Forum Discussion

Kazmar's avatar
Kazmar
Member
8 years ago

Scalp Cooling during Chemo?

Hi,
I am starting Chemo on Friday and l was asked if l wanted to try Scalp cooling, l had never heard of it.
I would love to hear others experiences. How uncomfortable it is? Does it really help with hair loss?
How short should your hair be to be able to wear the cap?
I have an information session on Tuesday at the hospital, just thought that l would see if others here had tried this method.
Cheers,
Karen
  • viking1's avatar
    viking1
    Member
    8 years ago
    I've just had my first chemo and am 14 days into things.  Today was the day I woke up and had a lot of hair on my shoulders (I cut it short in a bob before chemo as it was quite long.) Funnily enough, with my first week of chemo I had quite a few horrible side effects from the steroid tablets (no nausea or vomiting) so when I washed my hair tonight and heaps fell out I wasn't upset, just irritated that it's everywhere! I thought I would be distressed. But seriously, I feel it's the least of my worries as I have a long road ahead with chemo, radiation and Herceptin injections. I know this is very personal for everyone. My chemo nurse told me the scalp cooling can be a bit sore and sometimes your hair is fine for a few months and then falls out.  Or it can save some hair but looks patchy.  I'm going to get mine shaved tomorrow at a nice quiet salon and have a head massage at the same time ... going out in style at Maurice Meade