Having to go through chemo again was not part of my original plan, but understanding the reasons why Kadcycla needed to be part of the plan, and knowing it would be more manageable was key to getting through it.
It’s hard to believe I’m already halfway through my 14 rounds of Kadcyla chemotherapy. When my doctor first told me I needed more chemo, I felt like I was going to break. It was the last thing I wanted to hear, and even less what I wanted to go through again. But after allowing myself time to process—feeling the emotions, crying, and sitting with the news—I picked myself up. I reminded myself that this is just another hurdle to overcome. Or, as my dad always says, “Life is full of temporary situations, not permanent positions.” And this, too, was temporary.
Adjusting to Kadcyla: A Different Experience
The first round of Kadcyla was a shock—it felt nothing like my first cycle with Taxol and Carboplatin. Even the infusion process was different, lasting less than two hours. The only side effect at first was completely self-induced; I accidentally took my steroids incorrectly, which led to extra steroid doses at my appointment. The result? Endless energy and extreme hunger! (Oops! Lesson learned.) Otherwise, I felt totally fine and even returned to work the same day, feeling almost "normal."
Side Effects and Changes Over Time
At first, I barely noticed any side effects. But by Sunday, I felt a little more tired. With each round, fatigue became my biggest challenge. Unlike my previous chemo treatments, Kadcyla didn’t affect my taste buds, meaning I could enjoy a much wider variety of foods. Spicy foods were still hit or miss, but I was relieved to stop worrying about what I could or couldn’t eat.
The Best Part? Hair Growth!
One of the biggest surprises—and honestly, the best part—was that my hair started growing back! I had already seen a few months of progress, so I was terrified that this new treatment might wipe it all away. Losing my hair again would have been devastating. But thankfully, that wasn’t the case!
Plus, there was another unexpected relief: people stopped looking at me like I had cancer. A shaved head is such a telltale sign of treatment, and as my hair started filling in, I felt like I was finally reclaiming a part of myself.
Moving Forward
Reaching the halfway mark in my Kadcyla chemo journey has been a rollercoaster, but it’s a reminder that this is temporary and I am pushing through. If you’re going through Kadcyla treatment or supporting someone who is, know that every round is progress, and you’re not alone. 💛
