TCHP Chemo Regimen
- Surviving Breast Cancer
- Aug 7, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 19
By Contributing Editor, Madhumitha Sabhanayagam
TCHP Chemo Side Effects - What can we do?
When breast cancer first entered the spotlight, the most talked-about subject, other than cancer itself, was chemotherapy. Chemotherapy, though sometimes not the most common way to treat breast cancer, is often the first option that jumps into most people’s minds, quickly followed by concerns of hair loss. The side effects of chemotherapy are appropriately notorious. Many of you have experienced these side effects first-hand and the toll it takes, not only on your person but also on your mental and emotional health.
In recent days, I have come across several survivors discussing the aggressive side effects of the TCHP chemotherapy regimen for breast cancer treatment.
TCHP Regimen
TCHP is made up of four different chemotherapy drugs. TCHP drugs target cancer cells or slow down the growth of pre-existing cancer cells and include:
T - Taxotere (Docetaxel)
C - Carboplatin (Paraplatin)
TCHP chemotherapy is usually administered before (to shrink the tumor) or after surgery (to eliminate any rogue cancer cells). The entire chemo regimen is designed to be given in several cycles, and treatment can last anywhere from 5 to 6 months. Follow-up medications, treatments, and check-ups may all be necessary depending on each individual’s treatment path.
TCHP Side Effects
Because of the four-way combination of the drugs, the regimen presents a slew of side effects that can wreak havoc on an individual and their day-to-day activities. Some of the common chemo side effects include:
Diarrhea
Hair loss
Low white blood cells
Nausea
Fatigue
Vomiting
Anemia
Upset stomach
Constipation
Decreased heart function
So what causes TCHP to have side effects? The chemotherapy's aggressiveness in attacking cancer cells can also harm normal cells. For example, it may attack the cells that stimulate hair growth or the cells that release the hormone that stimulates hunger. This results in hair loss and loss of appetite.
TCHP Chemo Experience
The most impactful side effect for most TCHP chemo survivors is weight loss. The treatment takes a toll on your appetite and the ability to find anything appetizing. Nausea is constant, and if you do get hungry, food tastes absolutely abhorrent. Many survivors experience drastic weight loss and have little energy to participate in day-to-day activities. It is important to try to consume calories however possible; consider nut butters for a great high-protein and calorie-dense option. Ask your oncology team if they can refer you to a nutritionist as well if you are having a tough time eating enough food.
Though TCHP side effects are significant, there is light at the end of the tunnel for patients. Oncology teams are investing more time and effort to reduce the severity of side effects. For example, to combat chemotherapy-induced hair loss, there is a new method called scalp cooling. Patients can wear a mask during treatment that cools the scalp and minimizes hair-cell damage. Though relatively new, some oncology centers have seen success with scalp cooling, as well as one of our very own SBC members, who shares her experience with cold caps on our podcast Breast Cancer Conversations.
Chemotherapy Diet Restrictions
The lack of appetite, nausea, and continuous vomiting can result in dehydration and loss of protein in the body. When experiencing such symptoms, drinking plenty of fluids becomes extremely important. Water, electrolytes, and soup are great sources of hydration. It is best to avoid strong flavors that could trigger nausea; prioritize simple-tasting (bland, unfortunately) food. Nausea-inducing foods include spicy, greasy, fatty, and high-sugar foods. For some chemotherapy patients, ramen, oatmeal, lemons, sour patches, and apple sauce are the only foods they can eat and keep down. Try eating several small meals throughout the day to avoid large meals that may be overwhelming while undergoing TCHP chemotherapy.
Doctors advise conscious protein inclusion into chemotherapy patients' diets. Focus heavily on milk or a plant-based and protein-rich alternative, eggs, beans, and cheese, as they provide the protein needed to replace the cells you may have lost during treatment. Check out tips on managing chemo side effects and our recommendations on vitamin D and calcium.
Emotional Effects of Chemotherapy
Emotional and psychological effects are evident when undergoing TCHP chemotherapy. Bouts of helplessness and extreme depression are normal experiences for patients. If this is you, it is important to note that you are not alone in experiencing these effects. A good way to combat psychological decay is to invest in therapy and to assert conscious control of your psychological well-being. Feeling out of control is the biggest stressor for most cancer survivors. Therapy can take a variety of forms, including:
Speaking with a counselor or social worker
Taking a walk with a friend or
Engaging in light yoga or other exercises
Breathing exercises at home
No matter what form your therapy takes, it's important to carve out time for yourself, even during TCHP chemotherapy treatment.
To be in charge of all the knowledge your oncology team presents to you, have your medications and aid tools ready to combat the side effects of TCHP. At the same time, ensure that you still bring a sense of normalcy to your life by engaging in hobbies and activities that serve as a pleasant distraction.
Battling cancer is a rough and rarely straightforward path filled with ups, downs, and several hurdles for patients to overcome. Fortunately, some tools can help aid patients along their journey. Many support groups and forums at local oncology centers and online offer great advice and programs to help soften the blow of cancer. Voice your concerns and do not be afraid to be heard. TAKE UP SPACE and BE SEEN.
Do not suffer alone..
