At a Glance:
Diagnosis: Breast Cancer
Drug regimen: 12 weeks of Taxol/Carboplatin, 4 cycles of Adriamycin and Cytoxan
Results: Retained a significant amount of hair
Haley says: “I believe if you don’t look sick, you won’t be sick.”
With the support of her family, friends, and Penguin Cold Caps, Haley retained enough hair to avoid a wig – making a world of difference in her confidence throughout treatment.
At 36 years old, Haley, a Clinical Trial Project Manager from Indiana, faced a life-changing diagnosis: breast cancer.
Like many patients, her biggest fears were the possibility of dying, the physical toll of chemotherapy, and the emotional impact of losing her hair. She strongly believed that maintaining her appearance would help her feel stronger and more in control of her journey.
Haley’s diagnosis and treatment
Haley underwent an intense chemotherapy regimen consisting of 12 weeks of Taxol and Carboplatin, followed by four cycles of Adriamycin and Cytoxan.
Knowing that hair loss was a common side effect of these drugs, she was determined to take action. “I believe if you don’t look sick, you won’t be sick,” she explains.
Her medical background helped her discover cold capping early on. Having friends in the industry who had successfully cold capped, she knew it was an option worth exploring.
After researching different providers, she chose Penguin Cold Caps because of the strong reviews and excellent customer service.
The cold capping experience
Haley found the ordering process with Penguin Cold Caps was simple and accessible, making it easy to get started quickly. She relied on her family and friends to assist with the capping process. “They watched videos and read the instructions to make sure we were doing everything correctly,” she recalls.
While the cold was challenging, she found ways to manage it. “It became less tolerable over time, but I used blankets, cosy socks, and made sure I dressed up in warm clothing for every session.”
Haley says. She encourages others to stick with it as long as possible, emphasising that the results are well worth the effort.
Haley’s hair care routine during treatment:
Hair care during chemotherapy can make a significant difference in retention. Haley adapted her routine based on the type of chemo she was receiving:
- During Taxol/Carboplatin chemo: She washed her hair once a week using shampoo and water.
- During Adriamycin & Cytoxan chemo: To avoid matting and hair loss, she stopped using water completely and instead used ICU shower caps for cleansing. She continued this routine for 6 – 8 weeks after her last chemo session.
Haley’s tips for cold capping success:
- Stick with it: The results are impressive if you remain committed.
- Have a strong support team: Two helpers make the process easier – one to change caps and another to manage the cooler, monitor temperatures, and set timers.
- Dress warmly: Layer up with warm socks, blankets, and comfortable clothing to help tolerate the cold.
- Follow instructions carefully: Proper cap placement and sticking rigidly to timing make all the difference.
The Results
By staying committed to cold capping and adjusting her hair care routine, Haley was able to retain a significant amount of her hair. While she experienced some shedding around the fifth week, she avoided having to wear a wig.
“I’m very happy with the results,” she shares. “Cold capping allowed me to hold onto a sense of normalcy, and I would absolutely recommend it to others.”
In Summary
Haley’s story highlights the power of cold capping in helping patients maintain their confidence and emotional well-being during chemotherapy.
With the help of her family, friends, and Penguin Cold Caps, she was able to keep her sense of self intact throughout treatment – proving that cold capping is an invaluable option for those who want to preserve their hair and feel like themselves, even in the face of cancer.
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.