Hi, I am sorry too read this, I'm 38 with two sons and was diagnosed in Nov 21, I had IDC grade 3, 20mm lymph node Neg her2- Oestrogen positive. My tumor was also sent too America and I have just finished Chemo. 
 

I used the cold cap and I can share my story for ne it was a success. I started out with thick long big blonde hair, I absolutely loved my hair.  The cold cap needs too be really tight, unfortunately because my head is so small ut did not sit tight on the top so I had a bold patch a bit like a munk, other that that it went really thin but ut was definitely worth it. You will have a big shed of hair through out but it doesn't mean it's not working. My hair started to grow back before my last cycle. Have a look at the Paxman website that's the company that supplies the cold cap machine. 
 

You will need too use a Gentle shampoo and conditioner, Combe your hair don't brush it. 
when you go to the hospital the nurse will wet it and put conditioner through it, the first 15 mins are tough make sure you use a cotton headband for your forehead. I took 2 paracetamol one hour before I had it on.

the only disadvantage is that is makes your treatment a lot longer as you have wait for it too freeze and then needs a long time after treatment before you can take it off. 
 

How are you feeling about Chemo? I had 6 cycles of FEC-T, it wasn't pleasant but very do-able

Sending Love Sarah 
 

Thank you Sarah for your reply, sorry to hear also of what you are going through, I don't know what type of chemo I I'll be given yet have my 1st appointment on Thursday with oncologist, how am I feeling not sure really apprehensive a little scared it's going into the unknown again, I must admit after having the three ops and stayed very positive through it all, I did have a little meltdown when told I was having chemo, but I am cancer free now and this is precaution so I suppose I am one of the lucky ones. I think I will have to read a little more about the coldcap thank you for your help, I wish you all the best for the future.

sending positivity and love carol

Hi I used this and there's a Facebook group called the Paxman scalp cooling group which has loads of hints and tips and also losss of good stuff on the Paxman website . Good luck you can do this! It works really well for loads of people and also it's much easier to tolerate than you think 

Hi 

I had my breast cancer surgery in 2020. I chose not to use the cold cap, lost all my hair but it grew back as soon as I finished chemo. For many women the thought of losing their hair is devastating and it's worth using the cap. Victoria Devonshire the BBC reporter describes using the cold cap in her book Dear Cancer Love Victoria which may be helpful to you. 
Best wishes

Silver 

Hello Cartel.  I had chemo last year and I was also very stressed about the thought of losing my hair.   I was offered the cold cap, but after I had done a bit of research on it, I discovered that a lot of people who had had it during their chemo still lost all of their hair, so I decided not to have the cold cap.  Instead, once my chemo began, I asked my nephew to shave off all of my hair, rather than watch it fall out a bit more each day.  My chemo finished in december last year, and now, five months later I have a lovely head of hair again.  It is so nice not to have to wear hats and scarves any more.  You must of course decide for yourself, but this was my own personal experience of chemo and hair loss, and you know Cartel, it really does go by so quickly once the chemo begins.  Mine lasted for 4 months and it flew by.  Your hair will be back before you know it.  I have been using 'Child's Farm' shampoo which I get from Amazon, because chemo can leave your scalp and new hair a bit fragile for a while, so a gentle and non-perfumed shampoo is the best.  Good luck mate.

Hi violetgirl

thank you for sharing with me your experience, tomorrow I find out what chemo I will be on discuss with them possible and then I will need to make my decision, I have been very lucky already been offered some beautiful wigs At the moment I am Edging towards not having it as I have heard sometimes it's not a pleasant experience.Once again thank you for your response and I wish you all the best in the future sending love and positivity Cartel

Hi silver days

Thank you for your response with the research I've been looking at it's not always a pleasant experience doesn't always work so I have to make a decision or devote it and think long and hard about .

sending love and positivity cartek

Hi Annabanana

thank you for Sharing your experience I have now joined Paxman group, which I am finding helpful, it is mixed reviews I find out what chemo I am on tomorrow and then I'll make a decision once again thank you for responding

Sending love and positivity Cartel

Yes I am sure you will make up your mind when you see the cold cap. I had FEC chemo 3 cycles and my hair starting coming out almost immediately but grew back as soon as chemo was over. I bought a wig but only wore it once, tending to wear scarves and hats. As soon as it started growing back I was quite happy to go out with short hair. The most liberating thing is wash it and it’s dry in seconds. It’s back to long now. Silver

Thank you