Cold Cap Therapy Halts Hair Loss During Chemo?

[KDR]

http://www.aolhealth.com/condition-c..._lnk1%7C180663

Anyone tried this, know about it, or otherwise?

[flynny]

I saw this on GMA this morning and I agreed with Robin Roberts statement. I feel like if I didn't have my hair fall out then I'm not sure if it was really working. Just not sure if it is entirely safe and what about later on? That's just my opinion.

[Cal-Gal]

Thanks for this---just finished watching--then read Sarah's post--I have to say that what Robin Roberts said ran through my mind as I was watching this---

It is quite interesting----I don't know what to think about it--except that it is great if it doesnt interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment---

[Lori R]

Karen,
Unfortunately, I heard about the cold cap after completing my first complete cycle of chemo. When I was about to enter my 2nd round I asked my Onc (who only goes for the tried and tested)about the cap. Since I had mets, she indicated that it left me at risk and discouraged it. I was very disappointed.

I even e-mailed the maker of the cap who was very anxious to have someone in the US help facilitate some trials. I applaud the women that started the Rapunzel foundation to determine if this method enables women to keep their hair while not increasing their risk of recurrance.

But....it would appear that per the article I fall into the category of having a blood borne cancer. (right??? because the tumor cells are now circulating in my blood???)

It would be great if you could use this and keep your hair!!!!

[Ellie F]

Hi
I didn't use a cold cap first time round on AC and lost it all. A year later I had taxotere with herceptin for 5 sessions and used the cold cap from the start. The result was I lost about 60% of my hair so did not feel able to not wear a wig.On the positive side when my hair regrew it was as thick as before any chemo so i wonder if in some ways it protected the follicles as I lost most of my eyebrows and eyelashes and these seem to be permanently gone!!
Hope this helps
Ellie

[ammebarb]

I used a cold cap twenty seven years ago during my year of chemo. It gave me hope, but didn't do a whole lot more than that. I did Cytoxan, Methotrexate, 5FU, and Vincristine on a three week cycle for a full year. Started with what was probably a forerunner of dose dense, with an infusion once a week for a month. After just a couple of treatments, the hair went. It grew back thick and shiny, and because I wore it short, it didn't take long after chemo before I could go wigless. It lengthened the time I had to spend at the treatment center, because they put it on a half hour before infusion, so as to give follicles time to cool....I had two elementary school age children and was working full time as a kinder teacher, so I didn't want to spend the extra time for what didn't seem to be working, so I gave up on it after a short trial.

[das]

Hi - I am using the elasto-gel caps for TCH. The first tx went longer than expected so I wasn't able to keep my head as cold as it should have been. I have continued using them though and my hair has fallen out but evenly, not big clumps AND I have noticed that where the cap fits snugly against the head there is less hair loss. I would suggest the penguin cold caps at this point since the elasto-gel caps have some air gaps especially on top. Good luck. I am also cooling my fingers and toes in an effort to protect my nails. I use insulated lunch sacks from Target and frozen peas for this.

[Jackie07]

Our skin has plenty of hair follicles to grow new hairs after chemo. I personally don't think it's necessary as all my nails and hairs have grown back after the treatment. I worked through my treatment wearing a wig. I have very oily scalp and a small silk hankerchief helped soften the 'impact' of the wig and kept me 'cool'.