Chemo and cold caps

Hi, I eill be starting my chemo in a few weeks still unsure on what type I will be having I have triple negative breast cancer, I will be seeing the oncologist on Tuesday and hopefully get some more information on my treatment plan them, the nurse I spoke to said about cold caps as I'm scared to lose my hair was just wondering how well the cold caps work? And how everyone experience with it was? Also when is the right time to get a wig, as I don't know how long they take to get. Is it best to wait and see if my hair does fall out or is it better to get it just incase it does. I have been trying to look for human hair wigs but I really don't know where to look I'm in cornwall. Also are the nhs wigs human hair and if they are, are they any good?

Really appreciate any advice never thought I would be needed a wig so have no idea where to even start. 

Xx

  • Hello Hlou32

    How did you get on with your oncology appointment today? I hope that the Consultant was able to answer some of the questions that you have and offer some reassurance about your upcoming treatment. 

    I can see that you've been chatting with forum members on another thread about cold caps but I wanted to share with you that Breast Cancer Now has an information booklet about breast cancer and hair loss which you may find helpful. 

    In regards to wig fitting, I'd suggest speaking with your breast care nurse who will be able to signpost you to services that are available in your local area. There is also some information available online here that may be of help. 

    Keep in touch Hlou32 and let us know how you're getting on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Hi jenn, yeah I did get my questions answered today, I won't be using the cold cap as the advised against it with the chemo I'm having they said I can try it but after hearing about it I have decided against it. 

    Thank you I will be looking into wigs as I will be starting my chemo next week, hearing it all to has just made it seem so really and made me very scared about to whole process seems so much and I don't know if I'm strong enough to do it, I know I have to do it but it all just seems to much, I have stage 3 triple negative cancer and because I'm only 32 they said they are guna chuck everything at it but I'm just scared I won't be able to take it. 

    It's been a very hard day today. Think now I know my treatment is guna start in a week it all seems real now. 

    Thanks for you advice and the links will definitely give them a read.

    Best wishes 

    Han-lou xx

  • Hello Han-lou

    I'm glad to hear that you've had some of your questions answered. Today will undoubtedly feel like you've been hit with a lot of information and it's perfectly natural to feel overwhelmed and anxious. 

    Just take things a day at a time. If a day feels like too much then go hour by hour. Yes, there will be difficult times over the coming weeks but the hospital team is there to support you and I'm hoping you have a whole army of family and friends who will likely surround you with the love and support you need. 

    You will get through this. Just be kind to yourself along the way and know that we're here to support you as well. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • I’ve been recommended to go to Thien for wigs 

  • I used a cold cap throughout my chemo, 6 sessions, three before surgery and three after. I liked the cold cap, which everyone found strange. I lost some hair about 9-10 days after my first chemo but nothing after that. My hair did go thinner on top and at the temples but it started to grow back before my chemo was completed. My hairdresser says my hair is thicker now than a lot of his clients who haven’t had chemo.I have always had a hot head so maybe that is why I liked the cold cap. I felt I wouldn’t be able to cope with the heat of  having a wig. The MacMillan nurse said if I changed my mind about the cold cap after starting it they would refer me for a wig straight away. Everyone is different but this was my experience. Make up your own mind and don’t be brow beaten into anything. Good luck.

  • Hello ,I had bilateral breastcancer and decided against the cold cap . I had my hair cut shorter before starting chemo ,after the second session my hair started falling out .I asked my son to shave it very short ,that helped me a lot. I decided that wigs weren’t for me and had some lovely hats . The hair started growing back as soon as chemo finished ,the eyebrows and lashes came back first . I have never had curly  hair ,but it’s very curly now . Go with what makes you happy and what you are comfortable with . Some of the NHS wigs I have seen look very nice , Good luck xxx

  • Yeah I decided against using the cold cap, I started my treatment last week second round of chemo tomorrow, I havent cut my hair yet as still a part of me hopes it won't fall out. I Have been looking into wigs, a nurse did tell me shein I bought a couple but them seem to heavy but then may be as I still have my own hair. But I think I'm going to see what happens when it happens as I didn't feel comfortable with a wig on so I will see if hat and scarfs help, plus I have seen some very pretty ones. Oh wow curly hair must be a change I hope it's a change you are liking. Did yiur hair come back a different colour? I have read sometimes it does. Nice thats it started to grow back straight away. Thank you so much for your words. I hope you are on the road to a healthy recovery.

    Thank you han-lou 

  • Yeah my nurse has told me about shein I found them very heavy but that may be as I still have all my own hair. Have you ordered any? 

  • Hiya, I have just completed my 3rd cycle of chemo and immunotherapy for triple negative breast cancer and I have been using the cold cap. My hair has got thinner but I am very happy that I have not lost my hair. If you do use a cold cap it adds time to the treatment, you need it on for 30 minutes before chemo starts and for at least an hour after. The first 10 minutes are the worse but after that it is ok. I always do something that takes my mind off it to start with like a crossword/suduko. I am glad I decided to use the cold cap. 

  • Hi mommaD181

    I will be having my 3rd chemo and immunotherapy this week, I decided to not have a cold cap as the nurse explained it to me and it didn't sound very nice, I have been lucky so far and I haven't lost any hair no more then I normally do. I have bought a few wigs that are ready to go if I do lose my hair. I'm so happy it is working for you and I hope it keeps working.