Anyone else received the treatment Kadcyla - combi targeted/chemo drug? I have just been told I have to have 12 cycles of this through IV and I have to admit to feel anxious and worried about it as the side effects sound similar to chemotherapy and I was hoping after having 6 rounds of chemo followed by surgery to soon be able to go back to work and now I’m not sure I will be able to as not sure how poorly I will feel. I know I have to go through it as it’s the best chance of curing the cancer now and stopping the HER2 receptors creating more problems again but the treatment is very unknown and the immediate future now looks unknown too. Any help is much appreciated. Thanks
Hi @footie18
You may find the HER2 thread helpful.
It’s a long read from start to finish as it’s been going since Jan 2024 but the stories reflect the long haul treatment we go through. I have found it reassuring to read that people have got through the other side.
Hi @footie18,
Thank you for posting.
As @mrsjelly has said, you may find the HER2 thread helpful to read.
Because Kadcyla has a chemotherapy component, it can have some of the same side effects. As with any medication some people will experience more side effects than others. Side effects can usually be managed by your treatment team, and many people do tolerate this treatment well.
It’s understandable that you feel worried as you were hoping to go back to work soon. Some people do find they are able to work whilst having Kadcyla. This will vary based on how well you feel, what job you do and how you feel about returning to work. As you say, the unknown can be very difficult to cope with.
You may find it helpful to talk to your workplace about your concerns and what support they can offer when you do feel ready to return to work. You may find the organisation Working With Cancer helpful. We also have a podcast episode on working with cancer that may be of interest for you.
We offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events. Our Moving Forward course may be helpful for you. You can take part in this while having Kadcyla.
For more details about all of these services, please see the information on the link, or call our free helpline.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
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Best wishes
Cassie
Breast Care Nurse
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