Hi, I’m cold capping and it’s too early to say if it’s worked yet but wearing the cold cap itself I didn’t find too bad despite all the horror stories. The cold did not bother me at all; the worst part is that it has to be fitted really tight with a chin strap which sort of squishes your face a bit. It also adds a couple of hours to the treatment time. Not that I have anything better to do ;)

I had shoulder length hair but had it cropped before chemo into a bob to make it more manageable. (Im only allowed to wash my hair twice a week and have to be gentle with it).

I would say it’s definitely worth a try. The oncologist said it was 50/50 whether it works but the chemo nurse quoted 80% success. The definition of success varies though...I’ve seen people who said they lost anywhere between 0 and 80% of their hair, though many said they kept enough hair to get by with a well placed scarf rather than a wig. I do think a lot is down to the fitting. We shall see...

I think if it wasn't going to look good then I'd prefer to shave it off and go hairless! I also don't think I'd be able to manage only washing my hair twice a week. I have scalp problems and use coal tar shampoo. If I don't wash my hair daily, I get scabs and all sorts on there. 

I love the idea of being able to keep my hair but really unsure if the cold cap will work for me...

How many treatments have you had so far [@Mrsfingers]‍ ?

I’m having my second round next week. I’m now apparently reaching the point where I can expect to see hair loss. I’ve lost some ahem, body hair, but nothing from the scalp...yet!

[@Mrsfingers]‍  I don't mind the thought of loosing other hair on my body... saves on waxing!! Hopefully it works for you x

Hi Babsie,

I haven't looked at studies to see how effective it officially is (not sure if there are any large enough studies yet) but the two people I know that used it had no obvious difference to my hair experience and I refused it outright due to having suffered migraines for decades.

I had waist-length auburn hair but I've had it very short before and it grows back so I preferred to accept just losing my hair over having the potential problem with more migraines (I've already had a mini-stroke due to them).  Admittedly it feels like I blinked and my hair was already growing back and with wigs to wear when I want to I'm just not fussed about the hair loss.  But everyone is different.

If you do go with it I would be cautious about putting too much hope in it keeping your hair.  If it does help keep it then great, but would be horrible to get your hopes up and be disappointed.  But if you were just to try it understanding that you'll see what happens then that shouldn't cause you any extra distress.

LJxx

Carrie. Good luck for Friday....I had second cycle last Thursday of fec....to cold cap or not....a difficult one....I did loads of reading on it and as it's not an exact science I decided against, the thought of being in the chemo unit any longer than I need to be was a nogo.....I was a hairdresser for 30 years and my hair my crowing glory....and boy is it hard to look at your bald head, but I have a fantastic wig and some lovely turbans, and I try my hardest not to look too closely in the mirror! 

Good luck with making the right decision for you...let us know how you get on? Xxx

Argh, sorry I’m late replying. I had my first zolodronic acid infusion and ended up in hospital! I stuck with the cold cap and although I lost quite a lot of hair and had a big bald patch on top it has started to grow back quickly after chemo. I can send you some pics if if helps. If in doubt I’d say try the cold cap. You can always decide to stop using it but you can’t not use it and then decide to start x

I had my 1st chemo treatment last Monday and used a Paxman cold cap. The nurse told me to take a couple of paracetamol whilst waiting to go into the chemo suite.

Yes it feels cold but only for 10-15 minutes. I jiggled my feet and distracted myself and before I knew it I couldnt feel it at all. I think the paracetamol probably stopped any real brain freeze. Far too early to anticipate success but if I manage to keep some hair I will be very pleased. Good luck with your treatment.

Hi, 

When you lost quite a bit still could you fit a wig on top of remaining hair?