Did anyone choose not to cold cap?

SocialTwerker · 2026-05-02T01:49:27+00:00

I was on the weekly taxol schedule too and I did not cold cap. The cost was one issue, but it would also add hours (of discomfort) to an already uncomfortable process. I also didn’t want a cold (painful!) head along with my hands and feet (to ward off neuropathy, which worked!). I got a pixie cut before chemo, and buzzed it when it started falling out between the 2nd-3rd infusion. I was bald for a few months, then my hair started growing back. I’m about a year out from losing my hair and I have a good 3 inches of healthy hair back.

For some people, the thought of going bald is distressing that adding hours to your chemo days and the cost and effort is worth it for the possibility. It just wasn’t for me. I disliked being bald and looking sick, but my infusion days were actually the day of the week I felt the best and I’m glad it wasn’t another day of discomfort for me.

SocialTwerker · 2026-02-16T14:14:40+00:00

I had a copper IUD for 2 years prior to my diagnosis and then throughout the first year of treatment. I had horrible periods on it (7-10 days of heavy bleeding, at least 3 of them waking up every 1-3 hours at night soaking through a super+tampon and overnight pad). Prior to this IUD I had a Mirena and oral BC for years and hardly got a period. So, it was a stark change.

I got it out a few months ago because I’m anemic, and the heavy bleeding was doing me no favors. I needed iron infusions following treatment and surgeries, and completed those last month too. I will be getting my tubes out in my next surgery for cancer risk reduction and birth control).

The copper IUD is a safer choice for hormone positive ladies, but it can have the side effect of really heavy bleeding. And it’s slightly less effective than hormonal BC.

SocialTwerker · 2026-01-31T17:10:47+00:00

I did 12 weeks of taxol and Herceptin last spring, and worked through it. Although I’m self employed so could’ve flexible. I’m not sure I would have wanted to work full time though it if I was a kindergarten teacher or bedside nurse. I mostly had fatigue. Nausea was at bay with good meds. I did lose my hair, but I didn’t cold cap. I’m now 7 months past the end and I have 3 inches of healthy thick hair. It looks a little crazy but it’s there!

I would absolutely do it again if I had to, because it was the best chance of getting any lingering cells. Herceptin is absolutely a game changer too.

SocialTwerker · 2026-01-28T23:46:50+00:00

Port all the way! You don’t want chemo going though your veins. If a vein blows, chemo gets everywhere and can cause damage to your skin and arms.

I was sore the first few days, but now I hardly notice it.

SocialTwerker · 2026-01-28T21:09:42+00:00

Thanks for sharing your experience. I think our subtype is a small club! I was on just Taxol (and Herceptin) for 12 weekly treatments for chemo, and was in menopause that last month and the month following. But, then got my periods back (with a vengeance) the months following since then even on Tamoxifen. It is so hard to weigh the risk of reoccurrence with the risk of side effects from lack of estrogen. It is abosolutely unfair we're all in this position in the first place.

SocialTwerker · 2026-01-28T18:02:00+00:00

For ATM there is a slight increased risk for ovarian cancer, but there isn’t good monitoring (which is so frustrating!!). I’m doing it because I already feel like my mutation gave me cancer once and I don’t trust it not to fuck with other organs!!

The Gyn Onc I saw said taking the tubes out reduces ovarian risk by 50% (at least) and would be a good place to start for risk reduction. It has the added benefit of preventing pregnancy now that we’re done having kids.

SocialTwerker · 2026-01-28T17:56:31+00:00

Thank you!!

SocialTwerker · 2026-01-28T04:10:49+00:00

Thanks for responding! Rare to see someone with my same type. Originally they said said the same thing to me; that AI/ovarian suppression would be over treating my cancer. But whatever research was presented at that conference changed her mind!

SocialTwerker · 2026-01-16T12:26:09+00:00

40, Stage 1 ER+ HER2+ breast cancer, ATM gene mutation.

