Cooling cap

My friend used the cold cap a couple years ago. She showed me pics (cos I didn’t know she had cancer at the time) and her hair looked great. She said there was slight thinning, but other than that it was fine. But as @kazb and @Abbydog said, it does need to be done properly by nurses who are experienced with it, and you might need to be persistent. It’s a personal choice, but it would mean less damage to the follicles, as well as keeping your appearance the same x

Dear Nelsky,
You've got nothing to loose if you try. You could shave if it becomes obvious it isn't working.
I used it successfully. ECx4 and Paclitaxel X12.
Many people didn't know i'd been having treatment for Cancer.
The cold did not bother me much. The temperature drops in about 10 increments, over 1/2 hour.
You get used to it just like you do when you jump into a pool. I often fell asleep, while the Chemo was in progress.
It did add extra time 1/2hr before and an hour after.
You should have a good indication if it works after 2-3 sessions. You could decide then, whether to continue.
I was advised not to blow dry or straighten my hair.
If you go ahead, make sure your hair is very wet, and the cap fits well.
I think that there are 3 sizes. The nurses were great at doing this for me.
The caps are not custom or a perfect fit. I sometimes wore an extra strap over the top, when there seemed to be an air bubble. 
I had some thinning, but no-one seemed to notice but me.
I can send photos if you message me.

Hi @NelSky I did 18 weeks of Paclitaxel with the cold cap in 2015. For me it was 100% worth the extra time. I didn’t tell my kids and because I didn’t lose my hair they never even noticed any difference (granted they were 3 and 5 at the time so not super observant). It’s a personal choice so do what’s right for you, but there’s no harm in giving it a go. Best of luck X 

Hi @NelSky ,I had 12 rounds of Paclitaxel,and used the cold cap with very good success.  maybe a little bit of thining, but definitely not noticeable.  It does add time to each of your treatment, which is a consideration,  for me ,as it was during the first lockdown, I had nowhere else to be, and keeping my hair  was important and helped me to feel normal.  You do need good nurses though to take time in getting the fit right each time.

Hi @NelSky These initial days are pretty challenging and you will find so much information and support here. I am going to mention @kezmusc as she is a wealth of knowledge and positivity on lots of stuff, but especially her success with the cold cap. I started chemo in January and finished in May (4 x AC and 12 x taxol). I tried the cold cap, but it didn’t work for me and I ended up shaving my hair - I found that process pretty hard. As you will hear, we have all had varied experiences with it and it really depends on each person. I knew after my second round of chemo that I was losing way too much hair to even try to cover it. I know someone who had 4 x AC only and used the cold cap and while her hair thinned, people who didn’t know she had it would never have guessed. My advice would be to be prepared for all possibilities, I bought a fantastic wig which was great. I am now 5 months post treatment and my hair has grown back, I have had it coloured and I can even get a straightener into it! I am wishing you well and I am happy to offer any help you may need.🙂