Hello and newly diagnosed

Thanks to you all for your replies , I didn't really ask enough questions I feel as I was a bit overwhelmed , I really did want the surgery first and was considering getting a second opinion but he did say this was best for me and been discussed at the multi disciplinary meeting now I just want to get on with it but I still have blood tests and heart checks first , he said you might as well try cold cap only have your hair to lose! , I have a lot of hair , but if it doesn't work I didn't want to be unprepared as I am hoping I can still work or at least some of the time, I am 56 , always exercised etc . I still feel in shock but I am glad to find this forum as my friends are great but I am not great company and each time I tell someone I become a mess

@sfr09 The first few weeks are the hardest. Once you get started its like a massive roller coaster ride, but you will come out the other end.
I was diagnosed in Feb 2016 and had 4xAC and 12xpaclitaxol/carboplatin. I also had chemo first which I think is fairly common these days. That way they can tell if the chemo is working and also gives you a chance to think about surgery. My chemo got rid of my lump but then I still went a double mastectomy as found out I was a carrier of the BRCA 1 gene.

I also used the cold cap for my 16 treatments. It was hard work and pretty gruelling at times. But I felt it was worth it. I was lucky enough to keep the majority of my hair. I only had a little thinning which was barely noticeable. 

Good luck and and happy to answer any questions if you have any x

@sfr09 Hey!!! welcome!!! and BIG BREATH!!! WHOA!!! Ok so sounds like you have a large tumor and thats why they want to do chemo first to shrink. I did FEC x 4 also called the Red Devil, there are a couple like this. Its a hard hitting chemo but doable. Lots of ladies have tried cold cap, my Oncologist said if I did Taxol yep no worries but with FEC said NO as it won't work. To be honest, Im so glad I didnt bother as I was quite ill on FEC and adding the cold capping I couldnt have done it. I was amazed how I transitioned to my bald from long blonde hair!! and its grown back now 14months post chemo no probs..all was a blink when I look back. Very personal choice, you can try but I had friends that their hair thinned alot and they wished they hadnt bothered as they wanted to maintain it all, so had to wear head gear anyway. Hugs Melinda xo

Hi and welcome. I had chemo first with great results. My cancer shrunk and then had a lumpectomy. I have just finished radiation. So today this minute this moment I am cancer free. As to the cold cap. Some people cannot tolerate the cold cap some have no bother. The ladies I have met that have used the cold cap  found it worked but some report their hair is thinner .I personally did not want the cold cap as it prolongs chemo sessions. I wanted each session to be as quick as possible but thats just me .

Welcome to the site. Yes those 1st weeks from diagnosis are just awful...I gained 5 kg as I'm an eater when stressed. I had many a sleepless night, many many tears and just feeling constantly anxious. So many tests and so much unknown. The chemo 1st though does gice you a chance to look at surgocal optiobs with more planning, not always a good thing as we torture ourselves with the "what is the right decision" but once it's dobe you feel better. Chemo is scary but the staff will support you and we are here to talk to and ask questions. Again, less stressful once started. 

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