Andrea ▶ NY

Andrea | New York
Age: 62
Diagnosis: Right breast DCIS with metastasis to lymph nodes
Chemotherapy Regimen: Cytoxan and Abraxane
Total Treatments: 17
Infusion Center: Dubin Breast Center of Mt. Sinai, NYC

Tell us about yourself.
I was a chaplain to the morgue at Ground Zero after the terrorist attacks on 9/11. A few years later, I was diagnosed with Stage IIa breast cancer in my left breast. I was treated with ACT and Herceptin, had a left nipple sparing mastectomy, and thought I could put it all behind me. Nearly seventeen years later, I was diagnosed with Stage IIIc cancer on the other side.

How did you find out about DigniCap?
I found out about DigniCap from my oncologist at Mt. Sinai.

Did you have a successful experience using DigniCap?
For the first 15 weeks, I barely shed at all. During the last couple of treatments, I did notice some thinning, especially around the hairline on my forehead. But I’m probably the only one who really notices.

“I am very grateful for DigniCap which has allowed me to feel more like myself and to put chemo behind me!”

Why was trying to keep your hair during chemotherapy important to you?
Losing my hair was one of the hardest parts about undergoing treatment all those years ago — the loss of privacy and sense of self was truly devastating. Cold capping was not available to me then. This time, I jumped at the chance to give it a try. I prepared myself for the fact that results vary — but I was amazed and so grateful for how well my hair did!

How did keeping your hair affect you, and those around you?
Because of having my hair, I could choose whether (and with whom) I wanted to share about my diagnosis and treatment. In fact, most people never guessed what I was going through. This gave me a sense of control over my story when so many other things were simply out of my control. It also made family gatherings feel so much more relaxed and “normal” because I was not inadvertently broadcasting my illness. It was nice to be able to forget for a few moments.

What advice would you give to someone who is going through a similar experience, or who has recently been diagnosed and is considering scalp cooling?

My first treatment with DigniCap was intense but not terrible. After that, it didn’t bother me at all. I asked the nurses helping me to make sure the cap was nice and tight, and I never removed the chin strap. I also ordered products from Chemo Hair and Skin, which I think made a difference.

I recommend following the guidelines about washing your hair in cool to cold water (and only twice a week). I didn’t have warm water on my head for 5 months, but it was worth it. I did shed a bit following my first couple chemo treatments; and of course, my eyebrows and eyelashes fell off! No amount of cold capping will prevent that.

I am very grateful for DigniCap which has allowed me to feel more like myself and to put chemo behind me.