At a Glance:
Diagnosis: Stage 3C Ovarian Cancer
Drug regimen: Taxol, Carboplatin, Oxaliplatin
Results: Significant hair regrowth during chemotherapy
Anne says: “I was able to return to normal far quicker after completing chemo than if I hadn’t cold capped.”
Anne is a 68-year-old retiree who volunteers part-time with a local non-profit organisation in her hometown of Troy, Michigan
Anne’s diagnosis and treatment
When Anne was first diagnosed with Stage 3C ovarian cancer, her initial concerns were about the extent of the cancer’s spread and her chances of survival post-treatment. Alongside these fears, Anne was deeply worried about losing her hair and the possibility that it might never grow back.
Anne’s treatment began with three chemotherapy infusions, where she received Taxol and Carboplatin for the first two sessions and Oxaliplatin for the third. She then underwent a hysterectomy and appendectomy, before six additional chemotherapy infusions of Taxol and Carboplatin.
How did you find out about cold capping?
“I was told about cold capping by one of my best friends – someone in her family had used them during their treatment,” explains Anne. “I searched online for cold caps and was impressed with the information I found about Penguin Cold Caps.
I booked a call and spoke to Geralyn, Penguin’s representative in my area. She explained how it worked and gave me a realistic assessment of what to expect because by this time I had already received my first chemotherapy infusion.”
What was capping like?
Once Anne decided to go ahead, she found the ordering process simple and problem-free. She employed the services of a professional capper, recommended by Geralyn, who did a great job. “We enjoyed chatting during my infusions when I wasn’t nodding off. She even taught my husband how to fit the caps, and he helped me with them a few times.”
Anne goes on to explain, “The caps take a bit of getting used to, but after a while, the cold becomes more manageable. I wrapped myself up in a fleece blanket to keep warm.”
What were your results?
The time between diagnosis and first chemo treatment is often very quick, and as a result some people, like Anne, only start capping after they’ve started chemo. Unfortunately, if you’ve already started chemo, you’re still likely to lose your hair because the follicles have already been exposed to the chemo drugs. However, if you start capping as soon as possible, any further damage will stop, and your hair will start to regrow while you’re still capping.
Anne was one of these people. She explains, “I began cold capping after my first chemo session, so I knew it was likely I would lose my hair, which I did after my second chemo session. However, my hair began to grow back during my subsequent treatments, all thanks to cold capping. This regrowth continued and allowed me to return to normal far quicker after completing chemotherapy than if I hadn’t capped. And what’s most strange is that my hair used to be fine and straight, it’s now curly, but I’m very happy with the results.”
In summary
Anne’s story highlights the potential benefits of starting cold capping even after beginning chemotherapy. While initial hair loss occurred, her experience with Penguin Cold Caps facilitated hair regrowth during treatment, significantly speeding up her post-chemo recovery.
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.