The Paxman Cold Cap

Does It work? What's it like? Is it work the cost?

My sarcastic remark is this - For a couple thousand dollars you can have your head frozen, a maxi pad put on your head, look like you have played football in the 30's and lost and have your Butt crack frozen every time you go to the bathroom. and then look like you stepped out of a snowstorm once the cap come off.

Ok, well to get things started the cold cap adds 90 minutes to the end of the treatment, during this time you receive additional fluids through the iv. I like that I get the additional fluids as sit helps with the dehydration. So, if you are pressed on time you might want to know this upfront.

Usually, I put the cap on after they get the iv in the port. Sometimes we wait till after Keytruda. It is definitely a process. You wet your hair down as much as you can. Then you add a specific conditioner to your hair. Then you place a mini maxi pad on your forehead - this is to keep your forehead from the extreme cold. The gel insert is then placed over your head and then the cover and then everything is tightened.

Once you are in the chair and are ready to get hooked up for your premeds - they will hook the cap up. The gel inset that you put on your head has two tubes that are wrapped that are hooked up to the machine. Once this starts you will feel a cooling sensation and a squeezing sensation. It is not uncomfortable - just different. The cold is what will probably be the most comfortable. If you have ever used the neoprene cold caps for headaches - it is very similar. This is the beginning of the warm-up period so that when you have your chemo your hair follicles are already frozen. Yes, you will wear the cap for the entire period that you are there. Once the cap comes off - yes your hair is frozen. I have had snow in my hair.

Yes, you can be unplugged to go to the bathroom - just be aware that the tail that you have.... the end of that tail is metal and if you don't hold one to it while in the bathroom...it is a chilling experience.

Is it worth it. That is up to the individual. Have I lost my hair - yes, I have lost some but not a lot. Do I know if I would have lost more. I don't know. This is an individual choice and has individual results. Would I do it again. - Probably.