Natasha ▶ GA

Natasha | Georgia
Age: 38
Diagnosis: Breast Cancer – Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (ER+)
Chemotherapy Regimen: Taxotere and Cytoxan
Total Treatments: 4 
Infusion Center: Candler Hospital-Lewis Cancer and Research Pavillion 

Tell us about yourself.
I discovered a mass in my left breast when I was only 37 years old. I am a Radiologic Technologist and since I’ve seen breast cancer in many of my patients, I’ve always been adamant about self-checks no matter what the age. Thank God I was because I was still ‘too young’ to start mammograms with no prior family history. I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma and opted for a double mastectomy, so I would have the lowest chance for recurrence. I had no lymph node involvement or metastasis anywhere else in my body. I did not need radiation but unfortunately my oncotype test came back as high risk for recurrence, so my doctor recommended chemotherapy. Naturally I freaked out as a young woman scared to lose my hair from chemo.

How did you find out about DigniCap?
My doctor gave me information to research scalp cooling therapy and I knew this was the best chance for me to save my hair.

“I started with a LOT of long thick brown hair. I’m estimating I still had at least 90% left after completing 4 rounds of chemo (Taxotere/Cytoxan).”

Did you have a successful experience using DigniCap?
I started with a LOT of long thick brown hair. I’m estimating I still had at least 90% left after completing 4 rounds of chemo (Taxotere/Cytoxan), once every 3 weeks. My hair started to regrow a month or 2 after chemo was complete. DigniCap gave me a head start quite literally! I usually color my hair, so I waited 2-3 months to do that. I also made sure to keep my head covered in the sun for another few months as well to maintain a healthy scalp and encourage new hair growth (since it was Spring/Summer with me post chemo)

Why was trying to keep your hair during chemotherapy important to you?
I had already lost both my breasts and I was not about to lose the thing I loved most about myself. I also have 3 young children and the last thing I wanted to do was scare them or make them anxious if I lost all my hair; especially since they can’t understand or process what is happening in the first place. Scalp cooling is a gift from Heaven.

How did keeping your hair affect you, and those around you?
Having 3 young children and a very active life inspired me all the more to do anything to maintain a sense of ‘normalcy’ throughout chemo. DigniCap helped me keep most of my hair and my children saw only their mom. My friends and family only saw me; not a cancer patient, not a chemo patient. It wasn’t the first thing strangers saw when meeting me. I was not defined by my temporary circumstances. Cancer and chemo is as much an emotional journey as it is physical. Your self-esteem and demeanor affect not only yourself but everyone around you. DigniCap allowed me to keep my dignity and confidence in my everyday life. I did not slow down or become a hermit because I was embarrassed about my appearance. I am a proud chemo warrior, but the last thing I wanted to do was scare my young kids, especially when I couldn’t explain or make them understand what was happening and why.

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?
This is a totally doable process but it is very cold at first so Tylenol is great to take right before starting your cold cap therapy. Daniel Fields hair products are a life saver, and work well in conjunction with scalp cooling to preserve your hair during chemo also! It is 100% worth it! You will not regret it!