I start chemo next week and I'm considering using a cold cap. I'll be having 4 x TC. Can anyone who has used the cold cap during TC shed any light on how effective it is with this type of chemo? I know it varies from person to person, but from what I've read the chemo regime has a big impact on the effectiveness of the cold cap

I had TC x 4 and had a good result with the cold cap. About 2 weeks after the first treatment I did lose a fair bit of hair but after that just a bit of hair loss after each treatment. I am almost 4 months post chemo and have had a second hair cut today and nearly back to normal growth. If you are ok with the first 10 or so minutes at the start which can be uncomfortable I would give it a go.

Hi Yango, definitely worth giving it a go. I’ve just finished (2weeks ago) round 4 of TC & used the cold cap. It has worked pretty well. I do have some bald patches on the top and back of my head but around the front and sides I still have a fair bit of hair. It’s meant I could just wear caps and beanies out and about and with my longer hair poking at the back and around the front no one knows I’m “sick”. I go back to work next week, and will wear a wig, as without it my hair looks a bit like a “white walker” (GOT reference!🤓). But the other thing I’m noticing is that I already have some stubble growing through on the bald patches, so I think that is pretty fast and no doubt has been helped by the cold cap. Best wishes for your treatment.

Hi Yango, it’s definitely worth trying. It’s a little uncomfortable but bearable for the first 10 minutes. Then you don’t really notice it for the rest of the treatment. I’ve only had two sessions with it so far. The second time it didn’t feel like it fitted as well for some reason. I’ve thinned a little on top but not bad & I do have very fine hair anyway. I met another lady last week also using the cold cap and she doesn’t appear to have lost any hair. After chatting to her, I think the secret may be using a size smaller in the outer cap that holds the cold cap in place. I’m in between sizes so they have used the larger size for both caps. I’m going to have a chat with them before my next session & see what they think.

Hi @Yango You need to wet your hair and plaster it with conditioner so it sticks to your head and the cold can get through. Watch the video on the paxman website. The cap should be tight with no bulging bits. The better the fit, the better it's going to work. I was pushing the cap down in the middle of my head every 10 minutes to make sure it stayed connected.If you like I can PM you with a walkthrough of what I did. Just let me know.Cheers.xoxoxo

Cold capping | BCNA Online Network

Jen029
Member
6 years ago
I had TC x 4 and had a good result with the cold cap. About 2 weeks after the first treatment I did lose a fair bit of hair but after that just a bit of hair loss after each treatment. I am almost 4 months post chemo and have had a second hair cut today and nearly back to normal growth. If you are ok with the first 10 or so minutes at the start which can be uncomfortable I would give it a go.
Yango
Member
6 years ago
Thanks @kezmusc, I will check out the Facebook group.

@kmakm, any tips on making sure the cap is fitted correctly? Can you put it on yourself if you're not happy with the way the nurses have fitted it?

@Kiwi Angel, did you hair fall out evenly or was it in patches?
Kiwi_Angel
Member
6 years ago
Can’t log in to the network on the desktop so have to write this on my phone :smile:

@Yango I had the same chemo regime as u and did the cold cap.

I found I did shed a lot and ended up having to wear a cap at work with my dad ponytail hanging out the back or a wig for occasions but it did grow back really quickly and even thicker and healthier than before. If u can handle the cold of it it’s definitely worth trying.
kmakm
Member
6 years ago
Hi @Yango. I had TC and gave the cold cap a try. It didn't work well enough for me to persist with, however I believe that was because it was not fitted properly. Round the edges it worked very well. I understand that it's better if you have thicker, darker hair, but it seems anecdotal to me. I had the NUM say I should get good results but another nurse say no, it won't work. I say give it a go but make sure it's squashed right down on your scalp.

@"Kiwi Angel" might have something to add.

K xox
kezmusc
Member
6 years ago
Hi @Yango,

There is success, failure and somewhere in between on all of the regimes. Have a look at the Paxman facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/PaxmanScalpCooling/ (I am on the top left of the banner on the page) I had the ACT regime and it worked brilliantly. There are people from accross the world on this page that have stories and hints for all the different chemo drugs on here. Both success, not so much and in between. Everyone is happy to chat and answer questions.

All the best lovely.
xoxoxo

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