Heart SE 1 year later?

Liezel

Hi Everyone,

I finished 1 yr of Herceptin in Apr07 already.  During tx, they tested my heart once, and it was doing fine.  However, since I stopped tx, I have been getting a mixture of sharp and "heavy" heart pains.  Sometimes I can feel my heart racing for a few seconds, which leaves me out of breath and dizzy.  Innitially we thought it might just be scarring from the port.  In May we did a CT and that showed my heart healthy.  But last night I had severe heart palpatations.  It seems to be worse when I lie on my left side or on my back.  Could this still be from Herceptin, or is it all in my mind (which seems to be what everybody is thinking).  Some are suggesting panic attacks, but I really do not have that much stress, in fact, life is pretty good at the moment.  I have no history of heart disease, I am not overweight, do not suffer from high bp, and only 38.  I am seeing my GP on Wednesday, but any idea what this might be?

nobleanna007

Liezel,

           I am not a expert on this but I have just been taking off Herceptin for 8 weeks or until Muga Scan comes back okay. I have the same symptoms as you. Especially at night or over excertion. Its very scary! But if I was you I would ask for a Muga Scan or something similar like a Echo cardigram, which I am surprised they didn't do. I do have anixety and when I get nervous over something it can mimimick a heart problem but its more you can't catch your breath or take deep breaths. I have meds for that and have had it for years. I know the diffrence but like you they treat it as a panic attack. You really have to be your own advocate and demand something. That was hard for me to do but I am so sick of Doctors not listening when we know our own bodies so much better and know when something is not right. I have been to the ER twice for this first time they thought panic attack dehydration blah blah blah. Second time they kept me and only did EKG well yeah my heart shows I am not having a major heart attack but now knowing my low numbers on the scan I am right to feel it. So don't think your crazy stand up for yourself if you truly feel something is not right!!!! I see we are in diffrent countries so I don't know how they do things there but I am sure their is something else they can check your heart function with. Not a EKG it won't show a heart disease or major problem I think it shows only the rythem and beats not sure on that. I hope everything turns out alright for you keep us posted.

                                                            Bestwishes-Bridget

Liezel

Thanks Bridget, I hope your heart function recovers soon, so that you can continue with Herceptin.  I saw my GP yesterday, and she schedule me for an Echo on 15th.  They did one halfway through tx, and it was 67% then.  Unfortunately we do not have an earlier one to compare it to.  She asked me to phone her immediately if I get sob so that they can admit me immediately.  My pulse rate is apparently quite high as well.  So, a two week wait before I have more news.  Good luck to you....

mickey53

I finished Herceptin in Nov 2007.  I have had episodes of my heart racing and my pulse being 180-195 for more than 5 minutes, sometimes 30 minutes or more (this often occurs for no reason - I am usually at rest).  My cardiologist has diagnosed PSVT, which is scary and upsetting but not life threatening.  He says if I can get it down it is okay not to go to the hospital unless it won't stop.  He suggests breathing slowly and bearing down (like during a bowel movement) and this will slow the pulse.  I try this but it is hard to do when your heart is racing like crazy but it has always worked so far for me.  There is medication to help too. I suggest a visit to a cardiologist to run a few tests and to set your mind at ease.  We do not need anything more to stress us out!!

wendyk13

I doubt it's the Herceptin.  Maybe atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter???  A cardio visit is a good idea and if you are not having symptoms at the time they may choose to put on a halter monitor for a period of time so you can record an EKG tracing at the time of the event.  PSVT is possible as well.  My DH has a. fib/flutter as well as his sister and my BIL has SVT.  Sounds pretty much like them!