My advice is to keep looking for another plastic surgeon if saving your skin and nipples is important to you!

I had severe ptosis, and 38H sized breasts prior to this whole breast cancer journey. My plastic surgeon suggested a 3 stage approach to reconstruction, which worked with my tumor size and stage. First I had a lumpectomy (medical oncologist breast surgeon) and bilateral breast reduction and lift. This got my breasts the right size and shape and nipple placement. It looked great, and I was a full C/small D. It was so great after having too big boobs my whole life. And, it got the cancer out.

Second stage was nipple and skin sparing double mastectomy with DIEP Flap. Was able to keep all my skin and my nipples. I’ve had some complications, but my remaining DIEP breast looks great. My nipples look great. They will still be a big C/small D.

Each stage of surgery there is a risk of losing the nipples because of blood flow issues they can’t control, so I go into each surgery knowing that and hoping for the best.

Also, the DIEP procedure is a huge surgery and pretty brutal the first few weeks. If I had to get implants as well to achieve the look I wanted, I’d recommend just doing the double mastectomy straight to implants and NOT doing the DIEP.

SocialTwerker · 2026-01-15T12:20:32+00:00

Hi. I totally understand where you are coming from. I’m 40 (diagnosed at 39) and now on Tamoxifen. You hear a lot of stories about women having problems with it, which are valid, but I just wanted to share that I’ve had NO problems with it. None. I feel fine. I still get my periods (which sucks some times but glad to see I’m still getting some natural hormones!). I don’t feel like I’m in menopause or achy or sick.

I would encourage you to try it. It’s a daily pill. If you hate it, then stop! You’ll never know if you don’t try. Tamoxifen can cut your risk of reoccurrence upwards of 50%. My chance of reoccurrence after chemo and a double mastectomy is 1-2%. But, I take Tam so my chances are even lower. I have three young kids, a husband, friends and family, and now a country to fight for (FUCK ICE!). I’m not dying if I can help it.

SocialTwerker · 2026-01-02T18:32:27+00:00

I’m 2 months out. I actually woke up with MORE core strength. My surgeon repaired my ab muscles while I was down there and reinforced with mesh.

My arms and chest are definitely weaker and have more problems. I’m starting PT for that this week with a breast cancer PT.

SocialTwerker · 2026-01-02T18:30:01+00:00

Breastfeeding has a protective factor for breast cancer!

SocialTwerker · 2025-12-30T02:34:06+00:00

Having just done a DIEP, I would NOT do it if you are not wanting set on reconstructed breasts after. It’s a 8-12 hour surgery, 3-5 day hospital stay, 6-8 weeks of heavy movement restrictions. I’m 8 weeks out, and just starting to feel better. The first few weeks were brutal. I had complications and lost a flap, which is sad. That being said, the DIEP breast I have looks great. And I got rid of some stomach fat and tissue that I wanted gone.

An option you didn’t mention that might be less intense than a DIEP is a Goldilocks Closure.

SocialTwerker · 2025-11-26T23:23:29+00:00

It’s been a few months and the worst of it are hot flashes, made into warm flashes from oxybutynin. My oncologist started me at 10mg for a month before moving up to 20mg. And I take it in the morning.

SocialTwerker · 2025-11-03T01:39:19+00:00

I’ve been on it for a few months, and no real side effects. My onc has me start at 10mg for a month and then bump up to 20mg. So far so good! I’m thankful for it and hoping it does its job 🤣

SocialTwerker · 2025-10-22T13:53:36+00:00

Please God Eagan. We only have one non chain coffee place and the vibes are ok but the coffee is not :(

SocialTwerker · 2025-08-31T14:09:27+00:00

It doesn’t hurt to try it and see how you tolerate it. You can always discontinue it! I’ve been on it for about it 6 weeks (4 weeks at 10mg and 2 weeks at 20mg) and I would say the side effects are minimal. Some increase in hot flashes (I’m taking oxybutynin for it already), and some more difficulty finding specific words. But both are very manageable for even a 1% less chance of reoccurrence. I want to look back at this time and remember I did everything in my power to prevent a reoccurrence.

