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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,

    Sorry you have to go through this too. I started Chemo today and looks like I'm on the same treatment regime as you. I also decided on trying the cold cap, it was cold and uncomfortable but for me barable and not sore but everyone is different, the nurse told me not to wash or brush my hair for 24 hours after and only use a shampoo thats not perfumed for example Simple also try not to use a hair dryer but if you must on a low heat also no straighteners, I also have emailed someone else that knows the best shampoos ect at will let you know as soon as they get back. The chemo wasn't as bad as I imagined and I feel fine just a little tired from the piratin. I would recommend if your right handed to ask them to put the chemo through your left and vice versa it your left handed as I was struggling to write and text. Good luck sending positive vibes we got this girl.  If you have any tips too I would really appreciate  

    Lots of love Natalie

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  • Offline

    Hi,

    Sorry you have to go through this too. I started Chemo today and looks like I'm on the same treatment regime as you. I also decided on trying the cold cap, it was cold and uncomfortable but for me barable and not sore but everyone is different, the nurse told me not to wash or brush my hair for 24 hours after and only use a shampoo thats not perfumed for example Simple also try not to use a hair dryer but if you must on a low heat also no straighteners, I also have emailed someone else that knows the best shampoos ect at will let you know as soon as they get back. The chemo wasn't as bad as I imagined and I feel fine just a little tired from the piratin. I would recommend if your right handed to ask them to put the chemo through your left and vice versa it your left handed as I was struggling to write and text. Good luck sending positive vibes we got this girl.  If you have any tips too I would really appreciate  

    Lots of love Natalie

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