Forum Discussion
Ice Caps to prevent hair loss
Are you worried about losing your hair during chemo treatments? For me keeping my hair was very important. I am a private person and the thought of people seeing me hairless felt very intimidating an...
Hi Rhonnie
Welcome to the group - That is terrific that the cold cap worked so well for you xx. I was lucky & didn't need chemo. I couldn't see the pic.
So you've already had your surgery? Feel free to fill us in on your story so far. xx
It's good that you've found us, as this is the right spot for support & info from those who've 'been there, done that'! So hopefully we'll be able to smooth the way for your own treatment. Whack up ANY question - remember there are NO dumb questions!!! Make sure you take a trusted friend or family member with you to your appointments, as a 'backup set of ears', as it is difficult remembering everything that is said. Also, consider recording your sessions on your phone, so you can go over it again later, for the same reason. 😉
Mine was ILC - I was lucky to only have the one lumpectomy, rads & tablets .... and have recently finished with the tabs after 7 years!
This diagnosis can really muck with your brain too - so if you feel sad, angry, distressed .... ask your GP (or your treating team) for a referral to see a counsellor .... or listen to Charlotte Tottman's podcast (link below). You can also ring our Helpline on 1800 500 258 for a confidential one-on-one chat xx
Charlotte Tottman is a BC specialist counsellor who was diagnosed herself, also had a double mastectomy, so knows EXACTLY what we've all been thru, both emotionally and physically! Her own reaction to her diagnosis was also quite different to what she 'thought' it might be, given that she'd been counseling women's reactions for some years before, so thought she 'new' what to expect! She is VERY easy to listen to, too xx
http://www.drcharlottetottman.com.au/my-podcast.html.
Raelene Boyle's video is also well worth watching!
https://www.bcna.org.au/resource-hub/podcasts/upfront-about-breast-cancer/upfront-about-breast-cancer/episode-21-raelene-boyle-on-pulling-herself-out-of-the-darkness/
There is HEAPS of info in the link below to help you navigate the blog and also some tools to evaluate your own physical and mental recovery thru your ongoing treatment! xx.
You can show us your garden, your pets, your art/craft, share your favourite recipes ..... as we delight in seeing everyone else is up to! xx
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussions/general-discussion/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members-/222737
Take care & all the best for your ongoing treatment xx
Hi Arpie
I am not really good at this computer stuff so i am not surprised that you could not see the photo - I will try again if anyone wants to know what the ice caps look like.
I had HER2+ breast cancer (DCIS). It is quite aggressive but i got onto it early and I hardly think about it any more. This was in 2022. After my right breast was removed i was given weekly chemo (paclitaxel) for 12 weeks followed by herceptin injections for another 9 months.
I would really like to share my ice caps experience with anyone who might like to consider going down this track. I can't guarantee it will work for them but it certainly worked for me and if i ever have to have chemo again i would definitely use them again. The hardest part was freezing them into the right shape, but I mastered it in the end. Very happy to answer any questions. I would never have known about ice caps if someone had not shared their experience with me, and I am so grateful they did!.
Thanks Rhonnie ... so you were Triple Positive? We have a private group for those with Triple Positive, if you'd like to join ... but your message re the Ice Caps is just as important for ALL types of Breast Cancer & those going thru chemo.
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/triplepositivebreastcancer
Did you purchase your own ice caps, or did you use ones thru your Oncology Centre? It sounds like you 'froze them' at home (getting the shape 'right' for your own skull). .... which sounds quite interesting!! I am sure others would love to know how you did all that! 'Cos heads AREN'T 'round' ....
Instead of a pic, you could just put up the weblink showing it (click on the 'chain looking thing' to the left of the 'camera' and paste the link in) and then members can check it all out!Take care & all the best
Hi Arpie
Was I Triple Positive? Is that what 2+ means? I did not realize there was more than one form of cancer until I got it!
Yes, I purchased my own ice caps. The ice caps have a big advantage over the cooling machines provided at some hospitals, in that you are not restricted to starting at a certain time, and you can move around (and go to the toilet) without taking them off. However, they certainly require quite a lot of preparation and a fair amount of freezer space. But so worth the effort if you have time and really want to save your hair.