Jill Martin, the renowned Today show correspondent, has recently opened up about her battle with breast cancer and the significant impact it has had on her life. Facing a double mastectomy and the daunting prospect of chemotherapy, Martin found herself grappling with the possibility of losing her beloved long locks. Expressing her deep attachment to her hair, she was determined to explore every available option to retain as much of it as possible.
Dr. Elisa Port, Martin’s surgeon, introduced her to the concept of cold-capping, a cutting-edge procedure that involves freezing the hair follicles at sub-zero temperatures during chemotherapy to minimize the absorption of the chemicals that lead to hair loss. For Martin, the decision to attempt cold-capping was a deeply personal one, driven by her desire to maintain a sense of normalcy and control amidst the tumult of her cancer treatment journey.
“I love my hair,” Martin shares with PEOPLE, reflecting on the emotional significance of preserving her locks. “It’s always been something I’ve been proud of.” Her decision to opt for cold-capping was also influenced by her professional commitments, as she continues to appear on the Today show and engage in various work-related activities, making the preservation of her hair an important aspect of her public image and self-presentation.
Emphasizing the challenges associated with the process, Martin highlights the demanding nature of cold-capping, which requires her to endure 12-hour sessions simultaneously with her chemotherapy treatments. Describing the experience, she likens it to enduring a prolonged, intense brain freeze, illustrating the discomfort and endurance required to maintain her cherished hair.
Despite the grueling nature of the procedure, Martin’s perseverance has paid off, with her estimating that she has only lost approximately 30% of her hair to date, a remarkable success given the intensity of her treatment. Reflecting on her decision to pursue cold-capping, she emphasizes the personal nature of such choices for individuals undergoing cancer treatment, acknowledging the diverse ways in which people navigate the complexities of hair loss in the context of their diagnosis.
Martin’s story serves as an inspiring reminder of the resilience and determination exhibited by individuals confronting the challenges of cancer treatment, underscoring the deeply personal and emotional significance of preserving one’s sense of identity and self-expression in the face of adversity. Her candid account sheds light on the often unspoken aspects of the cancer journey, offering hope and inspiration to those navigating similar paths, and highlighting the importance of personalized care and support in the fight against cancer.