Hi, I've been today for my first chemo session.

I was asked about my cold cap

at my pre asessment and decided I'd give it a go -but I would very much doubt I'd be able to withstand the cold as I'm always freezing even in the summer.

The cold cap machines need 30mins to cool. So the staff need to turn them on before attending appoitment.  They wet the hair. Apply conditioner to hair so the hair doesn't stick to the hair. The caps are sized Small, medium and large. The cap is icy cold on the head and the cap just touch the scalp in Order to freeze the hair follicle.

The time for the cold cap to be on depends on what chemo drugs are being used. The cap needs to be on the head a full 30mins before treatment starts. Then entire time of treatment plus an extra portion of time for after drugs have been given. I'm having Tc chemo- which means I needed it on for 30mins before, one hour of infusion . 15mins of Injection plus 90mins. So way over 2hours.  Plus the cold cap needs to be on for each treatment. 
Anyways -I lasted all of 4minutes with it on. Was so cold it was making me grind my teeth. I was sternly told if i was to take it off it couldn't be placed back on and i would loose my hair. But I couldn't hack it.  
the cold cap was washed in a sink when it was taken off my head. 
I've heard of people with standing the cold cap for 6cycles  of chemo any it being a success.  I've also spoken to to people who have words the cold cap and it hasn't worked.
 

I would ask to speak to line manager of the chemo unit asking for advice on cold cap use during Covid. 

you could also contact the hospital PALs dept (patient advice and liason dept) they can ask on your behalf- departments tend to listen to pals more than they do patients.
Think denying your mam the choice is not good practice. Especially when other hospitals like mine ( I'm interested the north east ) are giving patients the option. Hair loss is a huge thing.

Wishing your mam well

Efffie (4 cycles of Tc chemo , followed by radio abs meds 

Thanks for the reply Efffie,

It's reassuring to read your reply.  My mother dosen't want to come across as rude or abrasive when informing the medical staff of her wishes and I am trying to pre-empt what to do next if they persist with this refusal to offer/use the Cold Cap.

Your right hair loss is a huge thing and my mother would like to try and hold on to hers if she can.

Many thanks for the reply again

Hi there Pjruk and thank you for your post.

Many providers of chemotherapy have reviewed their provision of scalp cooling in light of the pandemic. Some have chosen not to offer scalp-cooling at all or reduce their offer. This is in order to reduce the length of time patients spend on chemotherapy units and also to address capacity issues. However, if the hospital has made a desicion not to offer the cold cap this should be discussed with the patient and where possible there should be an element of patient choice. It is probaby worth having a chat with your mum's care team just to establish whether they can suggest an alternative to help her through this difficult time. If you would like to discuss this or any other aspect of your mum's treatment or care with one of opur specialist nurses, you can ring them free betweem 9am and 5pm on 0808 800 4040 and they will happily talk through any concerns or questions you might have

Kind regards

Moderator Sarah