Hi I just wondered if anyone had used a cold cap
I am having weekly taxol for eighteen weeks. My hair as just started to grow back nicely now and I don't want to loose it again. I know in the scheme of things it doesn't seem important, but I really don't want to loose it. 😞
I used the cold cap with great results - hardly lost a strand more than usual. It's really really cold for the first 10 minutes and you might wonder if you can stand it but truly after that it's fine. I think your head just goes numb so you don't notice so much. Make sure the cap fits snugly - there are different sizes so ask to be fitted for the right size before you start your chemo. I found I needed a medium inner (the bit that freezes) and a small outer cap ( the bit that keeps it snug). Some of the nurses are better at putting them on than others but in my experience anyway there was always someone around who had the right touch. I was given a leaflet produced by the manufacturer (Paxman) which gave advice on hair care while using the cold cap - basically simple hair products, no over brushing and avoiding washing the hair for 24 to 48 hours before and after using the cap. It was all very easy and I'm so glad I gave it a go. Good luck. Beth x
Hi Juliette
I choose not to because I figured I was going to be miserable enough getting chemo and I didn't want to add a cold headache on to that. That first time I really didn't care about losing my hair if it was the price I had to pay for remission . I'm not sure how I'm going to feel second time round. Not even sure I will lose it with Carbo only. I see Beth has given a very positive view on her experience and so have many more since I joined this site . Good luck with your decision. You will make the right one. Take care
XXX
I did use a cold cap for my first 3 chemo treatments, and for me it worked partially. So I kept some of my hair but it was thin as some was falling out. After 3 tried I decided to stop using it and had my head shaved, which felt the right thing for me.
Juliette I tried the cold cap for my first two Carbo/ Taxol but still lost a lot of hair so decided to not continue with it.
The nurse said that they have had a lot of success with it, but guess it was not for me.
I can understand why you do not wish to loose your hair again as I had 7 weeks growth post surgery, had 4th round of chemo and now it's gone again.
Good luck with whatever decision you take.
Ellsey xx
Hi,
I used the cold cap on weekly chemo, I kept most of my hair, it thinned quite a lot but unless anyone knew me well they wouldn't of noticed. It worked best on weekly chemo, but it is uncomfortable although you do get used to it after about 10 mins, it does prolong treatment for about 30 minutes as well. Definitely worth a try
Take Care
Andrea x x
Hi Juliette. I would recommend the cold cap even though it is unpleasant. After the 7th treatment of an 18 week course of Taxol, there has been no hair loss including eyelashes and eyebrows. Best of luck Ruby xx
Hi Juliette - not unimportant at all. I think I'd feel the same. I can't offer you any advice but I hope that the cold cap perhaps help with your new regrowth & you start feeling more like yourself with your new locks
Jemima xx
Thank-you so much everyone for your helpful reply's. I really appreciate what you lovely ladies have said. Hopefully I will make the right decision. Xx
I'm with you Juliette. I too am facing hair loss yet again so I'm going for the cold cap this time. Having taxol 24 weeks. I was originally in a different hospital for 1st line where they told me it wasn't successful and not to bother. It annoys me to think it could well have worked and I wouldn't had lost my long hair. Don't think I will be able to get that length back again.
I know it's only a small thing on the grand scale but I feel I've had enough taken from me already so hoping to keep my now short hair at least. Best of luck to you. Xxxx
Hi chrissy, I am going to ask for the cold cap tomorrow when I go for my weekly taxol. Will see how it goes. I feel the same way as you. Sending best wishes to you. Xxx
I'm having cold cap when I have caelyx treatment which they said would thin my hair otherwise. It's not too bad but I have to take a hair band and a blanket though I didn't need the latter last time as it was such a warm day.
I have just come off caylax and I didn't loose my hair, I was supposed to have six treatments but after the third had to stop as my c125 was rising. I did get very sore hands with it. Good luck Lesley, I was disappointed when I was taken off it, I now am back on taxol. Xx
It's not working for me so far, CA125 is up, but they want me to have the first 3 and then a CT scan. I may be following you onto weekly taxol soon. Lx
I hope it does work for you Lesley, I was the same, like you had three lots of chemo then a scan. Will keep my fingers crossed for you. 😷xx
Hi Juliette, I've used the cold cap for both my courses of weekly taxol - 35 times in all! It has worked well both times and as others have said it isn't that bad once you get used to it after 15 mins or so. But it does add extra time - but the day is a bit of a write off anyway generally! It's a good idea to take a headband to go round your hairline so your forehead doesn't get icy. Good luck. Madelinex
I am going to try it tomorrow and will get a hairband. Thankyou for your advice. Xx
Juliette I sympathise. Mine is just growing back after first line of carbo/taxol and I want to keep it. I dread the day this blighter returns. They don't offer the Cold Cap at The Women's/Clatterbridge. Then again I had bad neuropathy with the Taxol so they might not give it to me anyway.
You'll make the right decision because it IS important.
Debs xx
Thanks deb's. I will try it and if it doesn't work or I don't like it I won't carry on with it. I will get myself another wig. 😊 xx
WELL guess what it seems that the cap is like a lot of this cancer stuff it affects everyone in its own way ,I decided to try the cap and did not research it to much as I am tired of everything to do with cancer,so on the day there were two of us lovely ladies for the cold corner ,(try Siberia )AH less than ten mins in I wanted to pull my own head off, it was not so much the minus five temp or the cold drip down my neck but the cap is vacuumed to exert a constant pressure on the scull,but the person beside me said it did not bother her at all ,she even slept snoring for the full three hours,I did not have kind thoughts for her so I have no news of how it worked for her long term ,I had low wbc so I HAVE BEEN GIVEN A THREE WEEK BREAK HALLALOUIA GOOD LUCK
Haha, reading your post made me laugh. I like the bit about siberia, but might not be laughing tomorrow. 😏,enjoy your three week brake you deserve it. 😊 xx
Caylex/carbo and hair loss
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