cold cap issues

Thanks all for your comments. It certainly makes me feel better!

Given I am 6 months pregnant I can't really take too much beforehand to help me relax/sleep... it's reassuring to hear it's not just me though!

I am planning to clipper once the hair loss begins...it's also given me a chance to try a fringe - something I haven't had for 30 years! I figure it's only for a couple of weeks anyway so if I don't like it no big deal.

Em xx

Hi Emma,

I had a panic attack, felt claustrophobic, restless, awful head freeze and snapped at my husband when he tried to distract me.  Then I burst into tears.  I felt like ripping the cap off and running screaming from the unit.  I wasn't sure whether I could continue.  My sister found the information about having ativan/ lorazepam with the scalp cooling and now I sleep right through the whole thing!  I've found I need to take the ativan a good hour before the cap goes on otherwise I feel the panic and the head freeze.  The doctor said I could take the ativan the night before as well if i was anxious.

Don't beat yourself up about your decision.  What a lovely compliment from your three year old.  Rock the bald head.  My hair thinned considerably even with the scalp cooling.  I was very self conscious about the thinning and felt it was more obvious with shoulder length hair so my husband cut my hair with the clippers to a number 2 cut and i love it.  Sometimes change can bring positive things.  Feels great under the shower :)  Have had lots of compliments.  People say I look better with (really) short hair.  Think Buddhist nun/ Charlize Theron in Mad Max look but with makeup. It has grown during scalp cooling and (I started my chemo in August last year & am due to finish in February) but I have kept the number 2 cut.  Can't be bothered with scarves or hats or wigs and am getting very good at drawing on my eyebrows.

Emma,you are certainly not a wuss.I have done the cold cap and have a couple of paclitaxols to go.There were a few times I nearly gave it away as I think I was dreading the cold cap more than the chemo itself.I found it worse the times I was doing the AC as I felt colder and more nauseous.The nurses here said most people gave it away and I was one of the few that kept going.Our hospital has only just gotten the caps so the nurses are learning.I take a couple of Panadol and an anxiety medication just before I go up for treatment.I laugh at some of the promotional videos for cold caps that show a lady with a luxurious head of hair with an enormous grin on her face having the cap fitted and saying how wonderful it is.The reality is somewhat different!Whilst now I can appreciate having hair some time on-it is certainly not for everyone.

Thanks Maryrose xx

Thanks Tonya xx

Hi Chriss

Thanks for this, I was going to see how I felt but maybe I give these guys (they are in Melb too) a call. I cut my hair short but no loss for now. In-fact feel pretty good (day 2 post chemo)....waiting to crash though xx

Not been a wuss!!  The lady with the wigs came to my house and was very nice and her wigs were actually for cancer patients and not for "fashion". They are Wigs on Wheels in Sydney.

Chriss xx

Hi Chriss

Thanks for this, I wasn;t sure whether I was just been a wuss!

I have some caps etc, don't know re wig yet

XX

Em, tried it, hated it, gave it up..... Couldn't stand the strap around the chin and the coldness of it, plus I started loosing my hair so I thought whats the use.

Have now bought a wig which is exactly like my hair used to be and some nice scarves and hats.

Chriss xx

Hi Em, you gave it your best shot darl and that's all you can do.Sounds like you are resigned to going bald.Some women embrace it but I hated every minute of it and my hair took a long time to grow back. We are all here for you so vent whenever.Big hug- Tonya xx