You are about to embark on a roller coaster of side effects, but everyone responds differently. The doctors will list the side effects but they can't tell you exactly how the treatment is going to affect you. In general terms the radiation effects are cumulative and won't start to affect you for a few weeks. In my case the Cisplatin hit me immediately and I struggled with severe nausea for the first 9 days. Getting the cocktail of meds right to deal with the nausea proved very difficult.

In answer to your question about work, I believe some people are able to but I would have been useless from day 2 onwards. I would make plans to be unavailable for work for the foreseeable future.

I would definitely avoid making plans that involve driving. Your immune system will be severely compromised by the Cisplatin and you should avoid contact with anyone with a cold or flu.

Stay in close contact with your doctors and nurses as the symptoms develop. Talk to them early and they can often help you take control before a side effect overwhelms you. You may be about to redefine your understanding of the words "nausea" and "constipation". Tinnitus stopped me from getting my 3rd dose, be aware of that as mentioned above.

Best of luck, I hope your journey goes smooth. Let us know how you go.