At a Glance:
Diagnosis: Triple Negative Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
Drug regimen: 6 rounds of Docetaxel, Carboplatin, and Keytruda (immunotherapy)
Results: 100% success with cold capping
Erica says: “Saving my hair gave me the strength I needed to beat cancer with a great attitude. It gave me a sense of control in a world where I didn’t have any.”
With strength, preparation, and the unwavering support of her family, Erica Tabor achieved 100% success with cold capping- maintaining normalcy for her family and a sense of self.
A journey rooted in resilience
At just 38 years old, Erica, a wife, mother to three young girls, and insurance business owner from Michigan, faced a diagnosis that could have upended her life: Triple Negative Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Despite the challenges, she was determined to preserve a sense of normalcy for her family – and herself.
For Erica, losing her hair was a more devastating prospect than the cancer diagnosis itself. “I sobbed like a small child when my oncologist told me there was nothing I could do about losing my hair,” Erica recalls. “I was afraid of how being bald would affect my daughters.”
Her journey reflects a powerful commitment to staying strong for her family, keeping her hair, and proving the skeptics wrong.
Erica’s treatment plan
Erica’s oncologist prescribed six rounds of chemotherapy every 21 days, a rigorous regimen including:
- Docetaxel (a taxane-based chemotherapy).
- Carboplatin (a platinum-based chemotherapy).
- Keytruda (an immunotherapy drug).
Despite being told that cold capping wouldn’t work for her treatment, Erica refused to give up hope. Her determination led her to Penguin Cold Caps, inspired by her sister’s friend, who had successfully used the caps during her own chemotherapy.
Why hair retention was non-negotiable
For Erica, keeping her hair was about much more than vanity. It represented:
- Normalcy for her daughters: “Keeping my hair was the key to maintaining a sense of stability at home,” she explains.
- A personal anchor: “I love my hair; it’s something I’ve always drawn comfort from. It gave me the strength I needed to beat cancer and maintain a positive attitude throughout my treatment journey.”
Discovering Penguin Cold Caps
After researching her options, Erica chose Penguin for its strong reputation, success stories, and support network.
A call with her local Penguin rep, Angela, confirmed her decision: “Angela was amazing – she helped me every step of the way and made me feel confident in my choice.”
Erica’s cold capping experience
Erica found the Penguin ordering process simple, but mastering the technique required preparation and practice.
Her stepmom, who served as her capper, studied YouTube tutorials and practiced extensively to ensure the first session went smoothly.
“Preparation was key,” Erica notes. “You can’t just watch the video once and expect to succeed. Practice is essential.”
During treatment, Erica followed Penguin’s detailed guidelines and added her own tips to ensure success.
Despite the caps being cold, she managed with heated blankets, Tylenol, and plenty of layers. “The cold was manageable with the right preparation. If I got cold, I’d just add more layers or ask for a warm blanket from my nurse.”
The Results: 100% hair retention
Thanks to Penguin Cold Caps and Erica’s dedication, she retained all of her hair throughout chemotherapy. “I didn’t see any shedding beyond the normal amount. I’m beyond happy with my results. Thank you, Penguin!”
“I recommend Penguin Cold Caps to everyone I talk to. I even tell random strangers on the street about Cold capping and Penguin – just to spread the word!”
Do you have any tips for others considering cold capping?
Erica offers these insights for anyone considering cold capping:
- Cap fit is everything: Ensure the cap is tight and touches every part of your scalp.
- Layer up: Thermal clothing, socks, and heated blankets are essential for staying comfortable.
- Keep the headband cold: Leave it in the cooler until it’s needed to maintain a tight seal around the hairline.
- Follow all instructions: Every detail matters, so don’t skip steps or take shortcuts.
- Use Penguin’s support: Their reps are always available to help with troubleshooting.
A determination to succeeed
Erica’s determination to keep her hair became a source of strength throughout her journey, allowing her to focus on her daughters and her recovery without the visible impact of cancer treatment.
Her story highlights the transformative power of cold capping in helping patients preserve their hair, confidence, and sense of normalcy during chemotherapy.
Her dedication, coupled with Penguin Cold Caps’ proven system, shows that with preparation and persistence, success is possible – even when the odds seem against you.
Get in touch
If you’re about to undergo chemotherapy and want to find out more about cold capping, why not request a call back. Our reps can provide more information, and answer all of your questions. Just click here, complete the form and your local rep will be in touch.