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Starting chemo - any cold cap dos and don’ts?

FiFi2020
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Hello All

 

I'm a 39yr old mum of 2 and have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer (triple negative) and am starting chemo next week and have decided to try the cold cap. I have four cycles of Accelerated EC (fortnightly) and then 12 weeks of Paclitaxem & Carboplatin (weekly).

 

Was wondering whether anyone had good tips for a successful cold cap experience!

 

My questions are:
what brand shampoo and conditioner do people recommend?

do people go to their chemo session with wet hair already with conditioner in it?

I normally use a Kerastase conditioning mask, is this a big no no?!

I plan to wash my hair in cool bath water as opposed to under the shower head, is that a good idea?

can you tell if the cap is on properly ie tight enough? 

would you ever wear a hat if cold outside or should your hair be untouched? 
what tips do you have in protecting your hair day to day?

what should I wear?

any tips on pillows/sleeping?

did anyone try the cold therapy gloves or socks too??


Any advice grateful received!

 

Oh and if anyone has any general tips for someone's first chemo day, please let me know as I'm not quite sure what to expect and how to feel...

 

Thank you x

 

 

Parents
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    Hi Fifi

     

    Firstly , let me start by saying I am so sorry that you are going through this. I watched alot of YouTube videos in preparation. Cold capping is a very personal decision. I opted out as I didn't want to sepnd more time than I needed to at the hospital.  Your treatment plan sounds really hectic.I must say you sound upbeat.I found the chemo easier than I expected. The steriods and anti nausea drugs really help. I used Watermans for regrowth. Everything was a blur and I think I registered what was happening on the day of my first chemo. It was quite overwhelming. Treat yourself to a nice walk and special time with your little ones before treatment if you can. Be kind to yourself. Be patient with yourself and allow yourself to process. Pillows, I saw Blissy pillowcases , which is apparently really kind to your hair and to your body in every other way.  Wishing you all the best.

     

    Nadia

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  • Offline

    Hi Fifi

     

    Firstly , let me start by saying I am so sorry that you are going through this. I watched alot of YouTube videos in preparation. Cold capping is a very personal decision. I opted out as I didn't want to sepnd more time than I needed to at the hospital.  Your treatment plan sounds really hectic.I must say you sound upbeat.I found the chemo easier than I expected. The steriods and anti nausea drugs really help. I used Watermans for regrowth. Everything was a blur and I think I registered what was happening on the day of my first chemo. It was quite overwhelming. Treat yourself to a nice walk and special time with your little ones before treatment if you can. Be kind to yourself. Be patient with yourself and allow yourself to process. Pillows, I saw Blissy pillowcases , which is apparently really kind to your hair and to your body in every other way.  Wishing you all the best.

     

    Nadia

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