Treatment decision paralysis

I hear you @bell59. Even with the Oncotype test result, I sometimes feel anxious about my decision not to have chemo. I guess it goes the other way too, and others wonder if they've been overtreated (and if the side effects were worth it). I had a very lousy first appointment with my oncologist and their trainee. It just snowballed from there. So much hinges on those initial appointments. So little time, not enough information or explanation. :/

I wish I had the help of all the experiences and opinions of the wonderful ladies here when I made my decision ( no test, no chemo) back in April as the professionals involved were very dismissive of my effort to research all aspects. I came a bit later in my journey to find all this info and support online. Needed alot of therapy to find peace  Good luck, @janeinmelbourne Feel good about your choices, and keep support close to you. 

Dear JaneinMelbourne,
That's great news.
A couple of times I had an extra strap over the top of my head and down around my chin. As i felt an air bubble on top.
(When I pushed down on top I could hear air moving.)
I'm not sure what Chemo drugs you are receiving. Don't expect the worse, with side effects, it may not happen. You will probably at least have some more minor ones. I have been very lucky. It's OK to vent if you need to though.
Good luck with your continued use of the Cold Cap.
I was told not wash my hair too often.
And not to blow dry or straighten my hair, while using the Cold Cap.
Keep in touch.

Thanks @kmakm - cycle 1 is done and dusted today 🙂 

@Abbydog didn’t find the cap too bad, am used to cold water swimming having grown up in NZ so good training 😂 I was more worried about it being on tight enough but am hoping it did the trick as had the small cap and tightened the strap a couple of time over so fingers crossed! 

Dear JaneinMelbourne,
That's good news. You can only try.  It is uncomfortable at first for about the first 10min, and then gets easier.
It is similar to jumping in the pool. You adjust and get used to it. The temperature drops about 5 or 6 times until it reaches the cold temperature required. 
I believe that if you don't use the Cold Cap, you loose your hair around the 2nd to 3rd treatment, so you should know then 
if it is working. You will probably have some thinning. 
Keep in touch. Let us know if it works or doesn't, or if you can manage or not.
You've got nothing to lose in trying.
Good luck with everything.

I too had a grey area decision to make. I did a lot of thinking about it while I went on long walks. A lot of long walks! No one was especially helpful to talk to, though my BS was very patient with me debating the pros and cons.

In the end what tipped me was my best friend asking me very specifically why I was making the decision I'd tentatively chosen. She asked on WhatsApp so I had to answer by writing back. There was something about listing the reasons (there ended up being 11!) that cemented my decision.

Ultimately it comes down to what you are comfortable living with, no matter what happens in the future. The aim is to have no regrets! All the very best, K xox

Thank you @Abbydog - I am going to try the cool cap, my hair is quite fine already so not sure how successful it will be but thought it was worth a shot.
@ddon yes I think you are right, 3 months isn't so long under other contexts I just have to keep reminding myself that! 

When I had chemo in front of me it seemed so dreadful and so hard. Now that it’s behind me I am so glad I did it. Even though it could very well not work, I have done the best I can and I would hate the regret of wishing I had thrown more at it. 

It's a tough decision and only you can make it. Well done, we know how hard it can be--either way. MXX

Dear JaneinMelbourne,
I didn't have any predicting tests. Maybe I was lucky that I was given a clear plan and happy to follow it.
I had Mastectomy with axillary clearance, Chemo( x4 EC +  x12 Paclitaxol) Radiotherapy and now Letrazole.
I am very lucky to say that Chemotherapy was not too difficult. I had no nausea and side effects were manageable.
We are all very individual, in our response to Chemo.
I'm telling you this so that you know that not everyone has a terrible time.
Be aware of possible side effects, report them to your Oncologist, accept treatment as needed, try and stay positive.
Are you going to try the Cold Cap, to try to save your hair? Is it available to you?
I used it and only had a little thinning that others didn't notice.
Wishing you all the best.