What to Expect with TCHP Chemo?

I did cold capping only because it prevents PERMANENT hair loss (which occurs in a small, but real, percentage of cases, according to my female oncologist). I expected that I would likely lose some hair, but miraculously I did not lose ANY hair. I’d strongly encourage you to do it - if only to eliminate the risk of permanent hair loss.

What is cold capping?

I skipped the cold caps. Everyone I spoke to said their hair grew back. My first treatment I found that my tumor shrunk within 2 weeks. I just had round 2 yesterday. Doing well now. But after I get my shot today… I usually have extreme bad days for about 3-4 days. I’m not happy but once I get through 1 week life turns back around

After first treatment my hair did great. But two weeks in… it started falling out. I just kept it in a bun. Washed and combed it. Yes I kept pulling it out. Last Sunday was my last washed and comb. Woke up last Monday and it knotted up bad. So I put it back in bun and wore wraps every day. Last night after my second treatment I came home and I felt like I need to let it out. So I chopped the “dread lock” off. Now it’s super short and not pretty but I don’t care. I honestly feel today like a big weight is off my shoulders

I will give my experience with chemotherapy, I entered treatment with a 14 hemoglobin count, very important to have infusion 1, 2, 3 and 4 did not affect me number 5 my blood platelets were low almost fainted l I use cucumber to offset the nausea

I had THCP chemo, 6 rounds. Cold capping worked for me. I shed a lot but it was only noticeable to me. 1000% recommend

I’m going through this now. Had my 2nd chemo 1.5 wks ago. I’ve had really bad GI issues. The meds I take for diarrhea cause me constipation and vice versa. My hair started coming out in clumps 2.5 wks after my first chemo. I cut it off so I could donate it. Before this, I was a runner & very healthy. This is not easy. Maybe my experience is harder than for others. I hope yours is easier!!!

I didn’t cold cap. My hair started falling out within 4 days of my first treatment. Was very ill within a few days and ended up with two units of blood and a potassium drip. By treatment three I had developed fatty liver. I’m on my fourth different chemo in the last 16 months. No fun.

I'm doing it and just finished my 5th treatment. I have some thinning but no bald spots. I don't have to wear a head covering. But more importantly, my goal is to preserve my hair follicles for healthy regrowth.

I’m cold capping . Had one chemo treatment. Very sick for almost 2 weeks. In hospital for fluids and then my port was infected and removed. Haven’t lost any hair but I take treatment 2 on the 30th of November. Very much anxiety about this . The GI affects of these drugs are horrendous . I use anti diarrhea drugs but they only work half the time . I asked my oncologist if they’d lower my chemo dosage but she said no . I’m unsure if I have a say in this . I just turned 50 .

I started my 1st round of chemo for Stage 2 , her 2+ on Monday Nov. 6 , I was good until Friday. Nov. 10, then diarrhea real bad , fatigue, and nausea lasted about 10 days . I considered using the cold cap for my hair, changed my mind , hair starting coming out exactly 2 weeks later, just cut it all off on Saturday, feeling liberated!!! Got 2 round of Chemo on yesterday and I am already feeling nauseous, I am going to try eating those bananas , hopefully that will work for me as well

Nancherie, that sounds like My experience. Second round on the 30th . I’m terrified and I told them so . I literally had 6 days of life after that first round. Everyone keeps telling me this one won’t last as long for side effects . It better not or I’m demanding an alternative treatment.

Melinda, I am now day 4 , and I still am nauseous and really fatigued

I have Triple Positive ( ER +, Progesterone +, and HER 2 +) Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Stage 1A, Grade 3. My scalp started to hurt after the 1st TCHP treatment. By day 21, exactly on round 2 TCHP, I could touch my hair, and it was falling out. Had my husband cut it bald. My scalp stopped hurting, and peach fuzz hair started growing on round 3 and my final round 4. I never did cold-capping.

You are probably well on your way through tchp chemo now. But my worst side effect was horrific diarrhea. I was taking lamoto every 6 hours and also Imodium and that didn't help. Make sure if you are having any of these issues to demand hydration! I went three times a week for a liter of hydration! Best of luck to you! And I hope you're through the worst of it

Melinda B, you always have a say in your medical treatment! When my diarrhea was so bad and exhaustion was so bad my oncologist lowered my tchp dose. The next treatment, she brought it back up and I didn't get any worse. You are in charge of your medical treatment, not your doctor. If you don't like what they're doing, find a new oncologist. Just my opinion of course.❤️

TCHP is a comprehensive treatment regimen that many in the HER2+ community have navigated, and each person's experience can vary quite a bit. Cold capping effectiveness does tend to differ based on the specific chemotherapy drugs used, so discussing your decision with your care team makes sense. Fellow community members who have been through TCHP treatment may be able to share their experiences and practical tips for managing side effects - their insights could be really valuable as you prepare for this journey.