AnnaGrethe, 66 years old, health visitor. Married with two adult children. Lives in Frederiksberg.
When AnnaGrethe was told she had to go through chemotherapy again, it was difficult news to receive.
She had previously undergone several cancer treatments and was therefore well aware of the treatment and its side effects. "When I was told I had to have chemotherapy, I thought: No – not again!”
The last time she received the same treatment, it was primarily fatigue that dominated. But this time, one thing almost weighed even more heavily: the thought of losing her hair. “That was almost the last straw.”
WHAT HAS IT MEANT TO YOU THAT YOU KEPT MOST OF YOUR HAIR AFTER CHEMOTHERAPY?
For AnnaGrethe, being able to keep her hair during treatment made a big difference.
“It has meant a completely different quality of life.” She experienced that hair loss had previously made her very visibly ill. When you lose your hair, you can clearly feel people's stares around you. “You can feel people looking and thinking: There's someone who is sick.”
Therefore, it meant a lot to her this time to be able to move more freely in her everyday life. “It was a wild success for me.”
WHAT DOES YOUR HAIR MEAN TO YOU?
AnnaGrethe describes herself as a person who doesn't usually care much about her hair.
But during her illness, she discovered how much it still meant. “I didn't really think I was particularly vain.” But the experience of being seen as sick when her hair disappeared affected her quality of life. For her, it wasn't about appearance, but about being able to exist in the world without constantly being reminded of her illness.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH THE COOLING CAPS?
AnnaGrethe heard about Rapunzel's cooling caps from a nurse before she started treatment. Before she got home, she received a call, and on the same day, she and her husband were able to pick up the cooling caps.
The use of the cooling caps itself was simple once the routine was established. “It was cold – but it was easy.” Eventually, it became a regular routine in connection with the chemotherapy treatments.
Although she experienced hair loss along the way, she continued after receiving advice. “I took pictures and sent them to Rapunzel, who could see that the shedding I was experiencing was expected.” “And so I continued.”
The result also surprised her. “It surprised me that so much of my hair stayed on.”
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST SUPPORT FOR YOU DURING YOUR JOURNEY – BOTH EMOTIONALLY AND PRACTICALLY?
The support from family, friends, and Rapunzel meant a lot to AnnaGrethe throughout her journey. She particularly highlights the ongoing dialogue and advice. “It really meant a lot every time I called Rapunzel and was reassured that things were going well.”
At the same time, she experienced great care from the people around her. “I have received so much genuine care.” Her husband also played an important role. He helped with the practicalities surrounding the cooling caps and was present during the chemotherapy treatments. “It also meant a lot to him that he could do something concrete.”
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS FACING POTENTIAL HAIR LOSS?
If AnnaGrethe were to give advice to others, it would primarily be:
“Give it a chance, if possible.” However, she emphasizes that one must be prepared for the cold. “It's really cold.” Nevertheless, she has no doubt. Even though she found it cold during chemotherapy, she knew it was worth it. “I would do it again.”
For her, it made a big difference in everyday life. For example, being able to go to communal meals, socialize with others, and continue working without feeling different. “Sometimes it's just nice to be able to be like everyone else.”