Scalp cooling - should I stop, done 11 chemos and 5 to go
Hi BCNA community, Thanks for all the helpful advice re scalp cooling. It helped me decide to start and perserve with it this year. I've done 11 chemos (4 x AC and 7 x Taxol) with 5 Taxols to go. At my last chemo the nurse sat me down for a quiet chat and said they were reluctant to continue with scalp cooling as I've lost over 50 percent of my hair (their advice is not to continue after this much loss as I could burn my scalp). Thanks to advice on here, I've been using gauze over any spots that are thin so I haven't burned my scalp (they did warn me about the burning about 6 chemos ago but I've been fine with gauze). It looks like I'm getting some regrowth now too, a few mms in some areas and mostly grey. My questions are: 1. Should I persist with scalp cooling if I'm getting regrowth during Taxol, is it regrowing only because I'm doing scalp cooling? 2. Has anyone actually had experience with scalp burning while using gauze for any thin areas? How bad is the burning? 3. If I am getting some regrowth surely I have more coverage to enable me to continue with scalp cooling? I do feel the nurses find it a bit of a hassle (not many people seem to use it at my day treatment unit) but at the end of the day they are willing to support my choice as long as I understand the risks. Also, I've kept enough hair that I generally wear hats out and about as I have enough wispy hair that makes me feel more confident. However I do pop on a wig if I am on a work call or going out in the evenings. Thanks!
What to take to chemo and tips
Hey all you lovely people. I start chemo next friday. I am having ac and t. Then taxol and herceptin. I am looking for tips from everyone. What should I buy to make my life easier eg eye drops etc. And what do I take to chemo. Do i need to take a blanket? Just looking for some advice pl3ase and thank you. I read a thread and it freaked me out the amount of stuff i need just to make life normal. Like after chemo you should get a squirt bottle to spray yourself after you pee. Apparently ac and t burns. Your nose drips constantly. Your head is sensitive after your hair falls out etc. Thoughts please and thank you.