Hair loss is a major concern for many people who undergo chemotherapy but new strides in medicine are relieving patients of that fear.
FOX 47 News' Cryss Walker shows us the hair saving treatment that’s giving cancer patients a better quality of life.
Last January, Ellen Dally gave birth to a baby girl.
It was a joyous time that was soon met with one of the biggest battles of her life.
After a tough bout with breastfeeding, Dally felt an abnormal change in her body.
"I noticed there was a rather large lump in my right breast," Dally said.
The discovery proved to be life-changing news for Dally and her family when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
"Losing my hair was the biggest thing that I was worried about with doing the chemotherapy," Dally said. "I can handle getting sick. I can handle nausea, fatigue, but I was just really, really worried about losing my hair," she said.
Doctors at Sparrow Hospital recommended the Dignicap treatment, which can help reduce the chances of hair loss during chemotherapy.
"The idea is that it cools the scalp, reduces the blood flow to the scalp, reduces injury to the hair follicles from the chemotherapy and in two-thirds of the women, they can keep at least 50 percent of their hair," said Dr. Timothy McKenna, medical director at Sparrow Breast Center.
The caps have a form-fit and a cooling sensation.
Dally says being able to look in the mirror and see her hair helps her to not feel defeated and to continue to fight her way to recovery.
"Not having to explain to a 6-year-old, mommy has cancer and this is what's going on. ... It gave me a lot of confidence back," she said.
The Diginicap technology was introduced to Sparrow patients last year. The treatment is effective for men and women.
