back but eyebrows n lashes lost while getting the docetaxel! Hardly wore my wig too as i find it too warm and i just embraced my baldness! Once chemo finishes i start the hormone blockers (7yrs). It's been a long journey and just constant hospital appointments and visits but seeing light at end of the tunnel and hoping to get back to living life normal as I can again! Thank you for sharing  your experiences as it has helped more than you will know.  Good luck with your surgery and I really hope you hear sooner rather than later. Take care and please keep us updated x

  • Offline in reply to Mumkat

    Good to hear you can now see the light at the end of the tunnel. I can't believe it's nearly a year since I finished chemo. Had thought this year would be a better year. However, my mum recently died suddenly, which came as a big shock. Have my elderly dad staying with us at the moment, not sure what we'll do moving forward!!

  • Offline in reply to Pippin24

    I'm so sorry for your loss.  Youve coped with so much with your own health. I hope your dad doing OK and I'm sure staying with you will be bringing  you both comfort but long term I hope you can manage to do what's best for all concerned.  There is no time limit on grief and everyone copes differently. My mum has been ill since my diagnosis and had long stays on hospital (took heart attack in hospital and had 2 stents fitted). We only got told a few weeks ago my mum has lung cancer and cannot be operated on, only option it's pallative care, she has been diagnosed with start of altziehmers too , we would love her to be at home but know the pallative care in hospital is best option for her as she needs 24/7 care.  Here anytime you need a chat as it sounds you have a lot to be coping with. Take care x

  • Offline in reply to Mumkat

    Hi Mumkat, thank you so much for your kind words. I'm so sorry to hear about your mum, such awful news. It sounds like she is in the best place, to get the right care. Xx

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