Cold caps are a bit of a gamble. The stats seem to be that they slow or stop hair loss for about 50% of patients and of those people, about 50% are happy with the results. I know some women have been terribly disappointed when it doesn't work but if you go in with the attitude that you have a slight chance of avoiding losing your hair there's no harm. There are worse things than being bald. Mind you, this is my second go at it and that will be enough, thanks.
Chemo before surgery is really common. It does give you extra time to consider your options which can be a good or bad thing, depending on how you are wired. Good luck. Marg