At a Glance:
Diagnosis: Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
Drug regimen: Taxotere (TC) and Cytoxan
Results: Retained 80% of her hair
Christie says: “I wanted my children to see me, not my cancer diagnosis. Cold capping helped me look and feel like myself during one of the hardest times of my life.”
Christie Koenig is a 48-year-old mother of four from Peoria, Illinois. She lives with her husband and children, who range in age from 14 to 22, and is passionate about helping others facing chemotherapy.
So much so, she is now working as a Penguin Cold Caps representative, helping cancer patients, just like her.
Last day of treatment
Christie’s diagnosis and treatment
In 2018, Christie was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, a moment that shook her world. “My biggest fear was not seeing my children grow up and being there for them,” she recalls.
Her treatment plan involved four rounds of TC (Taxotere and Cytoxan), and as she prepared for chemotherapy, one thing was clear: she wanted to maintain as much of her normal life as possible, including her appearance.
Why was it important for you to save your hair?
Christie’s desire to save her hair was deeply tied to her family, especially her children. “I wanted to look and feel like myself. I also wanted my children to be able to look at me and see ‘me,’ not the cancer diagnosis.”
For Christie, retaining her hair was about more than just looks. It was about preserving a sense of normalcy during a time when her world felt turned upside down.
How did you find out about cold capping?
During chemo
Christie first heard about cold capping through a friend of a friend from Washington state. “Nobody at my infusion center had ever cold capped before, and I was the first one. I got some funny looks and lots of questions, but I knew it was the right choice for me.”
Why did you choose Penguin Cold Caps?
Christie’s research led her to Penguin Cold Caps. “Every review I read online pointed to Penguin having the best results. I wanted the best chance to keep my hair, and Penguin seemed like the clear choice.”
What was your experience using Penguin Cold Caps?
Although Christie and her husband were nervous at first, they found the Penguin Cold Caps system manageable. “The ordering process was easy, but since no one at my infusion center had ever cold capped, we had to figure things out ourselves,” she explains. Christie relied on the information that came with the caps and a video Penguin provided.
Her husband played a crucial role as her capper throughout the process. With no professional cappers available in her area, Christie’s husband took on the job, and they worked as a team to ensure the caps were snug and the process went smoothly.
For Christie, the first cap was the most challenging because of the cold, but she quickly adjusted. “The first cap was pretty cold, but after that, it was very doable. It didn’t bother me at all.”
During treatment
What were your results?
Christie was thrilled with her results, saving around 80% of her hair. “My hair is thick and curly, which did start shedding a lot after my second treatment. It was all-over shedding, and my hair just got thinner, but I never experienced significant loss.”
Her haircare routine was simple but careful. She stayed hydrated, kept the caps tight, and used a neck pillow for comfort during treatment.
Do you have any tips for others considering cold capping?
Christie emphasizes the importance of preparation: “Make the caps snug. Use a neck pillow. And hydrate, hydrate, hydrate leading up to infusion day and throughout chemotherapy.”
She also highlights the mental and emotional benefits of cold capping: “You don’t need to justify your reasons for wanting to save your hair. Whatever your reasons, they’re valid. It helped me feel like myself, and that made all the difference.”
Joining the Penguin family
As a Penguin Cold Caps representative in Illinois, Christie is passionate about helping others through their cold capping journey. “I joined Penguin to provide clients with the most attentive and supportive experience possible. It’s not just about saving hair — it’s about supporting people through one of the hardest times of their lives.”
Christie encourages those considering cold capping to listen to their hearts. “Cancer changes everything, but your decision to preserve your hair is deeply personal. Don’t feel like you have to justify it to anyone.”
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.