Cooling cap for reduced hair loss

[BlueRB]

Hi all - looking for advice on cooling caps. The hospital my dad will receive treatment (Docetaxel and Ramucirumab) at for stage IV NSCLC does not have cooling caps available. Is there an option to bring and set up your own system each time? Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks!

[ThePurplePlace]

To be honest, I have never seen or heard of anyone who used a cooling cap. I have heard of them and seen ads online and read a bit about them, but that's it. I have never seem them used at any of the chemo centers I have been in and do not know anyone from any of my "cancer support groups" who has tried one.

Before you invest in one, I would talk to his "Oncology Team" for their thoughts, to see if they have seen them used, and specifically if they worked for patients on the exact same treatment.

Since you said, the do not use them at the infusion center, it's likely you would have to set it up and do it all yourself (for your Dad). I'd also want to find out, IF they are known to "help" for those on the exact same chemo regimen. From what I recall reading, they do not work for everyone and it can vary by the chemo drugs. It's a lot of money to invest on something that may not do anything and might also make him uncomfortable.

When I had chemo, I was often "cold", so I could never had used one, I would have froze, but I also live in a area with a cold winter climate. I often asked for "warm" blankets while having chemo to be comfy.

Best wishes to your Dad!

[KimGO2 Partner]

Hi BlueRB,

Thank you for connecting with us on healthunlocked. I did reach out to a professional society and it looks like many facilities are having patients bring in their own with few having one for use within the infusion center. The two most common cooling caps are from either Paxman or DigniCap. Check out those two, looking for validated studies with your father's medications, coverage of insurance/out of pocket costs, and ease of setup since the facility does not offer. We have had one person that participates in our living room have good success however everyone is different. Just remember if you use it, be prepared to bundle up and ask for plenty of blankets. Let us know what you decide and if you use it, share how it works for your dad. Sending hugs to you both!

Warmly,

Kim