About to begin chemo

Hi everyone. I was diagnosed with ILC in December 2025 and since then have had mastectomy and full node clearance on left side, which all went pretty well. I am starting chemotherapy next Wednesday and have such mixed emotions about it. I want to do it to rid the poison but scared of the side effects, I also have a terrible fear of needles which after everything so far you would think I would be better at it but I'm not! A complete coward! 

Any tips for first session (with cold cap) would be great thank you. Xx

  • Hello. 
    I am so sorry that you are going through this. I have been through Chemotherapy, and I did use the Cold Cap. I managed to persevere for all my sessions. 
    My advice is to take Paracetamol half an hour before starting the Cold Cap. Once you start, the first 10/15 minutes are the worst, but it does ease off. Take something to keep you occupied, a book, crossword book. I listened to podcasts which I found helpful. I also took some snacks. 
    Wishing you all the very best. You have got this. xx

  • Hi Kers. Thank you so much for your reply. Did the cold cap help with your hair at all?

    I have my mum coming with me but will be sure to take some puzzle books thank you for that.

    Hope you are doing ok. Sending hugs to you. Xx

  • Offline in reply to Nicnicju

    Hello. 
    You are welcome. That’s good that your Mum is going with you. 
    I did lose some hair, even with using the Cold Cap. But, I believe that the re growth is better. My hair started to come in pretty quickly. 
    I am doing ok, my operation went very well. I need a little Radiotherapy. 
    The very best of luck for your Chemo. Sending hugs. xx

  • Hi.  I have just completed 6 chemo sessions and just wanted to offer some thoughts on hair loss which I hope will becreassuring.  I cannot comment on cold caps as did not have the opportunity, for various reasons, to have ut. That did not worry me as I was advised that the treatment I was having would quickly lead to hair loss.  In a strange way that certainty, which only related to that treatment and was not generally applied, made life easier.  The hair loss was quick but once the decision 

  • Offline in reply to Jan70

    Sorry pressed send my mistake!! Once the decision was made to just take it all off it was a great relief.  I quickly got used to it, bought some stylish turbans, and 4 months later, after a change to a gentler chemo mix, have a good covering of hair.  Wear the turbans when out but not around the house.  And think in a couple of months, with the warmer weather too, will go out bare headed - and am i allowed to say with pride! So I suppose the point is that hair loss is not so bad as I had feared. Hopefully the cold cap will work for you but if it doesn't it does not take long to adjust and accept and look forward.  My lovely hairdresser of 12 years is already looking forward to seeing me again in a few months to plan the new, shorter style.  A magical mystery tour but it will sort of be fun to have a change at the age of 70 and years of a short bob! Good luck with it all.