How will Herceptin and Perjeta affect my work as a full-time mom?

I received Taxol and Hylecta (subcutaneous injection of Herceptin)… 3 treatments of Taxol left and so far I’ve been able to continue working as a busy physical therapist 3 days/week (I don’t work on chemo days and the day after)… also I cool cap every tx as a side note and only about 30% hair loss (no one can tell but me ) so anyone wanting advice on cool capping, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!!! Also, no neuropathy symptoms here … I use ice bath for hands and feet bc the footies and gloves don’t get cold enough, and as a PT, I need a close to guarantee on no neuropathy !

Last summer I was on 16 weeks of TCHP. Taxol, Carbaplatin, Hercpetin, Perjeta. Physcial activity was a big thing for me to combat fatigue. I did my stationary bike every day (even if all I did was just make my legs go in circles) and 20 min of strength training 4x/week. Now, I am fortunate to have a desk job and had the ability to work from home. I'm a RN, and my situation would have looked differently if I still worked in a clinical setting. But, here is how it went for me: Infusion every 3 weeks on Tuesday. Urgent diarrhea was main issue, but managed pretty well by eating 2 bananas per day. I wasn't against using immodium, and sometimes I did, it just didn't solve the diarrhea more than it paused the diarrhea. Use preperation H wipes for your bottom and add tucks cream when needed. Felt really good Tues and Wed due to steroid premed. Thursday evenings started feeling yuck and then really hit me Friday-Sunday. Come Monday I was pretty much back to 80-90%. Fridays I blocked my calendar at work and had an awesome management team that let me flex time. Then, during weeks 2 and 3 between infusion days, I blocked my lunch and used it to nap. Even if I had to go to the office, I would find an empty conference room and just rest. That was enough to get me through the afternoon. Hopefully you work for a supportive organization. It makes all the difference in the world. Best of luck to you! You got this!!

All done with chemo as of today!!!! Just the Hylecta injections now and Tamoxifen. Had 12 weeks of Taxol, no symptoms, continued to work and complete my exercise routines, full head of hair, ready to celebrate big this weekend!!

Had 12 weeks Taxol, Herceptin, and Perjeta. I was sick as a dog. Lost my hair. I could not have reliably worked at any job. I was immobilized most of the time. We all respond differently to the infusions/medications. You will hear that or a similar statement over and over. It is true. I bought a toilet seat bidet. I would encourage you to do the same. Keeps you nice and clean “down there.” I now see your initial question was quite some time ago. You can probably answer your own question by now!

12 weeks of chemo I ended up taking a medical leave after week 2 even though I wanted to try and work all the way through. Once I was on just Herceptin it felt like a breeze and I went back to work no problem I have a desk job though…might of been different if I had to be on my feet a lot.

I am in the same spot as you. I just started treatment 2 days ago. And I'm scared it's been rough. I can't afford to take a leave of absence but I'm afraid I will have no choice after just this first two days. But I took chemotherapy on Thursday to hopefully feel sick all weekend and get back to it Monday. I will update how that goes. I wish you well.

When you are just on Herceptin and Perjeta, there are very few side effects and you can still work. Sometimes you feel fatigue, but it is not bad.

I’m on Herceptin & am able to work as usual. I’m tired the day after but otherwise energy comes back & I’m able to keep moving! I’m working hard to also fuel my body with as much whole food/nutrition as possible. I also detox starting 72 hours after treatment & I can really tell a difference. I soak in 1 cup each of plain epsom salt & baking soda for 15-20 minutes every few days. I’m also using a castor oil pack on my liver a few times a week (make sure your oil is usda organic). The difference is pretty immediate for me!

Taxol herceptin and perjeta were no too bad

I did my chemo...without herceptin and perjeta (1st round only) on Thursdays. I felt ok Friday, just tired. I was able to go back to work Monday, once the perjeta was not part of the plan. Make sure you take the nausea meds and just know that you will not be your full self. The 3rd round was the hardest for me. Best wishes for you during your treatment.

I did 12 rounds of chemo with herseptin every 3rd chemo injection throughout my chemo treatment and continued herseptin injections for a year every 3 weeks. Everything went well and am not on any meds. I excercise every day and feel good. I actually felt better if I ate during chemo. Had no bad symptoms on herseptin except for a constant runny nose.

Balancing treatment and work responsibilities is a common concern for many in this community. Side effects from HER2+ targeted therapies can vary significantly from person to person - some people continue working with minimal disruption while others may need to adjust their schedules or take time off. Many working parents find it helpful to discuss flexible arrangements with their employer and connect with others here who have navigated similar situations with their careers and family responsibilities.