How active were/are you with Olaparib (Lynparza)?

[IsaStarr]

Hi all,

I had my 6th and last dose of chemo (nab-paclitaxel+ carboplatin) 4 weeks ago. I started Olaparib today. I am supposed to start work at 40% 1st of May, and increase by 20% each month.

I know that I could have some side effects with Olaparib, I would rather NOT KNOW so much about them as psychologically I usually develop all symptoms I think I should have. But I would love to know how much of your activity you were/are able to keep while on this medication?

I am in my early 30s and I love my job. It will be a new position in the same company. It's rather a demanding job with a lot of meetings and calls but I should be at 100% only in August (4 months after the start of the medication).

Thanks in advance

[Halo2O14]

Hi IsaStarr!

Well done on getting through your 6 chemo sessions.

I'm in my 40's and have been on Olaparib for 18 months now. When I started, I went straight back to work on very reduced hours for the first month. I had to have some dose reductions due to my bloods tanking but still managed to work 3 days a week for months 2 - 3 and then by 4th month I was back to my normal hours.

It obviously affects everyone differently but after my dose reductions I am leading a "normal life". I am working, being a Mum to my 4 year old and weight training.

All I'd say is listen to your body, communicate with your company.

I wish you all the best in your new role!! xx

[IsaStarr in reply to Halo2O14]

Thank you so much, this is very helpful.

[Goodgirl98]

I was 45 when I started olaparib almost 2 years back. Purely because I wanted to spend time with my teens, I took a sabbatical . It took me about 4 months to get used to the medicine and some dosage reduction happened when my blood work went downhill (as expected). After that, life was mostly normal and I lead an active life with workouts, vacations etc, and could very well have worked full time. You are right in not over thinking on the side effects but honestly it is not bad. Only word of caution is even after the initial adjustment, platelets or other parameters could suddenly change at any time so be on top of it every month initially. I had to get one blood transfusion at the end of the first year when my Hb went down too low. So you must be able to take a day off now and then, that's all.

[IsaStarr in reply to Goodgirl98]

Thank you for sharing your experience. My doctor told me I have to do a blood check every two weeks. Not looking forward to having even more frequent visits but it seems necessary.

[Goodgirl98 in reply to IsaStarr]

You will get used to the tests and slowly that could become monthly and quarterly. I am currently in a quarterly testing cycle. Best wishes. You will do great.

[Newbery3]

Hi, I think everyone is different when it comes to side effects. There is a lynarza group on Facebook that I joined and they have loads of tips on hope to cope x

[delia2]

I am much older and spent three years on a reduced dose. I took Ritalin for fatigue. In the first three months I needed a nap in the afternoon but after that I led a normal life, albeit struggling with fatigue. Other side effects wouldn’t affect your work.

[IsaStarr in reply to delia2]

I am on my day 2 of the medication and just woke up from a nap. I have no idea if it's related to the medication, but very good to know Ritalin helps with fatigue. thank you for sharing your experience.

[KelOC38]

Hello, I’m 40 and started on Olaparib in Jan 23 so I’ve been on it for a while. I am an Early Years teacher so I had to take time off from work during chemo. Once I started the Olaparib I waited about 6 weeks before I started to volunteer as a parent helper at school. I’ve now been back in the classroom teaching since September. It’s a very demanding working with 3,4 and 5 year olds. In terms of fitness I was back doing yoga classes after about a month of starting it. I then picked up swimming again and I’m back to doing a pretty speedy swim session each week. I walk on average 6 miles a day as I’ve got a dog. A few weeks ago I did a 44 miles charity walk for Ovacome over 3 days. I also have an 11 year old who keeps me busy. Hopefully this reassures you that life is manageable whilst you’re on it. Yes the blood tests are annoying but you just get used to the routine. I started on the highest dose and I’ve just remained on that. Any questions then please just ask. X