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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

 

 

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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

  • Offline in reply to LovingMyLife

    Thanks for your quick reply and advice, really appreciate it. Hope you are doing well!x

  • Offline in reply to FiFi2020

    Xxx

     

    Kollo Vitamins for hair ,skin and nails, but I started that after chemo ,I had organic home made green juice ( frozen spinach, lemon juice, ground ginger and a carrot and beetroot juice first 3 days after chemo in the morning. It helped me build up my immune system quicker. But again, everyone is different.
     

    take care

     

    xxxx

  • Offline

    Hi I successfully used the cold cap but it wasn't an easy journey.  If you want to wet your hair and put conditioner in it prior to going to hospital that's fine though I let the care assistants do it, invest in a wide toothed comb.  I use to have an anti nausea tablet prior to the cold cap going on as it used to make me feel nauseous for the first couple of minutes.  When I had finished pop a hat on as your scalp will be freezing .  once home I use to very gently rinse the conditioner out.  Use a wide toothed comb no hairdryer or straighteners.  Use a simple shampoo and conditioner and don't wash your hair too frequently.  Just very gently massage your scalp when washing.  I invested in a silk pillow case as it allows your hair to glide rather than be pulled great for the skin too.  I would say I lost maybe 30 percent not that anyone noticed.  Best of luck

  • Offline in reply to Jo3000

    Thanks for your reply and tips, will have to just see how it goes I guess. Am prepared for the cold cap to perhaps not work but also want to do everything I can to help it work!

     

    Hope you are doing well x

  • Offline in reply to FiFi2020

    Hi, I'm currently having the cold cap. It's not easy as it cools down to -6 but if you can manage the first 20 minutes you'll be fine. Take something that will distract you. After my hair has been sprayed with water and conditioner put on I have a headband put on to protect my skin from burning. You can use gauze but the headband works better. I've had 2/8 so far and lost very little hair but whether that will continue to be the case I don't know. 

    Hope that helps, Barb

  • Offline in reply to Barbm

    Thanks Barb, really good it's working so far for you!

    Did you choose/buy your own headband or do you get given one?x

  • Offline in reply to FiFi2020

    I was asked to buy one but obviously I didn't have it for the first session so took it with me the next time. £2 from chemist shop. Get one as wide as you can to protect your skin. 2 women at my first session had used it and had kept between 80/90% of their hair. Good luck. Let us know how you get on

    Barb

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    The assistant will comb, wet and condition your hair. You can't have wet hair to travel in during the winter. It'll be a cheap brand but it does the job. A hat to put on afterwards is a must because your hair freezes to your head. Again you'll be given a towel to dry off and I ask for a blanket and heat pad because it's cold. Sorry I didn't put this in the original post but I'm suffering the effects of chemo last week and not really with it. I do think that covers it.

    Bx

  • Offline in reply to Barbm

    Thank you for taking the time to reply, really kind and so helpful. Hope you get some decent rest and your energy levels return quickly x

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