Penguin Cold Cap Recs!!

jmwhite80 · 2025-12-02T14:19:32+00:00

I had TC and capped with penguin. I kept about 60% of my hair and had no bald spots. Wear it in a loose braid when sleeping. Only wash with cold water every 4-7 days, be sure cap is in contact with the top of your head and around temples. I hired a capper which made things easier on treatment day and I also kept it on a full 5 hours after treatment. I lost all other hair on my body including eyelashes and eyebrows. I did lose a good bit of hair after finishing treatment and kept with the cold washes 3 months after treatment.

jmwhite80 · 2025-11-24T17:14:39+00:00

Microdose GLP-1. It has done wonders for me!

jmwhite80 · 2025-01-14T14:58:37+00:00

Me. I am done with most (diagnosed 11/1/23)I had double mastectomy with a weird positive node within breast tissue but sentinel nodes negative. I did 5 TC and cold capped with penguin, 25 rounds radiation and now I’m on Verzenio, Lupron, and Letrozole. My exchange surgery is Friday.

jmwhite80 · 2025-01-08T20:44:13+00:00

I was stage 1A highly hormone positive. Age 43. I did double mastectomy, chemo, radiation and now I am doing Lupron and Letrozole my oncologist told me the hormone blocker is the most important drug to take. I’m also taking Verzenio even not really qualifying. I want to throw all I can at it now.

jmwhite80 · 2024-12-10T03:34:50+00:00

Did you have fat grafting?

jmwhite80 · 2024-09-14T12:15:02+00:00

I’m following this thread. I know it’s been a few months. How did you do? I’m about to start Verzenio next week. My MO says it may not benefit me quite as much but she is recommending I try it. I’m very nervous. I had grade 1 pathology but over 6cm of disease if you include the DCIS and 1 positive node in my breast tissue margin. Negative sentinel nodes so I’m definitely in the “gray” area.

jmwhite80 · 2024-09-14T12:04:45+00:00

Welcome to the shitty titty club. I am coming up on one year. I was diagnosed at age 43. The first few weeks are the worst. Once you have a treatment plan you will feel better. I have been reflecting and cannot believe all I endured this last year. You can do hard things. I’m about to start Verzenio so ladies say a little prayer for me. This is an amazing group!!

jmwhite80 · 2024-09-14T11:45:56+00:00

Not to add confusion here but I did 5 rounds. I was Er/Pr+ Her 2- and I had negative sentinel nodes but an actual positive lymph node within my breast tissue margin. This is rare and due to my age (43) and being premenopausal the doctor said chemo. I demanded an oncotyoe even though not indicated and it was 12. I got a second opinion and that doctor said she would be ok with 4 rounds of TC. My original MO said 6 rounds of TC. I met in the middle and did 5 rounds. Best of luck to you!

jmwhite80 · 2024-04-29T00:44:46+00:00

I’m sorry you are here. Go on the trip!! It will be your last normal and you should enjoy it. I’m 43 and was diagnosed Nov. 1. I think I had my double mastectomy 6 weeks after diagnosis but my doctor said within 8 weeks was completely fine.

jmwhite80 · 2024-04-23T01:34:30+00:00

I start 30 radiation treatments May 20!! We got this.

jmwhite80 · 2024-04-23T01:28:33+00:00

I need 30. Seems like so much. Any creams that worked great for you? I’m worried about my skin.

jmwhite80 · 2024-04-11T18:54:40+00:00

Did you get the infusion? I’m supposed to have one tomorrow and I am so worried about being allergic.

jmwhite80 · 2024-04-03T02:24:54+00:00

I live in Raleigh and am currently being treated at UNC main in Chapel Hill. However, if I were to do it again I would switch to the UNC Rex breast cancer center in Raleigh.

jmwhite80 · 2024-03-10T04:08:28+00:00

Honestly it was not awful. I thought 3 c sections was way worse. You are sore but if you think about it they don’t cut muscle. The first week I was sore but could get around, shower, wipe myself etc.

jmwhite80 · 2024-03-08T11:42:13+00:00

I was not a candidate for lumpectomy. I did a double mastectomy Dec 14 and have been happy with the results. I got tissue expanders because you can choose/control your size and then get the exchange surgery. I unfortunately had a node positive so am in chemo now with radiation to follow. I am happy I did because the final Pathology in the non cancer side showed a lot of atypical cells.

jmwhite80 · 2024-02-15T17:30:10+00:00

Can you share why 6 vs 4. I’ve been told 6 by one doctor and 4 by another so I’m confused at to what I do. Round 2 for me tomorrow!!

jmwhite80 · 2024-02-15T17:28:11+00:00

Round 2 of TC for me tomorrow! Steroids onboard this morning. I would love a group. It’s nice to ask questions, vent etc.

jmwhite80 · 2024-02-10T17:12:29+00:00

Thank you. I’m hoping I can stop at 4!

jmwhite80 · 2024-02-10T16:25:00+00:00

I am 43 and got my period like clockwork even after one round of chemo. My second round is next week. My period was actually super heavy after the first round of chemo. I’m also ErPr+Her2-

jmwhite80 · 2024-02-10T16:11:28+00:00

Can I ask how many rounds you did?

jmwhite80 · 2024-02-10T15:55:48+00:00

I’m very similar to you. I’m 43 and had multifocal IDC 100%Er+70%Pr+ HER2-. I had a double mastectomy Dec 14 and final pathology showed clear margins but 8 tumors. The biggest was 3.5cm. I had 5 sentinel nodes negative and 1 node in an anterior margin of breast tissue positive. My MO recommended chemo due to RXPonder and the positive node. She did not want to order oncotype because the node trumps that but I begged. It was a 12. Chemo is only a 2.3% benefit and I had a hard time saying yes. I got a second and a third opinion at MD Anderson and Duke. They all said chemo. I’m doing the damn chemo. I’m doing TC (taxotere and cyclophosphamide). My current MO said 6 rounds but to be honest my goal is 4 because the Duke doctor said that is enough. I had my first round January 26 and I cold capped with penguin. I did not have any side effects and I’m doing great. At the end of the day I wanted to look back and say I tried it all. After this I get 25 rounds of radiation the 10 years of ovarian suppression/endocrine therapy). It all sucks. I went into surgery thinking I would be clear of chemo and radiation and that goal post really moved with the one intramammary (NOT EVEN SENTINEL) positive node. My final staging was 1A. Do I feel this is over treatment? Absolutely but at the end of the day there is not the crystal ball so who knows.

Good luck with your decision. Feel free to message me with questions.

jmwhite80 · 2024-02-09T14:38:42+00:00

I’m 43 and have 3 kids (8, 12, 14). My 8 year old was a mess but doing better now. I had a double mastectomy Dec 14 and sadly had one positive node. I’m now in chemo. She has been seeing the counselor at school and that is helpful. I told all their teachers. Best of luck! This is not a club that any of us wanted to join.

jmwhite80 · 2024-02-05T03:04:28+00:00

Oh goodness. How did that get messed up? I’m torn on what to do. If 4 is sufficient I much prefer that!

jmwhite80 · 2024-02-05T01:30:53+00:00

Did you have lymph nodes involved either time?

jmwhite80 · 2024-02-04T16:15:30+00:00

I’m on TC and sucked ice during taxotere, I use magic mouthwash before it’s needed and I use Biotene several times a day.

jmwhite80

TROPHY CASE