Hair loss and chemotherapy

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Question:

Is anyone familiar with any of the methods used to prevent hair loss during chemotherapy? In particular, I am looking for information on the "cold cap process" which I believe is used in Europe and possibly on a smaller scale in the US. I have read that Olivia Newton John used some form of this process to retain her hair during chemotherapy. Does anyone have any information on this matter. Thank you. –Sasha Jevtic

Response:

Since the patient is presumably taking the chemo to save his life, why in the world would they do ANYTHING that might lessen the effects of it? Temporary loss of hair is a nit when compared to the alternative. Accept it like thousands of us have and get on with life.

Response:

Varients of the cold cap have been around for the last twenty years. The theory is that by cooling the scalp one reduces blood flow to the scalp, reduces chemotherapy to the scalp, and thus reduces hair loss. My experience is that these techniques are not very good — most patients still have hair loss. Before you spend money on a device, try wrapping ice cubes in a towel.

Response:

Sasha, I had chemo and radiation as treatment for Hodgkin’s Disease and only suffered minor hair loss. The amount of hair loss depends on the individual and the chemo regime given. About the cold cap… A "cold cap" can be placed on the head while receiving chemo to reduce hair loss. The coldness reduces the blood flow to the scalp and thus also reduces the amount of chemo flowing to the scalp. This is good for your hair but bad if there are cancer cells in that area. My recommendation is to go with a baseball cap or some sort of hair piece. Focus on curing the cancer… your hair will grow back! Best of luck, Joe

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is anyone familiar with any of the methods used to prevent hair loss during chemotherapy? In particular, I am looking for information on the "cold cap process" which I believe is used in Europe and possibly on a smaller scale in the US. I have read that Olivia Newton John used some form of this process to retain her hair during chemotherapy. Does anyone have any information on this matter. Since the patient is presumably taking the chemo to save his life, why in the world would they do ANYTHING that might lessen the effects of it? Temporary loss of hair is a nit when compared to the alternative. Accept it like thousands of us have and get on with life.

Who died and put you in charge of the "quality of life" department? Depends on the tumor, but scalp metatases are usually rare, so why not? JN

Response:

My 9 1/2 year old son died of rhabdomyosarcoma in Jan 96. I’m sorry….but why would one WORRY about losing ones hair if there is a chance of a cure? Don’t worry about hair…I think that the main purpose is to be healed. My opinion….

Response:

Is anyone familiar with any of the methods used to prevent hair loss during chemotherapy?

My wife had Non Hodgkins Lymphoma, diagnosed a little over a year ago. She is only 40 years old, and we have 7 children. So the situation was tough. An alternative leaning Dr. told us that there was no way to avoid most of the chemo side effects, and this man is an older experienced physician. My wife underwent the chemo, and lost all of her hair shortly into the program. As a matter of fact, she even shaved off the sparse remnants. It was a truly devastating emotional moment for her. You know what? She survived! And her prognosis is very decent. The hair loss is a fading memory, but my wifes life was saved. Until something better comes along, chemo and its side effects seem to be the only options.

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