Cold Therapy for Reducing Chemotherapy Complications

1. Cold Caps Scalp Cooling System
2. MICHELE LEY, MD, FACS
3. The level of care is excellent.
4. Cryotherapy for Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
5. Contact Us Today
6. ABOUT US & EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION
7. CONTACT US

Cold Caps Scalp Cooling System

Cold caps and scalp cooling systems are helmet-like hat that fit snugly to the head and are filled with a cold liquid or gel that you wear during your chemotherapy infusion.  These devices help individuals to retain some of their hair during chemotherapy.

These systems work by narrowing the blood vessels under the scalp skin, reducing the amount of chemo medication that reaches the hair follicles. In turn, the hair may be less likely to fall out. The cold also decreases the metabolic activity of the hair follicles, making the cells divide more slowly and protecting the hair follicles from chemotherapy.

Board-Certified Surgeon

MICHELE LEY, MD, FACS

Dr. Ley, a breast surgical oncologist in Tucson since 2006, delivers compassionate and personalized care to create tailored treatment plans based on the latest research. Specializing in surgical care for breast cancer and high-risk patients, she employs minimally invasive techniques and practices oncoplastic surgery to optimize outcomes.

MEET DR. LEY

Our recommended cold cap and scalp cooling system resources include:

Penguin Cold Caps
Call Linsday, the local cold cap representative at 480-622-8082 for assistance.
www.penguincoldcaps.com

Paxman Cold Caps
The Paxman machines are available at most Clinics in the Tucson area. Please ask for details.
www.paxmanusa.com

“The level of care is excellent.”

Dr. Ley is an excellent doctor who cares about her patients. She takes the time to explain everything and provides all options. The level of care is excellent.

Dr. Ley helped me through the first round of BC in 2017 with kindness, compassion and expertise! I had absolutely no reservations when trusting her for a 2021 and now for the 3rd time I can’t imagine going through this without her. She is a lion when it comes to fighting for you, calls you personally even though she has to be the busiest Dr. and mother I know. She’s considerate of your needs, fears and concerns and never lets you go it alone. Can’t say enough good!

I have no words to express my gratitude for Dr. Ley! I was diagnosed Feb. 2020 and Dr. Ley besides being the best in her field and doing an amazing job on my double mastectomy she was even able to save my nipples. She is also a remarkable human being, patient, kind very clear in explaining everything and making you feel heard and safe in her hands. I 100% recommend her and her very helpful, kind and amazing team! If you have recently been diagnosed this is the team you want to have your back!

Cryotherapy for Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Although research on cryotherapy is still preliminary, some studies suggest that wearing “cold gloves/socks” might be helpful in reducing/preventing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Studies recommend the ice cold mittens and socks be worn starting 15 minutes prior to treatment, throughout the infusion, and for 15 minutes following the infusion.

Cold mittens and socks may be purchased commercially on websites like Amazon and similar. There are many brands available; please refer to patients’ reviews and choose the best option for you. It may be beneficial to have two pairs of mittens and socks (or inserts) to trade out halfway through treatment or more often as needed.

However, if you prefer not to purchase special cold therapy products, you can try these home methods instead:

• Placing large zip lock bags of ice on your hands and feet in place of cold mittens and socks.
• Use a soft/gel cold pack (they often come with a Velcro strap) on your hands and feet.

Again, it might be beneficial to have a spare set to trade out halfway through the treatment.

Please discuss with your care provider any additional questions or concerns about cold therapy and/or chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

Contact Us Today

For more information regarding cold caps or scalp cooling systems to maintain hair during chemo, please contact Tucson Breast Health Specialists today. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have and point you toward the right resources.

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