Hi Tracey,
I finished chemo 3 months ago and also used the cold cap. I would definately do it again but learnt a few things. Firstly make sure you take the Ativan at least 15 minutes B4 the cold cap goes on so it is effective - the first 15 minutes of the cold cap were definately the worst. Also are you using panty liners on your forehead? - found these invaluable for reducing pain here - strange look but effective. For the last 3 (of 6) treatments I had a crepe bandage over the top of my head & under my chin (looked like I had the mumps) to keep the cold cap in contact on the top of my head where it didn't fit well. I did lose quite a bit of hair, probably 1/2 in total, mainly from the top of my head where the cap sat up for those first three sessions. I remember that after the second treatment I became convinced I would go completely bald as my hair was falling out all over the place but it didn't happen. Despite losing quite a lot of hair I found with a bit of creative styling I could cover my balding patch. People in my personal and private lives were not aware I had chemo (at least to the best of my knowledge). My hair is now regrowing and the regrowth is 2-3cms long and wants to stick up in the air a bit.... more creative styling. If I had my time over I would still do the cold capping and am convinced if I had used the crepe bandage from the outset I would have had very little hair loss.
Good luck!
