ER HER Nagative breast Cancer
I did not have this regimen, but because of the Perjeta diarrhea is a common side effect. Have Imodium on hand, and be sure to replace lost fluids and electrolytes, such as Gatorade or Pedialite.
Wishing you well!
As far as side effects go, my major one was fatigue- but that was a combo of working and the fact that the chemo was zapping my red blood cells and platelets.
If you read all the side effects, you will make yourself crazy- remember- legally, they list everything that is possible- but that does not mean it all will happen. I don't know of anyone that did TCHP that did not lose at least some of their hair, even for those that cold-capped. I decided it wasn't worth it, cut and donated mine before chemo started. And yes, it all left on vacation- but it did start coming back a few months after chemo ended. I did have some tummy flutters, but adjusting a few things took care of that, and I never had the vomiting issues, They gave me two oral meds, but by adjust to small snack size meals vs a larger meal, munching through the day from the snack box (fruit, crackers, raisins, nuts, cheese sticks, etc.), and not eating anything heavy, greasy or fried- all helped.
And Gin-Gin candies!! Ginger is a natural tummy soother, and I had a pocket of those candies, they also helped offset some of the funny tastes we get.
Bathroom issues can go either direction, for me, I needed to use Dulcolax to keep things moving. Others use the BRAT diet to help cut down on bathroom trips.
Here's the thing- the side effects don't hit all at once, something happens, we figure it out, and then something else needs to be addressed. Keep your team aware of any side effects you find challenging, they can give you meds to offset the things like nausea, or they can adjust your chemo dosages if needed. Share with us, and we will share any and all tips and tricks that helped us through! Wishing you all the best with this! Hugs!
Hi Sylvia, I started chemo at age 62, and worked through my treatment. I worked with middle school kiddos with significant intellectual disabilities, some were non speakers, some had mobility issues due to seizure disorders, etc. Several needed assistance with wheelchairs and transfers, some had to be fed, help with bathrooms, and then there were the aggressive ones. So, it's a busy place! And of course, we were never fully staffed, so it was always all hands on deck. I went back to work 8 weeks after the mastectomy- the surgeon was willing to release me at 5 weeks, but the oncologist wanted at least two rounds of chemo completed first.
I think, for me, going back to work was a benefit. It kept me distracted from my own issues, and was continuing to do what I enjoyed (I finally retired last June at 68- but I have gone back and subbed since). I missed my work family and the kids- and I hated that cancer was taking that from me- so I had been looking forward to getting back. It was exhausting- I usually did my pre-chemo labs right after work on a Wed and had to take off every 3rd Friday for chemo. Other appts, oncologist, surgeon, radiologist, etc. I tried to schedule for right after work, or teacher work days when my schedule could be more flexible.
After work I would come home and fix dinner- lots of soups, casseroles, etc. I would prep things ahead of time for the next day, so hopefully the hubs could just slide it in the oven, etc. Otherwise, it's grilled cheese and a salad! Nothing wrong with that!
Only you know how intense the work load is, and what your stamina is. Maybe part-time is the way to ease back into work. It is not easy, but as long as you listen to your body, rest when you can, and give yourself grace, you can do this. I will tell you it gets easier once chemo is done, and you move to just the targeted therapy.
Hugs!
TCHP chemotherapy can cause both immediate and early side effects. Common immediate effects include allergic reactions, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and changes in taste and smell. Early side effects that may develop in the first days or weeks include infections, low blood platelet count, diarrhea, and mucositis (mouth Show Full Answer