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A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Modesto, CA

I have an appointment tomorrow with my oncologist to go over my treatment plan which I know include chemo first, and the thought of losing my hair just brings me to tears. Using cold caps does sound easy or comfortable so I just want to know if it’s worth a try? I’m just so nervous and afraid of all this stuff.

December 2, 2020
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A MyBCTeam Member

Cold caps worked for my sister. Her hair thinned but she kept it. Takes a lot of determination she had to wear the cold caps during chemo and for hours afterwards. She also had to be careful and not use hot water to wash her hair. She couldn’t wash it for awhile after her chemo treatment and had to be really gentle with it. In addition to the cost of the caps she had to buy dry ice to keep them cold for each chemo treatment.

December 6, 2020
A MyBCTeam Member

My friend used a cold cap for her 1st chemo treatment a couple weeks ago so it’s too early to know how well it will work for her to keep her hair. I think she paid about $1000 for it. Most insurance won’t pay or will only coverage partial cost. A study found that 66% of women kept their hair using a cold cap.
She explained the procedure as such: After wetting your scalp/hair, the cap is worn for 30 minutes before chemo. It is hooked to a machine that delivers a constant flow of icy cold water throughout the chemo infusion. Then it is kept on the head for 30-60 minutes following chemo.
She also used cold mittens and booties that reduce neuropathy, saying the gloves caused such pain that she had to remove them early.
She’s taking a heated blanket with her for her next treatment!

December 5, 2020
A MyBCTeam Member

Rope a few friends in too 🤷‍♀️

December 3, 2020
A MyBCTeam Member

What about shaving your hair off for charity @A MyBCTeam Member? So you have control. Make a day of it with your grand kids. It is so difficult but you will get through it 💕and Melissa is totally right they will remember just how strong their grandma is forever 💕 my boys helped me raise about 10 thousand pound since my diagnosis, cake making, bike ride and me and my husband did sober oct. xx

December 3, 2020
A MyBCTeam Member

I opted not to do the cold cap, insurance often does not cover. While it may prevent you from losing all your hair, you do still lose some. I watched some YT videos of women posting their cold cap experiences, and decided I did not want to get my hopes up, just to throw my hair in the trashcan later. So, I had mine cut and donated. At least then I felt in control, and that some good could come out of it. Hopefully, some of the women here will chime in with their experiences. Just remember, it's temporary, and everything that is wonderful about who you are- will still be there!! Hugs!!

December 2, 2020

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Columbus, OH