Alison.

Location: Foxborough, Massachusetts
Cancer type: Breast Cancer
Drug type: TC-Taxotere and Cytoxan
Hair type: Thick, Curly

"I am incredibly happy with my results. Being able to retain most of my hair allowed me to feel more normal. Hair loss is a bold reminder that you are sick and going through treatment. I was able to walk around with no one knowing that I was sick."

I live in Foxborough, MA. I am a school counsellor in a middle school. I began my treatment on January 4, 2021, my oncologist told me about using the Paxman system at my initial visit where we went over treatment options. My doctor made the referral and I received a call from Paxman setting up delivery. It was very easy and the representative was informative and helpful.

I was very nervous to start with Paxman.  I thought it would be very uncomfortable and possibly painful.  To my surprise, it was not bad at all.  It felt really cold for the first 10 minutes but after that, I was accustomed to it and it didn’t bother me at all. My oncologist suggested using a panty liner or small piece of gauze on my forehead instead of the headband, which definitely made things easier.

My only really noticeable hair loss was around my ears and my hairline (forehead). For the most part, I am the only one that notices any hair loss. I did not experience any bald spots or intense shedding. I shed the most from days 21-26.  After that, I would say it was slightly above normal shedding. My shedding picked up again 4 weeks after my final treatment.

I didn’t feel as though I needed to wear a headscarf or wig during or after my treatment. My top tips for those going through scalp cooling is stay patient, my regrowth started 4 weeks post final chemo.

I am incredibly happy with my results. Being able to retain most of my hair allowed me to feel more normal. Hair loss is a bold reminder that you are sick and going through treatment. I was able to walk around with no one knowing that I was sick.

 

 

"I would like to thank all the amazing nurses that helped me each treatment, making sure the cap was properly working. I can’t thank my husband enough for coming to each treatment and helping me to put the cap on. It is an overwhelming process to get the cap on independently. I also want to thank my oncologist, Dr. Nadine Tung, and my NP, Kristen Fleischmann-Rose for recommending Paxman and walking me through the process."