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I have breast cancer…

JulesCaesar
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I have been diagnosed with breast cancer so will be starting on chemo in about 3 weeks time. I’m absolutely gutted to be having chemo as I’ve only just got my hair back from Sepsis last year. What does everyone think of the cold cap? I’ve heard both positive and negatives about it…Also what can I expect on the first day of chemo (I know I’ll need a chemo bag). I’m waiting to attend my oncologist appointment on 4th of April…

Thanks 

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    I've had a good experience with it.  I've had numerous rounds of chemo and my hair has definitely thinned a lot but it has not completely fallen out. I now where a wig when I'm out and about .  The fact that it has fallen out gradually has made it a lot easier to bear than if I had she'd it dramatically over a few days 

    I will continue with it for my last 2 chemo rounds as apparently it likely makes your hair grow back faster afterwards.

    There is an icy almost burning feeling when you first put it on and it does feel like you have a clamp round your head whilst it is on.  I think paracetamol is available to help .

    I suppose we all find different aspects of treatment the most difficult and I suppose my experience of the cap is likely to be different to others 

    • You could give it a go and see whether it suits you or not?

    Good luck!

  • Offline in reply to Hopecalm

    Thank you so much for replying. I‘ve been researching it via the internet - some helpful clips. I’m going to give it a go. Hopefully it will be worth it. Where did you get your wig from (if you don’t mind me asking?)

    Good luck with your chemo too. 

  • Offline in reply to JulesCaesar

    I got my wig at a shop called Browns which is at Guys in London and also at the Marsden in Surrey.  It's good to get the wig sorted at the beginning of chemo so they can match it as near as possible to your own hair.  Also you'll have it to hand when / if  your hair starts falling out   

    As to what to expect on 1st day of chemo: lots of waiting around whilst they do obs, blood tests etc. Fitting of cold cap happens about 30 mins before chemo so draws the process out.   The cold cap makes you feel cold!! So I'd bring along an extra jumper.  Also go to the loo before the process starts as it's a bit more tricky to go when you're all hooked up 

    My chemo has been in 2 halves: 1st half was X1 a week for 12 weeks.  Not too bad and no sickness - they gave me lots of anti sickness tablets   2nd half is EC chemo every 3 weeks - much more tired, particularly first few days after chemo, and hair fall out more significant.  

    Everyone reacts differently I think and it depends on the type of chemo as well.  A bit of a leap into the unknown but for me it hasn't been too bad .

    Let us know how you get on.

    Good luck

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