At a Glance:
Diagnosis: Triple positive invasive ductal carcinoma
Drug regimen: Adriamycin, Cyclophosphamide (AC), and Paclitaxel (Taxol)
Results: Retained 90% of her hair
Valeria says: “Looking in the mirror and being able to focus on my growing baby bump rather than my hair loss allowed me to feel strong and confident and face cancer head-on with hope and resolve.”
Valeria is a strategic communications professional living in Virginia Beach, with her husband, daughter, and golden retriever. Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, she has been running her own public relations business since 2019.
Valeria’s diagnosis and treatment
Valeria’s world changed in May 2023 when she was diagnosed with triple positive invasive ductal carcinoma, a type of breast cancer. To complicate matters further, she was nearly 10 weeks pregnant with her daughter at the time.
“I was terrified. My biggest fears were having to terminate my pregnancy, dying, and losing my hair,” Valeria says, reflecting on those initial weeks after diagnosis.
Her treatment involved four rounds of Adriamycin and Cyclophosphamide (AC), spaced three weeks apart, followed by 12 weekly rounds of Paclitaxel (Taxol) also known as AC-T.
Due to her pregnancy, Valeria’s doctors carefully planned a regimen that was both safe for her baby and effective against the cancer.
As her body faced the challenge of fighting cancer, Valeria was determined to preserve a sense of “normalcy” for herself during this life-changing experience.
Why was it important for you to save your hair?
“I wanted to maintain both ‘normalcy’ and privacy. Being pregnant, my body was already going through so many changes. I didn’t want to be seen as a ‘cancer patient.’ I didn’t want everybody to know my story just by looking at me,” she explains.
For Valeria, keeping her hair was not just about her appearance. It was a way to stay connected to her pre-cancer life and avoid the visibility of her diagnosis.
How did you find out about cold capping?
Like many others, Valeria turned to the internet after her diagnosis. “I Googled ‘can hair be saved during chemo’ and found a wealth of resources. I knew immediately that cold capping was something I wanted to try.”
Why did you choose Penguin Cold Caps?
“The reviews and success stories were so convincing. Penguin had the best track record for people going through AC, so I knew it was the best choice for me.”
What was your experience using Penguin Cold Caps?
Valeria’s husband played a key role in her capping journey, supporting her through all 16 rounds of chemo. Before they began, they hired a professional capper to show him how to cool and fit the caps properly to ensure the very best results.
“That gave us both a lot of confidence and took away some of the anxiety ahead of our first treatment,” Valeria recalls.
The process itself was straightforward, thanks to Penguin’s clear instructions. “They walked us through how to pack the cooler, how to stack the caps, and the exact timing schedule. It was an invaluable cheat sheet for us.”
While cold capping can be uncomfortable, Valeria found it bearable. “The first few minutes were intense, but once the cold settled, it was okay. I just focused on warm thoughts and reminded myself why I was doing this.” She also used a heated blanket and layered up to stay warm on chemo days.
What were your results?
Despite the intensity of her chemo regimen, Valeria was thrilled to retain around 90% of her hair. “I had long, thick hair, and the only hair I lost was behind my ears and the back of my neck, where it was harder for the caps to reach.”
She washed her hair carefully once a week with lukewarm water and air-dried it to minimize shedding. “I had ongoing thinning, but no visible hair loss. Every time I saw a strand fall, I reminded myself that there were many more still on my head!”
Valeria credits Penguin, her husband, and her determination for helping her through this difficult time. “I am beyond delighted with the results. It allowed me to focus on my growing baby bump rather than my hair loss and face cancer with hope and resolve.”
Now one year in remission, Valeria is enjoying life with her healthy ten-month-old daughter.
Do you have any tips for others considering cold capping?
Valeria’s tips are simple: “Be gentle with your hair, follow the capping process to the letter, and focus on why you’re doing this. The cold is worth it.”
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.