May’s Chemo Cold Caps

It sometimes happens in life, when we come up against a considerable challenge that is not favorable. I was diagnosed in June with Breast Cancer, Invasive ductal carcinoma at the age of 35. Since that day my life has changed. The pathology report revealed my cancer to be a stage 2, grade 2. My lymph nodes were considered clear, but my Oncologist still recommended chemo. Fortunately, it's only 4 rounds over a 3 month period. I will be starting my chemotherapy treatments in the next few weeks. As many of us know, most cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy lose their hair, including the eyebrows and the eyelashes. I am not too excited about that part. I have been told about an option that can help me avoid this traumatizing side effect and keep my hair: Penguin Cold Caps.

Finding out that there is one thing that can be saved from the ravages of cancer is very empowering and feels like a sign of hope and normalcy when all else seems hopeless and horribly abnormal. These cold caps are used during and after the chemo infusions and they have a success rate of up to 96%. Because the caps are frozen in dry ice to -32 degrees, blood flow is restricted to the scalp, which minimizes hair follicle damage during treatment. I’ve been doing non-stop research on this option, and have even spoken to some people who have used them and have had success. My oncologist also stated it’s very effective. All cancer patients in Europe have access to "cold caps" that have a very sucessful rate of saving the hair of chemotherapy patients. However, it's just now taking root in the U.S. and is very expensive and not covered by insurance. These caps also requires 80lbs of dry ice to be purchased before each treatment. Time is of the essence, I would love to have one on my head in time for my first treatment. 

Friends and family have encouraged me to set up a go fund me. So I decided that it was time for me to put my pride aside and ask for help! I know to some this might seem vain and pointless; "it’s only hair”. However, I think it's totally worth trying, if I can keep my hair and some normalcy for me and my family. With these cold caps, I want my children, my family, my friends to be able to look at me and still see me, instead of the cancer. 

For equipment rental, all supplies needed, and cost of ice, I’m going to need to come up with about $3,000. So I’m reaching out, hoping that there are generous people who would be willing to contribute. All GoFundMe contributions will go directly toward this expense. If we surpass the $3,000 goal, any additional monies will help alleviate the financial pressure that we are experiencing during this challenging time. 
We thank you so much in advance for reading and your consideration. Any contribution would be appreciated. If you can’t afford to contribute, I would also appreciate prayers.

Research has shown that many breast cancer patients found the loss of their hair during treatment even more psychologically devasting than the loss of their breasts. Some woman even refuse life-saving treatment because they cannot bear the harsh side effects including hair loss. I was almost one of them! Now with Cold Caps, it is not necessary to be a bald chemotherapy patient for all the world to see and pity when we are already in a very vunerable state. For more information on the product, please visit: https://penguincoldcaps.com/

Thank you all for the continuous love and support.