At a Glance:
Diagnosis: Stage 1 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, HER2 Positive
Drug regimen: 12 weekly rounds of Taxol, followed by a year of Herceptin
Results: 100% hair retention Laura claims.
Laura says: “I was able to keep my femininity intact and maintain my professional appearance through treatment—no one would have known I was a cancer patient.”
Facing her own cancer diagnosis while caring for family, Laura retained her strength – and her hair – with Penguin Cold Caps, balancing treatment and life’s challenges with resilience and unwavering support.
Laura and Jeff, post chemo
Laura has faced immense challenges over recent years. She lost her father after heart surgery, her brother to liver cancer, and later, as she began her own cancer treatment, her daughter Katie lost her father unexpectedly.
Throughout it all, Laura managed to care for her 89-year-old mother and keep up with a demanding career, while her fiancé, Jeff – himself awaiting a kidney transplant – became her unwavering partner in cold capping, assisting with every session.
Amid these trials, Laura and Katie grew closer, finding strength in each other. “Katie attended some of my chemo sessions, and being there for each other brought us closer during a very dark time,” Laura shared.
Her story is one of resilience, illustrating how determination, positivity, and Penguin Cold Caps helped her retain her hair – and her sense of self – throughout her treatment.
Laura’s diagnosis and treatment
When Laura was diagnosed with Stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma, she learned her cancer was also triple positive – meaning it tested positive for estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors. This status often requires a comprehensive treatment approach to target each receptor type.
Laura’s treatment plan included a mastectomy, followed by 12 weekly rounds of Taxol chemotherapy, a year-long course of Herceptin, and potentially ongoing hormone therapy to manage her estrogen and progesterone receptor status.
Despite her diagnosis and the intense, multi-phase treatment plan, Laura’s primary concern was how she could care for her family while undergoing treatment. “My biggest worry was how I was going to tell my daughter, continue taking care of my 89-year-old mother, and manage my job,” she said.
Thankfully, her company granted her a four-month sabbatical, allowing her to focus on her recovery and family.
During treatment
Why was it important for you to save your hair?
For Laura, keeping her hair was essential to maintaining both her privacy and sense of normalcy. “I didn’t want to be labeled as a cancer patient or have people feel sorry for me,” she explains.
As a senior insurance claims specialist, Laura meets regularly with clients, attorneys, and agents, and keeping her usual appearance was important for her confidence and professionalism. “Keeping my long, sleek ponytail allowed me to do that while also preserving my femininity.”
Discovering Penguin Cold Caps
Laura first heard about cold capping from an unexpected source – her manager’s Peloton instructor, who had recently used Penguin Cold Caps during their own chemotherapy. “I researched all the options, but Penguin Cold Caps stood out based on the success stories,” Laura notes. “I felt confident choosing Penguin.”
Ringing the bell
Laura’s cold capping experience
After deciding to go ahead with cold capping, Laura was impressed by the efficiency of Penguin Cold Caps’ ordering process. She placed her order at the last minute, and Penguin’s team overnighted the caps to her, so they arrived on time for her first treatment.
She used the caps with the help of her fiancé, Jeff, who was essential in making each session successful. Laura says that his support and preparation made the whole capping process a lot easier.
Laura shared, “The process is demanding, but Jeff and I followed the instructions closely. I made sure I stayed comfortable by layering up – thermal underwear, wool socks, and an electronic poncho kept me warm.”
Cold tolerance, often a worry for patients, wasn’t an issue for Laura. “I used to be a skier, so I’m pretty tough when it comes to cold. With the right clothing and preparation, the cold was manageable.”
Laura after chemo
What were your results?
A 100% success. Despite her chemotherapy regimen, Laura retained all her hair, which she credits to her careful preparation and Penguin Cold Caps.
She was thrilled with the outcome, noting that “my hair is healthier now than it was before treatment.”
Do you have any tips for others considering cold capping?
Laura has practical advice for others considering cold capping:
– Be prepared: Read the instructions thoroughly and have your helper on hand.
– Wear lots of warm clothing: Thermal layers and warm socks are essential.
– Protect your forehead and ears: Use moleskin and makeup pads for comfort.
– Use a sulfate-free shampoo: Cold water and a wide-tooth comb will help protect your hair.
In summary
Laura is a testament to the success of cold capping even with intense chemotherapy, providing hope to patients concerned about hair loss.
Her story exemplifies how Penguin Cold Caps can help patients maintain their appearance, privacy, and confidence during treatment. With the support of her fiancé and Penguin’s well-designed cold capping system, Laura achieved 100% hair retention in her opinion, allowing her to focus on her family and professional life without the visible impact of cancer treatment.
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.