Forum Discussion

jenrhino's avatar
jenrhino
Member
2 years ago

Cold cap - is it worth continuing the frosty hell?

Hi ladies...having had two surgeries (masectomy and DIEP flap) in June / July I am now on the chemo journey 4 x AC (every 2 weeks) and then weekly Taxol for 12 weeks.  It sucks. 
I have had 2 rounds of AC and tried the cold cap for both. The first time it was manageable although not fun but the last round (this Thursday just gone) was unbearable and I felt so unwell the entire 4 hours of chemo even with all the drugs.
I am now wondering if I can do this for another 14 more rounds.  This week will be the week my hair should start to fall out which fills me with dread but so does 14 more rounds of cold cap.  I feel absolutely awful for days after chemo and have horrible nausea and the whole process is very overwhelming.
Has anyone had AC and Taxol and done the cold cap for so many treatments with success?
I would appreciate any advice as I now feel even more anxious about my next round.

Thank you so much x
chemotherapy-side-effects
cold-cap
hair-loss
  • Robynjane's avatar
    Robynjane
    Member
    2 years ago
    Sorry to hear you are feeling anxious. I can relate. I have had 2 AC with the cold cap and today I think I have lost more than half my hair.  It has been a miserable day and I feel like a mess. My hairdresser is visiting me tomorrow and I am going to get the rest of my hair cut as short as I can without shaving. My next round is Friday and I will ask if there is any benefit to keep going with the cold cap. I will keep you posted. Take care xx
  • jenrhino's avatar
    jenrhino
    Member
    2 years ago
    Thanks @Robynjane, sorry to hear you are in the same boat.  Do you finish chemo after the AC or do you have more treatment?  
    Please let me know if you continue and take care as well x
  • Blossom1961's avatar
    Blossom1961
    Member
    2 years ago
    @jenrhino and @Robynjane I did not have the cold cap as I suffer with headaches and this would have made it worse. Many ladies have had success with the cold cap and recommend it. I guess it all comes down to how much your hair means to you and whether YOU feel it is worth it. No one else matters in all this. Sending big hugs to you both as you navigate through all the emotions. Take care.
  • Robynjane's avatar
    Robynjane
    Member
    2 years ago
    @jenrhino like you I still have 14 more treatments to go. I had a buzz cut no 2 on Sunday and I am finding it much more comfortable. I still have not been able to look in the mirror but I will work up to that. I am planning on buying some headwear today. There are a few ladies at my infusion centre that seem to be having success with the cold cap and I am so happy for them but I am out. Wishing you all the very best. Here if you ever need to chat. Take care xx