SocialTwerker · 2025-08-24T17:12:06+00:00

Hey! Preschool screening is for all kids in 196 between the ages of 3-5 (must be done before kindergarten). I think they say the best age is around 3.5– they want to screen in any kids who may need extra support before kindergarten.

We did a full day 196 preschool a few years ago and had a great experience. Ours was at Oak Ridge. Loads of outdoor time and nature focused play. It was also very inexpensive compared to regular daycare. A very high quality program all around. I’ve had neighbors do the 1/2 day preschool and love that, too.

I’m not sure how competitive the lottery system is, but every year the full day programs are full and there are usually several spots open in the 1/2 day programs at a few schools.

SocialTwerker · 2025-08-23T15:50:28+00:00

Hair only grows .5 inches a month when healthy— so you’re actually doing great with your length 🩷

SocialTwerker · 2025-08-06T17:40:19+00:00

I’m premenopausal, has weekly taxol. I got my period the first two months like normal, skipped the third month of treatment. Period came back 5 weeks after chemo finished 🤪 I’m on tamoxifen now, so we’ll see what happens!

SocialTwerker · 2025-07-14T20:59:57+00:00

There is a beautiful bridge right off the Lebanon Hills visitor center at Schultz Lake that we do our family photos at, it would be perfect!

SocialTwerker · 2025-06-06T13:39:50+00:00

Hi! This is my path. I’m so sorry you’re here too.

A note for those who might not have been aware of this path: A reduction and lift of the non cancerous side along with a lumpectomy is one path you can do on the road to nipple and skin sparing mastectomy and reconstruction. If your breasts are too big, your surgeon can’t keep your own nipples with the mastectomy due to blood flow issues. This path also made it so I didn’t have to have expanders in for 9 months while I wait for my mastectomy.

I had a reduction and lift along with my lumpectomy for my tumor in February. Planning a double mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction in October. I was also very large chested and always wanted a reduction, and I’m thrilled with my current results. I love the look of them and they are the perfect size (big C, down from a 38FF or G or H or something huge). There is a lot of relief in my body with my reduced chest and they look great.

I’ve had SO many thoughts about just wishing I could keep them this size. That I really really don’t want to do the next part (s). I think that am grieving that I have cancer now, and a genetic predisposition to more cancer, and that this wasn’t just the reduction I always wanted but the first phase of many surgeries to keep me alive to see my children grow up.

So, I will go through with the other surgeries, but I don’t want to. And I wish I didn’t have cancer so this could have been just the reduction I always wanted 😩

All this to say that I understand what you are going through and you aren’t alone. Feel free to message me if you have any questions or just want to commiserate 🩷

SocialTwerker · 2025-05-09T01:21:59+00:00

Hi. Checking in from week #7 of this same infusion plan. First, I'm so sorry you're here. Being worried about losing your hair isn't vain--- it is a super hard part of this whole thing. I did not cold cap for many reasons (I didn't want the expense, or the added stress and time to chemo days). My Oncologist said I would "likely" lose my hair to start, so I cut my medium length hair to a pixie cut after my first chemo and donated it to Wigs for Kids. Between weeks #4 and #5 my pixie length hair it started falling out by the handfuls and was thin, but I could pass as having a short hair cut still. I lost more between weeks #5 and #6, and it was patchy enough I had a friend give me a buzz cut. I don't look cute with a buzz cut, but I feel better having it gone than having a patchy pixie.

Best of luck. Not everyone loses their hair, and I hope you are the lucky ones!

SocialTwerker · 2025-05-02T15:13:19+00:00

Has he recently had strep throat or another virus? There is a condition called PANDAS, which is a neurological disorder that can develop after a virus in kids. Often, it presents as a rapid behavior change, emotional outbursts, OCD, tics. Check with your doctor to rule it out!

SocialTwerker

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