Cold cap success

Retained probably 90% of my hair after 6 high dose chemo (taxotere, carboplatin and epirubicin) see picture below. 

Kept cap held tight to my scalp with my hands throughout (long days but worth it to keep my hair and have managed to keep my diagnosis private because I didn't lose hair)

Hair continued to grow throughout (hence the roots, didn't have hair cut or coloured during chemo)

Took strong painkillers half an hour before as very painful, and took hot water bottles and blankets. 

First 20 minutes agonising for me, but again, I felt the pain was worth it, and after 20 mins you are numb. Short term pain for long term benefit, that's how I got through it. [[{"fid":"106731","view_mode":"default","fields":{},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{}},"attributes":{"class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"1"}}]]

Good luck if you're giving the cold cap a go. I would definately say it's worth it. 

  • Im on 5th chemo Paclitaxel also wearing  cold cap and got my hair i tact so far. ;) moved on a lot  since 6 yrs ago when I tried it was awful then no conditioner on so pulled ur hair but only tried it twice gave up so lost all my hair. It us painful for first part but I'm plodding on to keep my hair good luck

  • Your hair looks amazing, great to see successful results by wearing cold cap, I've had 3rd chemo today, lost 50% of my hair but still looks ok, I will continue until the end, you've inspired me thank u x

  • Good luck, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you. Hair loss was biggest fear for me, I've been so lucky, I really hope everybody else has success with it as I know how big an issue the hair thing is. X 

  • Great to hear. My daughter has just finished 12 weekly sessions of Paclitaxel and has kept her hair using the cold cap.

    If you're able to tolerate it then it can definitely work for you

    Good luck ........Irene x

  • This is my worst fear loosing my hair  is this cap available at all hospitals an has anyone eles tried it xx

  • Hi Samted - so sorry you're having to go through this. As far as I know they are readily available. As upsetting as it is to lose your hair I have to say that there are some amazing wigs around as well. My daughter looked at them in case the cold cap didn't work (and sometimes they don't or you may find you can't tolerate it). She found one almost identical to her own hair and it looked really good. It's best to look whilst you have your own hair so you can get a good match. They will hold onto it in case you need it.

    Hoping you don't need it - Irene xx

  • I think the success of the cold cap can be influenced by the type of chemo you have. I remember reading the something on the Internet about a Dutch companion who are studying cold cap results, and there was a table listing percentage effectiveness with different options types of chemo. In my case it turned out to be right, it did work with my chemo combination. Might be useful to you to give some guide as to whether it is likely to work with your chemo so you can prepare yourself.

    I really feel for you. I ws so worried and distressed about my hair, I didn't want everybody else to know about my cancer because of hair loss. I bought a beautiful human hair wig but hated the thought of wearing it, the wig brought me no comfort whatsoever. I just wanted my hair, and people making well meaning comments about wigs just made me feel like they were dismissing my feelings about losing my hair.

    Just know that whatever happens, you'll deal with it, because you have to, but don't feel bad about being upset. You're absolutely allowed to feel upset. X 

  • Wise words 1977. My daughters mantra is 'it is what it is, I can't change it and I'll deal with it'