hi I had a double mastectomy and lymph nodes removed 8 weeks ago. I have my first chemo on Wednesday, I have said yes I would try the cap, but I am starting to think should I or not. Many thanks.
Hi Beverly
It depends on how upset or worried you would be about losing your hair.
I did not have the cold cap myself but saw those who did. They have freezing water pumped around their head some say its painful some not but all were well wrapped up during the process. They still lose hair but not completely. The cold cap only works on the hair on your head you will still lose body hair including eyelashes and eyebrows.
You can still get a wig and they are rather good.
You can also change your mind after you have tried it.
Good luck with the treatment.
Hi Beverly, I am currently having weekly chemo treatments for18 weeks. I have been using the cold cap since starting -just had No.13 last Friday. The cold cap is not pleasant, but I take 2 paracetamol before the nurses put it on. If you can get through the first 10 minutes, then you will probably be OK. I still have all my hair on my head. My eyelashes and eyebrows have thinned a lot, and I have no other body hair. Read the instruction leaflet the nurses give you, it tells you how to care for your hair eg Only wash twice a week, don't tug it. Because it becomes fragile. My nurses said just last Friday that I am the first patient they have had that has gone this far with the hat. Some health authorities have a new hat which doesn't freeze your head as cold but the outcome is the same, but not all health authorities have them. Hope this helps with your decision and Good luck with the treatment.
