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Hello 

I have just started treatment for ovarian cancer and had my first chemo last week - ongoing for 18 weeks. The first treatment went well and I have felt ok since with anti sickness pills to help. I wore the cold cap and had my hair cut shorter this w/e. It wasn't that bad at all - not totally freezing - but my hair is quite thick - so I think it might get a little harder as the hair starts to thin. I took 2 paracetamol before it was put on in case I got a headache. At one point it was aching around my temples a bit but the nurse put a little tissue paper there and it was then all fine. I have bought baby shampoo but been recommended coconut shampoo too. 
I am sure this is all a shock to you - as it is to me too - but please stay strong and sending love and best wishes. 

Hi,

Sorry too meet you here. I hope I can help. 

I have just Finished Chemo for Breast Cancer, I am 38 and used the Cold Cap.

I had 3x FEC 3x Docetaxil, every three weeks.

I know everyone if different but I will share my Experience on Chemo it may not be the same as you and the Cold Cap.

The Hardest thing is the Unknown, when I went for my Chemo Chat I was told about all these hurrendous Side Effects it was overwhelmin but it's nothing like what you think. 

I had a Pic line put into my Arm this was great, it sped everything up and it meant that I went to the hospital every week to get it checked, this gave me the opportunity to talk to the nurses about things.

After Each round of Chemo my Side Effects were the Same, when I changed too Docetaxil the side effects were slightly different but again the same.

The first Chemo I had a made a note of my Side effects and when they happened  so that the next time I could prepare. I found I was okay for 3 days after, then on day 4 it would start to effect me, the hospital will give you anti sickness make sure you take them even if you feel okay, drink plenty of water, I would start doing my 4 pints a day the day before Chemo and for around 4 days after this will flush the chemo out. I suffered from Nausea but had lots of sickness tablets, you will feel tired so rest as much as you can. 

I would feel rough for the for 7-10 days but in that 7-10 would feel better each day.

Your Chemo ward are there too help with side effects they can be managed really well, and it is very Do- able and no way near as scary as you might think. 

I had thick long blonde hair, and didn't want too lose it. So I decided to use the Cold Cap. Visit the PAXMAN website it supplies the Cold Caps and has all the info on there. 
 

I lost around 65% of my hair it's now really thin,I have a bold patch in the top where it didn't fit, this couldn't be helped. I didn't cut it before I started so I had the length that stayed.  It's really important that it fits and it's Tight! The nurse will wet your hair and put conditioner through your hair, the first 10-15 minutes whilst your head gets used to it is tough, after then though it's completely fine. Take paracetamol one hour before you use it, only use simple shampoo and conditioner and washed your hair 1-2 times a week. You will have a big shed after each Chemo but that's normal. If you can stick the first one it's definitely worth it, and although I have a thin hair now it's been a success. 
Make sure you put a hair band on your forehead and I put  a couple of bits of cotton where my temples are. I also used a travel pillow around my neck that really helped. 
I wish you well, xxx 

Love Sarah 

Hi 
Thankyou for your reply. Sounds like we are both going to on the same treatment.I should have been starting on Thursday but it's been put back a week as I need to see another specialist.  I have been told I will be having the cold cap so hopefully I will be able to tolerate it. It is completely the not knowing what is going to happen as I haven't seen a cancer specialist nurse yet so it's great being able to chat with you. I have taken on board what you have said . Please keep me updated with your treatment and sending hugs and best wishes. x 

Hi Sarah 

Thankyou for your reply. I hope all your treatment went well. It's great to speak to people who have actually gone through chemotherapy. Thankyou as it's been encouraging for me to take this information in . I think I start next week as it's been put back so I can see another specialist. I will get some shampoo and conditioner and stop using my normal one . I presume afterwards you have to let your hair dry naturally. That's great to be told about the hair band and cotton wool and travel pillow as I haven't been told any of this . My experience so far was diagnosed with ovarian cancer . Operation to remove mass which was 6 inches across and total hysterectomy. Recouperate for 7 weeks then start chemotherapy. I've not seen a cancer nurse just the oncologist who got me to sign the consent form after telling me about the awful side effects . I left the room feeling absolutely terrible. You have made it so much much easier. Very much appreciated. Good luck in the future .

D X 

Hi D,

Thats no problem at all!  Maybe you won't see a Chemo nurse, my Oncologist didn't go through anything Chemo wise just that I needed it. I also left the room Completely over whelmed, I also had Covid inbetween Treatments. 

Yes very I used Simple Shampoo and Conditioner, take your Conditioner with you incase they don't have any, I would use a wide tooth Combe on my hair but I would use my Paddle brush occasionally to get all the hair out that was loose. Don't be overwhelmed when some comes out and it will, that's normal if you can cope keep going with it. 
 

Like I say everyone is different but Lean on your team, also something to remember though is that Paracetamol Masks a Tempreture, so if your feeling unwel make sure you do your Temp First. 
 

Get some Balm, Hand and Nail Cream, Rennes and Gaviscon for heartburn ( you might not get that though ) soft tooth brush. 

i am sorry too hear what you have been through, it's so hard, I haven't got over any of it I'm on an emotional rollacoaster that I can't get off ,I have radiotherapy next then hormone tablets for 5 years. 
 

You will be okay with Chemo , like I say it's tough but you can do it!! 
 

I wish you well and Wish you a fast recovery ,, and like I plan to do is live the best life. Much love to you xx