Forum Discussion

annebirdy's avatar
annebirdy
Member
10 years ago

Cold cap not as bad as expected

Hi all, 

I couldn't find much information on cold caps before I started so I thought I'd share my experience. And I know quite a few people have a negative experience but that hasn't been my case at all.

I am usually such a wuss with the cold. I'm the first to feel the cold so I didn't think I'd even be able to cope with it.

But its been so much better than expected. I'm using a cold cap that is hooked up to a machine. The first few times I took an ativan and panadol, but now I'm just taking some panadol beforehand. I find that the first 5 mins are the worst - it does feel like a headache is about to come on, but that passes within minutes and then once you make it to the 15-min mark, that's it. I don't notice it after that and I'm always surprised at the end of the 2.5 hours that there are ice crystals on my hair.

I definitely think it is worth giving it a go. I'm glad I didn't have to bother with wigs etc and I did it more for my 5-year old kid - as I feel more 'normal' for him.

Like I said, it doesn't bother me at all having the cold cap. Hope its an option for more people to consider.

Cheers, Anne

 

scalp-cooling
  • angiesg's avatar
    angiesg
    Member
    10 years ago

    Anne, so glad to hear from you and that you have been happy with your cold cap experience.

    I totally agree with what Anne is saying and ive had the same experience.  Anne and I are on the same 12 week Taxol regime, she is 1 week ahead of me. I just had Taxol number 6 yesterday and I have all my hair still with minor shedding which only started from Taxol 4.

    you would not think im having chemo and for me too this was very important for my 10 year daughter to think mum was still mum.

    a few times ive asked the nurses if its still on as after the first 15 minutes you hardly feel that it.

    so wish these machines are available to more, as they do work, with vaying degrees dependant on the chemo given.

    How is your hair shedding going Anne, is it noticeable to you at all?

    Angie

     

  • ChrissK's avatar
    ChrissK
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Anne, so glad you are happy using the cold cap and hopefully it will work for you... How far into your treatment are you?? I started using the cold cap but unfortunately it wasn't for me after my 2nd chemo my hair started falling out.

    Good luck xx