I had the same experience in December 2019 after my first chemotherapy session also used the cold cap (I had my hair cut short so easy to manage)  but was advised no point using the cap again for my 2nd session  I was gutted as the following day I lost so much hair so I got my daughter to shave my head at the weekend with my grandchildren present for support - they were brilliant although it was a very hard decision for me to make at the time  I felt relieved as my head had become very sore and it was soul destroying seeing all the amount of my hair falling out - it was only really when I had to go out that I felt conscious (I still do now) but I now wear a turban type hat which is more comfortable to wear 

Hi Doddsy, 

You don't say which chemo regime you are on? Some of them are a wee bit gentler than the AC regime or the Docetaxel (where I think it might be definite that you lose your hair). Does your hospital use the Paxman - and did you have the cap on half an hour before treatment and for an hour after?

Just checking. Usually your consultant or the nurses can give you a good idea if the cold cap is worth a go with your chemotherapy or not. Is there someone else using the cap on the day you attend? I would have a word with them and find out if the cap is working for them or not and which chemotherapy they are on. 

Hair loss is awful. I'm tempted to say give it one more try as I know sometimes hair loss can peak and then not get worse.

So sorry can't be of any more help.

Ceyenne

Hi Ceyenne

It was supposed to be FECT but they aren't giving me the 'F' part (I cant remember the name of that one) because of Covid. I was told that there was a 70% success rate using the cap but never asked if that was with people on the same chemotherapy as me. Yes it's the Paxman and yes it was on for half and hour before and an hour after. I've got my next set on Monday so I'll ask the nurses then and see what they say. 

I have quite thick hair so I'm hoping it's just thinning out. I think you're right, it's got to be worth one more try! I'm just trying to minimise the impact this could have on my kids and I think that's what's worrying me the most about hair loss.

Thank you, you have been really helpful

Sarah

Hi LB63

I was going to cut my hair short before chemo started but the lockdown got there first and it wasnt possible. I'll have a chat with the nurses but I think I'll give it another go. It cant harm! 

I dont think I'll be brave enough to shave my head, not like you.

If you dont mind me asking, how did the rest of your treatment go?

Hi Doddsy, 

Definitely let me know how goes.

 I don't know about FEC or FEC/T. Are you triple negative? Sometimes the chemo treatment is harsher for TN - or so I've heard from TN patients. Also, make sure your hair is very damp, slicked back and that there are no gaps where the cap touches your head - push the cap down etc until it feels right. Air bubbles can lead to bald patches. Someone I used to see before they switched my chemo day said she couldn't stand the pain of the cap on her head so stuffed the front underneath part of the cap with a sock or something and had bald patches as a result.

 The nurses seem very trained in the cap fitting however but just for your peace of mind.

 I really hope it works. I've sent you a friend message.

Ceyenne

HI,

I had really long thick dark hair. I am having FEC-T treatment and the FEC is really harsh. I opted for the cold cap and did reasonably well up until round 4. I had found that too much had gone and when they went to put the cap on.....well the pain was too much!

I have 3 daughters and yes no-one want to lose their hair, but it is a moment in time.

You just decide what is best for you - the nurses will go with your decision.

Be strong!!

Ive just been told Wednesday after i found a brest lump thati ts cancer .i have had 5 biopsies 3 from the right bresst and 2 from under the arn. And a metal.coil marker clip  inserted into my breast. Its so painfull still.i will have a call this coming Tuesday to be told what tyoe of cancer it is , and what needs to be done for  me going forward. My main worries of course are if i have to lose my brrest and hair.As my daughters friend had cancer and could not use the cap as it was to painfull.i have my son who is only just turned 35 wuth cancer as well .He has had chemotherapy and hooefuly his last one .He sees the specialists on 25th june to discuss everything. He shaved his head  and apart from.feeling tired felt ok.i am not as brave   but trying to be .Was just wandering a out the cold cap  and saw this thread .xx

Ok....You have got so much going on!You really need to stop worrying about the hair. I had opted for the cold cap and as youve probably read it worked until round 4.... then i decided NO more as i was losing it and when i put the cold cap on the pain was too much! there clearly was not enough hair to protect anymore. I sit here now with no hair and i have embraced it - i even moved away from the head scarves.

There are no words to convey as to how you are feeling but i believe it we focus too much on the negative side of what we are going through we will never allow ourselves to be positive and see past all this in time to come.

You are brave, so stop saying that you are not.....you have seen your son through his worst times i am sure. This coming time is about you - so please do not give in. 

Bottom line....give the cold cap a go!! nothing to lose - take an ibuprofen/paracetamol before hand.

Always here!

Omega21

Thankyou for your response 

I know im thinking to far ahead , i I haven't had the dreaded call to tell me what tyoe of cancer im dealing with yet, thats this Tuesday .

Your right im thinking too much  about things.   you have an amazing  attitude embracing  your hair loss my daughters friend did too, even went out without a wig or bandanna headscarf. So brave..Thankyou ill keep this in mind.xx

Thankyou