Forum Discussion

Kari_2015's avatar
Kari_2015
Member
9 years ago

working and Herceptin Treatment Schedule

Hi to you all,

I've been back to work for nearly 2 months and from next week I will be returning to my original roster of 1 week on, 1 week off. With herceptin scheduled every 3 weeks this poses a problem as I work away in remote central Qld. I am wondering if there are others that for whatever reasons have herceptin treatment other than 3 weekly. I see the oncologist next week but would like to have something up my sleeve in case they don't want to do it cause it doesn't suit then. I already know from the nurses there isn't anyone else doing this while working away in the Townsville clinic. It's becoming more obvious that this job isn't going to suit my cancer but I'm not ready to guve up just yet. 

Thanks, Kari

herceptin
work
  • michelle2427's avatar
    michelle2427
    Member
    9 years ago

    Thanks ladies, was going to jump the gun and take on more work and start back at studying, but may have to be patient and see what affects it has on me first.

    all the best to you both also XX

  • Cook65's avatar
    Cook65
    Member
    9 years ago

    Hi Michelle,

    they say that herceptin doesn't generally make you sick, although I found this not to be true. I generally felt yuck for 24-48 hours after the infusion. They used to do the infusion slower so that the effects weren't as bad. This meant I was in the hospital for about 5 hours. I used to have it on a Thursday so I would take the Thursday and Friday off work. 

     

    Kari, due to another infusion I was having regularly for another illness I have, there were a couple of times that I had to have my herceptin with a 4 week gap instead of the usual 3 weeks. I would definitely speak to your onc about whether you could fit this in with your working. Good luck with it. Karen xox

  • Kari_2015's avatar
    Kari_2015
    Member
    9 years ago

    Hi Michelle

    It's hard to know about the tiredness as my job is a little different to the norm (12hr days, working away, living in a camp) and my home life is a little crazy at the moment as well.  I don't know if I am tired from the treatment or just everything rolled in together; I have definately had a couple of "I just can't do anymore" moments.   I enrolled in a diploma course last year while on chemo to keep my brain working; must admit I haven't found much time for that since returning to work.

    Better to be a little busy than bored?  All about the balance I guess, I am still working that part out!

    Good Luck, Kari

     

  • michelle2427's avatar
    michelle2427
    Member
    9 years ago

    Hi Kari,  my next treatment I start having only Herceptin, I will do 2 weeks on 2 weeks off. Not sure if this helps or fits with your job, however may be another option for you. I can't answer why I'm different from you time wise with treatment, but doesn't hurt to ask.

    Kari I would like to know how just having Herceptin and working go together, any side effects, tiredness etc? I work from home and have deferred study and am thinking of taking on more work and maybe studying again. Very bored ATM.

    All the best

    Michelle

  • Kathy_BCNA's avatar
    Kathy_BCNA
    Member
    9 years ago

    Hi Kari

    This is Kathy from BCNA's Policy Team. If you have finished chemo and are just having Herceptin, you might like to ask your medical oncologist if it is possible to have an Herceptin injection rather than IV Herceptin. While this is still every three weeks, it is a much quicker process than an IV drip.

    Herceptin SC, as the injection is called, has just been listed on the PBS and is not available everywhere, but it would be worth talking to your medical oncologist next week about whether it may be available in your area.

    There is more information on our website.

    Kathy

  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    9 years ago

    They may be able to do a dose reduction and have 2 weekly. You will need to discuss this if an option of course...just flinging out ideas. Kath