What to expect using cold caps?

alottahair
alottahair Member Posts: 4
edited June 2014 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment

Hi,

I have 4 treatments of Taxotere & Cytoxin three weeks apart.  I had my first treatment 19 days ago and my next treatment this Thursday, 9/15.  I used the cold caps on the first treatment and have been washing my hair about every 6 days (DermOrganic shampoo and conditioner which has Argon oil in it, paraben free, etc. which was a suggestion from one of Frank's former cc user).  I have thick, curly hair.  I washed my hair this morning and when I combed the conditioner carefully through, I had a large amount of hair in my comb.  About 2x what would be normal for me.  Is this normal using the cc?  I don't have any bald spots on my head, however, I really don't know what to expect, or if this is normal.  A few more questions:

Did anyone use supplements like silica during their treatments?  

Is there anything I can do in between treatments to keep my hair follicles strong? 

Also, how long after treatment can I go back to blow-drying my hair?    

I am 46 and my natural hair color is now a mixture of brown, red and grey.  I was getting my hair dyed blonde.  How soon after treatment can I go back to using regular hair dye?  My hair dresser said that vegetable dyes won't make me blonde and that after chemo, hair color she's used on me in the past may turn to unexpected colors.  I can't be the only blonde living in southern California who has gone through chemo.  How and when can I get back to my normal hair?  -- Thanks, Carolyn

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Lmflynn
    Lmflynn Member Posts: 373
    edited September 2011

    Carolyn, I used the PCCs. There is a great thread "Cold Cap Users, Past and Present to Save Hair". There are always a few women in similar stage of chemo as well as veteran Cold Cap users to discuss and help with the process. I had my last TC January 13th....my hair has been great since about the 4th of July.



    You will shed during the process, I started on Day 25... So after my second Tx...and these were my Heavy days... 25-32... And you'll find that each person is a little different. Day 18 is within the norm....your hair will thin, but pretty confident that with TC you will keep more than enough..and no one will notice but you. It's a process and you'll do great!....please join the thread...wonderful supportive ladies on the site!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mdg
    mdg Member Posts: 3,571
    edited September 2011

    I also used them. I had heavy shedding but never any bald spots. I just posted photos on my blog below. I only washed once a week and air dried my hair. I just recently started washing twice a week and I finished chemo the first week of May. PM me if I can help in any way. Good luck and hugs!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • alottahair
    alottahair Member Posts: 4
    edited September 2011

    Thank you for all this information.  I'll join the group.  I was curious by what you mean regarding how our hair has been great 6 months after your last treatment. Does that mean you're blow drying and coloring since then?  Thank you! Carolyn

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • alottahair
    alottahair Member Posts: 4
    edited September 2011

    Thank you. I'll check out your blog!  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories