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Scalp cooling system helps Bronwyn regain control in cancer journey
Losing hair during cancer treatment can be an emotional time. Some people find losing their hair distressing, while others find it liberating.
For Mackay resident, Bronwyn, the thought of losing her hair was upsetting. Bronwyn was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2023.
“My regular yearly mammogram in early July picked up a small calcification. After the recall, I was given a biopsy and was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Estrogen Positive. What followed was multiple tests, scans and doctor visits,” says Bronwyn.
“After a lumpectomy and one lymph node removal in August, it was discovered there was cancer present in the lymph node, which meant chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatment. My surgeon was surprised it had made it to the lymph node as the cancer that was removed in the lumpectomy was quite small. I started 16 rounds of chemotherapy in September 2023, finishing in February 2024. I had a four-week break and commenced 20 rounds of radiation therapy in early April 2024. I have private health cover, so going to the Icon Cancer Centre Mackay was the obvious choice for me,” adds Bronwyn.
Bronwyn, a deputy principal at a local high school, has been undergoing yearly mammograms for 12 years since her mother was diagnosed with the same type of breast cancer.
“There is a significant genetic history of breast cancer in mum’s family and I am currently waiting to be genetically tested. Initially, it was the recall phone call where I went to pieces as I wasn’t expecting it. After the biopsy and diagnosis, I was resigned to medical tests and waiting rooms. The thought of having so much time off work upset me as I did not know that the whole process took such a long time. I also swim daily and have done so for many years so the thought of having so much time away from this exercise was also upsetting,” says Bronwyn.
With Bronwyn’s daughter due to get married in June 2024, the 54-year-old was also concerned about losing her hair during the treatment process. After speaking to a friend who had gone through chemotherapy at Icon Cancer Centre Mackay, Bronwyn learned about the centre’s scalp cooling system.
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Scalp cooling technology helps to minimise hair loss associated with chemotherapy. The scalp cooling system reduces the temperature of a patient’s scalp by a few degrees immediately before, during and after the administration of chemotherapy. The cooling effect reduces blood flow to hair follicles and can help to minimise hair loss.
“I had long, thick curly hair and a daughter’s wedding in a year at the time of diagnosis, so it was important to me that I keep as much hair as I could. I don’t think I even gave the nurse a chance to offer it to me, I just said I was doing it. It was an absolute godsend. I followed all of the advice with washing hair, combing, no heat products, silk hair cap for sleep and anything else I could read about,” says Bronwyn.
“I am not going to lie, scalp cooling was hard and at times I felt like giving up. But I was determined to get it right. I would not let them start the chemo until my hair had cooled the correct amount of time. I did it to try and control something where everything else is out of control. I liken it to training for a marathon – the more you follow the training program, the better the result. I stumbled across the Paxman Facebook group the night before my first chemo session and I would often take advice from the group. I am so glad I persevered,” adds Bronwyn.
With her treatment now behind her, Bronwyn is full of praise for the Icon Cancer Centre Mackay staff.
“I have fond memories of the supportive, friendly and welcoming staff. From the tea lady, receptionists, nurses, radiation therapists and doctors – I always felt welcomed. These people become a big part of that chapter of your life,” says Bronwyn.
Bronwyn – who has endured her fair share of adversity in life – is now looking forward to the post-cancer chapter of her life.
“My family and I have been through much worse, so the cancer journey so far for me has been a walk in the park. My husband took his life suddenly and unexpectedly eight years ago when my children were 20, 18, 17 and 15. That chapter of life was a dark journey that we have had to navigate. I tried to make this cancer journey look as easy as possible so my kids didn’t worry too much,” says Bronwyn.
“My outlook on life changed after that dark chapter but even more so now after surviving the last year of a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Everyone in life goes through stormy periods, some worse than others, but the storm passes and there is usually a rainbow on the other side. One of my classroom rules as a teacher never changed in all the years that I taught and that was hard work equals results and rewards. Scalp cooling was hard work but the results have been worth it. I am so grateful for the Paxman scalp cooling system.”
Now back at work after an extended break, Bronwyn is also enjoying a return to her hobbies including swimming, walking, enjoying a coffee with friends and spending time with her young grandson.
She has one sound piece of advice for others going through cancer treatment.
“The one big thing I have learned over the last year is listen to what your body is telling you and be kind to yourself.”
Other helpful resources
Become a patient
Find out how to become a patient at Icon Cancer Centre, or request more information from your nearest centre.
Download your free Cancer Diagnosis Checklist
Be more informed and have an active role in your care; download 'Questions to Ask Your Doctor After Cancer Diagnosis'.
Breast cancer
Learn more about breast cancer in Australia, including signs and symptoms, stages and frequently asked questions.
Understanding treatment
There are many different treatment options for breast cancer. Find out more about common treatments for breast cancer here.