I am having to make a decision regarding going back to work and starting slaried route PGCE part time for 2 years through my school all paid for. This has already been postponed for a year whilst on initial chemo.
I am Her2 + and ER +, 4 tumors in total with 1 + lymoh node. Had 6 rounds of chemo followed by mastectomy with expander and an unexpected extra surgery to remove all lymph nodes in my arm.
I’m now due to start on my next path with 14 cycles of kadcyla, with hormone injection every 4 weeks and bone injection every 6 months which will be followed up at the end with 5 years of Letrozole tablets and operation to replace expander with implant.
A discussion about radiotherapy will be had next week but if I am having it, it will be 3 weeks max, every day.
Just wondering if anyone could update on their kadcyla experiences. On one hand I am thinking just concentrate on the chemo an ride the waves. I also have 2 children 8 and 10, eldest will be starting high school so could be around more for her. On the other hand I really want to try an get back to normal as being at home also sucks as usually so busy and already been off since September. I feel like it is a big opportunity I will be turning down as was hard to get in first place. Earning whilst studying to get my teaching qualification and also having my uni fees paid for. I also do not know what will happen to my job as I will have had 5 months full pay and 5 months half pay. No idea what situation I will be in then.
I have receieved email from uni today asking if I am taking up the place in September and I will also need to inform my headteacher so she can sort places for September. Feel soooo stuck and really don’t know what to do.
Hi there. My partner has been on Kadcyla since February and has had three doses so far. There are many Kadcyla people on this forum who have had varying experiences on this chemo. Many are doing okay and have been able to get back to almost normal work while on this, whereas some are still sort of figuring out what works best for them since the side effects are so varied. I can share my partner’s experience so far. The first Kadcyla was a shock to the system and followed by extreme fatigue, muscle pain and low platelet count. We sort of went to the A&E to be told that the platelet count and liver enzymes were low and high respectively. But she rested it out and was okay resuming normal activities within a week. Also for many people the effects hit on the 3rd or 4th day after the infusion and lasts for 4-5 days. The second and third time around it has been fairly easier for her than the first one. Fatigue, joint pain and mild nose bleeds etc. Bed rest for 3-4 days but the pain is a lot more manageable. She has also been wanting to get back to work full time but the doctors have advised to watch out for another cycle or so on how the body reacts. It is tough for her as she really was hoping to get down to full time work as soon as radiotherapy was done, but we are now just going with the flow. She is also working this out with her therapist because she is extremely angry at this extended chemo, which sort of came as a surprise to us. Having said that, my suggestion would be to just see how to your body reacts to Kadcyla, before committing to your workplace. It solely depends on how your system reacts to it. Also, I know it is easier said than done and you have probably heard it many times, but just hang in there. You will get through this too. The fact that NHS has access to such medicines is something we try to try and feel grateful for. Sending you healing and healthy wishes.
Thanks so much for your reply. This is what I am realising now in kadcyla there seems to be a huge difference in peoples reactions so will just have to see I suppose. I am thinking I might commit to uni an work as I will of had 4 cycles before the time comes to start both an see how I go with them. I can always withdraw if needs be. I understand the shock too as I was so surprised with the amount of cycles its just such a long time. Hope both your journey settles and you get an easier ride x