298. The Truth About Cold Capping During Chemo

Hair loss during chemotherapy is often talked about as if it is expected, inevitable, or even superficial. But for many people diagnosed with breast cancer, losing your hair can affect identity, privacy, confidence, and the way others see you.

In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, Laura talks with Jen Fernandez about her experience being diagnosed with breast cancer twice. The first time, Jen lost her hair. The second time, after a local recurrence, she decided to try cold capping.

Jen shares what the process was really like: the prep, the discomfort, the time commitment, the shedding, the hair care changes, and why she would do it again.

Listen now for an honest conversation about cold capping, chemo hair loss, and finding small ways to feel like yourself during treatment.

In This Episode, We Discuss

•  Jen’s initial breast cancer diagnosis at age 39 
•  What it felt like to be fast-tracked into chemotherapy 
•  Finding a new lump and dimple three years later 
•  Navigating a local recurrence of HER2-positive breast cancer 
•  Why Jen decided to try cold capping the second time 
•  How long cold capping added to infusion appointments 
•  The physical discomfort of cold capping 
•  Hair shedding, bald spots, and regrowth 
•  How hair loss affects identity, work, confidence, and privacy 
•  The emotional difference between looking sick and feeling like yourself 
•  Why cold capping is a personal decision, not a vanity decision