How did you find out about scalp cooling?
When I met with my oncology team, they told me about the Paxman cooling cap. I was fitted for it.
How did you access your scalp cooling treatment?
I applied for the HairToStay grant because my insurance does not cover the cap. I was able to get a grant for $1440 for the $1800 cost of the cap.
How was your scalp cooling experience as you progressed through chemotherapy?
My scalp cooling experience was amazing! I was able to keep most of my hair throughout the progress. I had to cut my hair in order for the cap to fit on my head but the haircut felt empowering. It was something I could control in a situation I felt I didn't have much control over. During the treatment, it was a process. I had to take a shower and get my hair fully wet before going to a session. I would put the condition on as well. Then I would wear a shower cap to the hospital. I would wet my hair more right before the cap went on. During the sessions, I would get a headache from the tightness and cold but I learned to take a Tylenol before the session which helped tremendously. It was a lot process with the cap given I had to keep it on 90 minutes post infusion. However, I did it. I would leave the cap on until I got home so that it could defrost. I would then co-wash my hair (not using shampoo only conditioner) and style it. I would not do anything to my hair until the next week when I had chemo. This worked well. After chemo was completed, I had a few weeks where the shredding was still more than normal. However, my hair has remained intact the whole time. The cap was a Godsend.
How did you want to best be supported? Who did you find the most supportive to you?
My hair salon was super supportive. They were super supportive when I got my first cut before chemotherapy.
Also, I had a Paxman rep happen to help me during one of my chemo sessions. Jacqueline Olsen.
My nurses were helpful as well. I went to chemotherapy alone most sessions. They would help me re-wet my hair.
What words of encouragement would you offer to anyone contemplating scalp cooling?
I loved my hair so much and the thought of losing it was scary. However, this cap gave me a possible option. So why not try? I tried and it worked! A lot of people doubted it would work because of my hair texture as a Black woman. I actually think that's what worked in my favor. I could go a week without manipulating my hair which is the recommendation. I did have to cut my hair to fit it into the cap. However, I gained a whole new confidence with a new look. I was able to play with my new look which was helpful during such a hard time.
Treatment Images
