Hello everyone! Let’s touch bases today on a topic that recently has been in the news – again! And, that topic concerns hair loss — or alopecia — during chemotherapy treatment. For students of The Single Source Cancer Course, you know we discuss this in detail in Volume 2. For those who are not already students of The SSCC, let’s take a moment to review.
First, hair loss is not a side effect of chemotherapy that everyone experiences. For example, during my chemotherapy I did not experience hair loss. Over the years, however, many friends and colleagues of mine have experienced chemotherapy-related hair loss. So, what’s the difference? Why are some people affected in this way while others are not?
The answer depends completely upon the chemicals used in one’s treatment – something those of us who have been through the process affectionately refer to as our “chemo cocktails.” You see, there are many different drugs and combinations of drugs that are used in chemotherapy. And, some chemotherapies use drugs that are much stronger than others. Typically, advanced cancers or cancers that have spread to other body parts will require stronger drugs in the patient’s chemo cocktail. When the cocktail is stronger, it’s better equipped to fight the cancer, but it’s also more likely to affect the healthy body cells as well. Now, what healthy body cells are we talking about? We’re talking about fast growing healthy body cells.
Cancer cells, as we know, are very fast growing cells. Chemotherapy works by targeting fast growing cells and destroying them. Unfortunately, chemotherapy cannot distinguish between fast growing cancer cells and other fast growing cells in the body that may be healthy. Accordingly, some healthy body cells also may be destroyed during treatment. And, these fast growing healthy cells include:
1) Those of the nails — which may lead to nail damage or loss;
2) Those lining the esophagus and stomach — which may lead to nausea;
3) Those that line the intestines — which may lead to diarrhea or constipation;
4) Those of a developing fetus (more on this at a later time);
5) Those of the skin — which may lead to sensitivity, and;
6) Those of the hair follicle — which may lead to hair loss.
Now, hair loss is important because our hair is so often a significant element of our personal self image. It is true that some patients treat this loss as a badge of courage and determination. On the other hand, it’s also true that some patients see hair loss as a constant reminder of their cancer and vulnerability. And, of course, some patients choose to keep their battle with cancer private and unwanted hair loss will literally blow their cover!
So, for those in the latter two categories let’s discuss the remarkable DigniCap — a wonderful device that once again is making news. DigniCap actually is a “hat” that fits snugly over one’s head and is worn during one’s chemotherapy session. Commonly known as cold cap treatment, this “hat” cools the scalp down, which in turn decreases the amount of blood flow to the scalp. When the blood flow is reduced, the amount of chemotherapy drugs reaching the scalp and the hair follicles also is reduced. Thus, the fast growing cells of the hair and scalp are protected and most hair loss can be prevented.
As with most treatments, however, the DigniCap is not without its own side effects. Some patients experience discomfort in the form of coldness, headaches or light-headedness. Yet, this discomfort usually occurs only in the early cooling phase — and typically disappears as the temperature stabilizes around +5 degrees centigrade. Interestingly, the DigniCap has been available in Europe for several years and has a success rate of eighty percent. By comparison, in the United States the DigniCap is only available in clinical trials at this time.
In any event, this news makes for another lively discussion with one’s family and primary care physician. It offers us yet another treatment option through which we can take more control over our recovery. And it provides us with a wonderful addition to place in our Cancer Tool Box. So, let’s add it to our arsenal and continue to move forward!! As always, my best to all!!
TAKE THE COURSE AND TAKE CHARGE!
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