Cold cap

Hi Missi K, the cold cap used in my chemo ward came in small, medium & large sizes and the nurse just tried them on me to find out which size fitted - it needs to be a tight fit. It doesn't matter too much whether the fitting takes place before or on the day of your first chemo (mine was on the day) but what is important is that the chemo unit know in advance that you want to try the cold cap so that they can ensure that there are enough of the scalp cooling machines available. My chemo unit seemed to have several of the machines but a couple of times some were out of action as they were faulty. I was lucky in that not many other people seemed to be using the cold cap when I had my sessions, and after the first session the unit knew that I was using the cold cap, and what size cap I needed, in advance of my other sessions. Processes will vary from hospital to hospital but if you have the contact number of the chemo unit it's worth giving them a call in advance to let them know that you'd like to try the cold cap - in my case my breast care nurse sent them an email to let them know. 

With regards to taking co-codamol (or paracetamol) ask your nurse or the cancer unit in advance if it is ok for you to take this alongside the chemo they will be giving you. Hope this helps, but as per my post in your previous thread it may be best to give your breast nurse a call to discuss this to find out what the cold cap process is in your hospital. Hope it all goes well on Friday.

There is an excellent Paxman scalp cooling group with lots of tips and hints on Facebook 

Thankyou once again Lalalou for your help.

I will definitely give the chemo centre a call Monday regarding cold cap availability and painkillers.