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 again. 
Please tell her to be pushy -like you say the idea of loosing my hair and Being bald is truely horrifying me. But I've given the cold cap a go and couldn't stand it.

Chemotheapy units are usually very accommodating and very supportive of cancer patients. They should understand your mams wishes.

When I asked yesterday about trying the cold cap the nurse kinda rolled her eyes- they seemed short staffed The process is more fiddly for the staff turning machine on/ wetting hair . Conditioning putting cap on and then cleaning it under the tap. Does take time.

The hospital visit will take longer for your mam but a small price to try and save a part of her identity. 

But please tell her to push it-she will regret not giving it a go.

wish her well in her journey x

Efffie x