Keep on trucking

After the initial shock of a cancer diagnosis your life becomes filled with questions of what the future holds, for some it’s chemotherapy. 

Jaclyn Schlichter, a 40-year-old Army Veteran, served six years in the Minnesota Army National Guard as truck driver. Little did she know her experience in the military would equip her with the strength to fight the war on cancer. 

Schlichter was diagnosed this year with breast cancer and is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment. One of the side effects of her treatment is hair loss. For some women the thought of losing your hair can be hard, some may feel saying goodbye to their hair is like saying goodbye to a former version of themself. But there is hope.

During a visit with her hairstylist, Schlichter discussed the potential of losing her hair. During the conversation her hairdresser mentioned a new technology that may reduce the amount of hair loss during chemotherapy, a scalp cooling system called Paxman.

“I’m not afraid to lose my hair, but wondered if this was available for me,” said Schlichter. She checked with her VA care team and learned the Minneapolis VA was the first VA to offer the Paxman scalp cooling system. 

Cold caps and scalp cooling systems are tightly fitting, helmet-like hats filled with a cold gel or liquid that you wear during chemotherapy infusions. They work by narrowing the blood vessels beneath the skin of the scalp, which reduces the amount of chemotherapy medicine that reaches the hair follicles. With less chemotherapy medicine in the follicles, the hair may be less likely to fall out. 

During each chemotherapy session, patients wear the cap for 30 – 45 minutes before the infusion, during the infusion, and up to 90 minutes after the infusion. The rate of hair retention by using the cap cooling system varies from patient to patient and is dependent upon the chemotherapy regimen. 

“Although the number of women Veterans is increasing, I feel male Veterans health and wellness is more commonly known,” said Schlichter “I want to share my story to promote awareness of women’s health and the importance of breast self-exams, I was under 40 when I found a lump.” 

Women who are at average risk for breast cancer should start mammogram screening at age 40. “I want other patients to know there are options, especially when you feel like you have little control over things, and the Paxman is one of those options you can control.” 

“The Paxman system has shown to improve hair retention by 50 percent,” said Andrea Stone who is part of Jaclyn’s oncology care team. “We want to get the word out to Veterans about its potential.” 

 Jaclyn’s hair is typically thick, but she noticed some thinning during her initial chemotherapy treatments. “I did purchase some wigs and wear them at work, but since I started using the Paxman I have noticed less hair shedding. Either way I’m trucking forward,” she quipped. 

Jaclyn has four more chemotherapy infusions to go before she starts the second phase of her treatment, radiation. She continues to have a positive attitude and brightens a room with her smile. You got this girl! 

Veterans interested in learning more about the Paxman should contact their Primary Care provider.