Hi,

wow your doing amazing, I had FEC-T for breast cancer once every 3 weeks! I used the cold cap, mainly because I'm 38 and wanted to protect the children plus I loved my hair. I actually lost around 70%, but what I did keep I could use hair bands and hide where I had gone bald, the cold cap has to fit really tight to work. The first 10 mins are hard but once your head is numb is okay.

It's worth giving it a try I hope Ec will be okay for you xx

Hi

Thanks for your reply. 
 

I will keep using the cap as the results with the Paclitaxel were great but I'm so anxious about losing my hair with the EC, I have read it doesn't work as well with combination chemo. But I guess only time will tell. I will definitely get some hair bands and I've also looked into getting a wig in the style of my own hair to have on standby. Just wish the next 8 weeks were over.

Hope you're doing well & thanks for your advice.

Take care.

x

I understand that completely, I'm sorry I missed the part where you said you had used it already, it soo be fine, my two friends who I met on here were on EC and their hair only thinned xxx

Ah no problem. Well that's reassuring, I guess I can cope with it thinning just the thought of losing it completely terrifies me. We'll see what happens. 
 

x

Hi tootsweet

Just searching EC on here today as I'm about to switch over from paclitaxel to EC on my next treatment.

I've been using the cold cap and had really good results Nd getting away with a ponytail and headband. I have got a bald patch on the crown of my head but think the cap didn't fit tight enough up there . They also had to take the whole thing off on my second treatment as I had a reaction to the paclitaxel and collapsed. 

I saved the nurse today about EC treatment and side effects and she said hair loss does tend to be worse with the EC but I'm determined to carry on cold capping for now. Like you I have a wig on standby just incase!

Just wondering if you've had yiur first treatment yet and what it was like?

Gemma x

Hi Gemma

Thanks for your message. I was due to have my first treatment last Thursday but it was delayed a week due to me having a spot/boil on the side of my left breast. Nurses thought it would be best to have a weeks worth of antibiotics before having the treatment which I was really disappointed about. I just want to start and get it over with. So my first treatment is actually tomorrow. Not looking forward to it but I just keep thinking it'll be 1 done 3 to go, I can do it.
I had a feeling the EC would be worse for hair loss. I can cope with side effects but I really don't want to lose my hair. It is thinning but not noticeable at the moment so I too will continue to use the cold cap and hope I keep the majority of my hair. 
I'll let you know how I get on tomorrow. When do you start the EC? Hope you're doing OK.
 

We will get through this!!! Take care. 
 

x

Hi tootsweet74

Sorry to hear you've had to have your EC chemo delayed for the antibiotic treatment how frustrating.

I remember laying in bed all night before my first chemo and imagine I'll have a repeat of that the night before I start my EC too! Due in 2 weeks.  The chemo nurse said the hair loss can be worse but everyone different. I've had a good result from cold capping so far apart from the ridiculous bald patch kn my crown. 

I have shavers and a wig ready incase it all goes horrible wrong one day!

The only side effects from paclitaxel I have had is a funny tasting mouth and horrible feeling tongue , tingling in fingers and toes. Foggy brain but that could be because ive stopped using it at work!!

I'm not looking forward to EC so keen to hear how you get on we sound like we're kn similar treatment journeys. Are you having chemo first or have you already had surgery sorry I've read so many posts tonight I can't remember what I've read where now! 

Sending love for tomorrow , im sure you'll smash it

Xxxx

Hi Gemma

Thanks ️.

Yes it does sound like we are in a similar situation. I'm having chemo first to shrink the tumour although it was only 2.6cm. Yes the Paclitaxel did give me a strange taste in my mouth and nothing tasted like it should but other than that I've been fine. The cold cap worked great for me too I just hope it continues to but time will tell. 
 

Well I'm almost ready to go to the hospital this morning, I'm absolutely dreading it but it has to be done! I'll keep you posted.

x

Good luck for today - absoluely get thst sentiment. You have to just get on with it don't you.

I have a friend who is constantly telling me how brave I am  im not , I'm just going through all the necessary motions and getting on with it because I have to. 

Really hope you have a smooth uncomplicated day and are back home before you know it. Keeping fingers crossed for minimal side effects 

Xxxxx

Yes I know what you mean, we just do it because we have to. But we will get through this.

Thank you for your lovely message.

x