Where can I get a cold cap

[honiton]

Hi girls,start chemo on the 6th August now the nasty monkey has decided to raise it's ugly head,anyway more to point I would just like to keep my hair till the school holidays are over but have know idea where to buy a cold cap,[can anyone of you lovely girls head me in the right direction]hugs to you yvonne x

[Whippit]

Hi Yvonne

Your hospital will be able to supply a cold cap if it's suitable for you. There are two sorts. One is a cap that is stored in a fridge/freezer and is replaced every hour, and the other newer sort is a cap that's attached to an evaporator/condenser so it doesn't need to be replaced.

The cold cap goes on an hour before you start taxol, and remains on an hour afterwards.

I tried it for my first infusion of taxol but found it uncomfortably cold. I think you need to secure the chin strap quite tightly for it to work, and wet your hair. Some hospitals also suggest putting conditioner on to maximise the freezing effect.

You may be worrying you losing your hair or that you will find the cap too uncomfortable to bear. I was worried about both those things but had to abandon the cold cap. I've lost just about all my hair. I tried my wig and tried tying scarves round my head but have found it easier all-round and not at all upsetting to go out as I am just about bald with a bit of fluffy hair round the edges. These days you see more and more women feeling comfortable going out without hair. I wear a baseball type cap when I go out and it works well for me because when I'm comfortable to take it off I do so. I've found it to be quite liberating. I hope it's comforting to think there are lots of options for us.

Best of luck with your treatment. xxx Annie

[devonmum]

Hi,i have never posted before but i felt very strongly that i didnt want to lose my hair too. My hosp had lots of cold caps of different sizes but not many nurses experienced in how to fit them. You must get a very snug fit especially on the top of your head,soak your head and apply loads of good quality conditioner. I was on weekly pax for 18 weeks and initialy thought i could not go on with it. The initial pain was awful but after about 5 mins it dulls and you can distract yourself even though it has to stay on for an hour after treatment. I had loads of hair and after 5 sessions i lost loads but all from underneath. When you go to take it off let your hair defrost a little cos at -5 degrees your hair freezes totally ! Make sure when you go each time you remember the size of your cap. I cried for a few miniutes every time with the shock of the cold but it was worth it although it doesnt save your eyebrows or eyelashes !! Hope this helps

[honiton in reply to devonmum]

Thankyou x

[daisies]

Hi. Know the others have explained that the hospitals supply them. Like Whippit, my Onc wanted me to try it ---yuuk, is all I can say. It must be very secure and fitted and the cold was extreme. It should be noted that there is no guarantee that you will not lose your hair if you use it, as the use of some drugs. I can't remember if it is taxol or carboplatin - but the cap must remain on for a long time.

Maybe I was a wimp and couldn't manage, so I do admire anyone who did last the course.

So, can only send you best wishes for your treatment.

Daisies xxx

[Susan3]

Hi

Great advice there in previous posts about importance of good technique ..right size,wet hair ,conditioner and yes after first five mins pain goes and u just feel cold. Hosp supplied my cap just remember ur size as they wont!

As a young mum of two toddlers I found it really useful to retain hair. I never hid my cancer or treatment from anyone but found it helped me feel good when I looked more 'normal'. My hair thinned by a third but had thick hair so didn't notice too much. My hair almost back to normal now a year out. That said I may not choose it next time as it prolongs Chemo appts by so long.. Hope advice helps ..good luck!

[ScardyCat40]

I didn't bother with a cold cap or a wig or a cold cap. I have some hats and when I feel too hot I just take them off and go 'bald'. Mostly its ok but sometimes I do feel a bit self conscious

[milarie]

Hi there I loved my hair,always had it perfect. Two rounds of chemo after first one my hair was falling out,just shaved it. Thought I would be really upset especially to find out later type of cancer did not need Chemo.My grandson picked out a wig and I love it. Hugs

[Beckyjh]

I also use cold cap - same experiences as everyone else, first 5/10 mins is very uncomfortable but I take a paracetamol just before which either subconsciously or actually does help!!! Nearly 8 weeks in and my hair is thinner especially on top, but is still there!!!

[Debs-the-vegetarian]

Hi, I use the paxman cool cap system via Healthcare at Home and my Private Health Insurance. I am not sure if it's available at all NHS hospitals but you can ask. I don't know if you can "rent" the machine directly from them. It does add time to your session, half an hour before treatment and then an hour afterwards.....

I am only 16 days into my chemo (had three weekly cycles with Taxol) and it's too soon to see if the cold cap is working. I cut my hair a lot shorter to make it easier to manage.

The cold cap is bearable, take an ibuprofen half an hour before. I can wear it for nearly three hours and I'm a bit of a wimp, but I'm at home with lots of hot water bottles, mugs of hot water and blankets and SKY movies to take my mind off things.

I had ice on my head after my last session and I didn't know/couldn't feel it.

Fingers crossed it will be the same for you.