Forum Discussion

gurneys's avatar
gurneys
Member
9 years ago

Cooling Cap update

So, for those of you who have been following my saga/experiment with the cooling caps or for anyone who is interested in maybe giving them a go, I thought I'd post an update with some photos.

The first photo was taken just before chemo started to give you an idea of what I started with:

And this is what I have now after three rounds of FEC. I am still losing a lot of hair everyday as my drain pipes will attest to, and there is a growing bald spot on top of my head. But I can still cover it with hair bands and hats at this stage so I guess I'll continue, as horrible as the cooling caps are. Eyelashes and eyebrows are thinning though.

x-S

scalp-cooling
  • ALloyd's avatar
    ALloyd
    Member
    9 years ago

    Great to see it has worked for you. I also had hair very similar to yours. As soon as I knew I was going to loose my hair I saw it as a perfect opportunity to go very short which I have always wanted to try but was afraid to.

    Everyone loved my short hair which I kept for 5 weeks before the hair started to go. I didn't want to loose long pieces of hair and it was an easier transition for my young kids.

    I love my bald head now and the feel of the water in the shower on my head is awesome.

    I loved my long thick hair but realised very quickly that it is just hair and does not define me. I also have heard that is can come back thicker and healthier than before.

    good luck with your journey

    Annie

  • gurneys's avatar
    gurneys
    Member
    9 years ago

    In the grand scheme of things it's not a huge deal. I bought an awesome hat that covers up my head really well! I start the new drug combo next week which is just T(or D) and if all reports are true, the cooling cap works well with that. But if not, not to worry. It's just hair after all and it will grow back quickly because I've used the cap. Three more rounds to go! :)

  • lmkos's avatar
    lmkos
    Member
    9 years ago

    I am sorry to hear that.  I was told that my mix of chemo was known to respond well with the Cooling cap. I have my fingers crossed that it will slow down some, it must be very difficult for you.

    Hugs

    Lisa

  • gurneys's avatar
    gurneys
    Member
    9 years ago

    Yeah, I was told it would be less effective with the FEC combo. Today I was washed it and even more fell out. Not sure there's much left now. lol.

  • lmkos's avatar
    lmkos
    Member
    9 years ago

    I had 4 cycles of TAC and used the cooling cap.  My hair is short anyway but I was very lucky and lost no hair.  You would not known that I had had chemo.  I found the cooling cap extremely painful at the beginning of the session until my scalp was numb.  My oncologist prescribed me a painkiller to take 1/2 - 3/4 hour before I had the cooling cap applied and it made all the difference.  I think found it quite tolerable then. I am very happy I persevered with it.

  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
    Member
    9 years ago

    That's pretty amazing. Even though there are some bald patches, there is still plenty of hair. 

    Caps were never offered where I did chemo, although it was almost 5 years ago. 

    Hugs

    Paula :)

  • gurneys's avatar
    gurneys
    Member
    9 years ago

    I think I will cut it short too, once chemo is finished and it starts to grow back. For now the longer bits help to cover the bald spot. ??

  • maryroset1's avatar
    maryroset1
    Member
    9 years ago

    Good to hear its working out for you.

    I cut my locks short because the matting at the top of my head was painful.

    Believe me it will grow back real fast thats one positice of the cap. 

    Take care.?? 

    Maryrose