Help, need others feelings on this

blondie45

I had AC x 4 and then Taxol with herceptin x 12 and then was supposed to have herceptin once every 3 weeks until July. My last herceptin was in December, so I have had 17 herceptins.

Anyhow, fast forward, I was supposed to get my next herceptin Jan 20 and that was halted due to a low ejection fraction and possible blockage of some kind on echo. So they did a treadmill test and nuclear scan of the heart and I was told most likely need heart cath now as they still can't tell about the blockage thing.

This cardio doc they sent me to has spent like 5 minutes with me. He just sat down and sat the low ejection fraction was from the Adriamycin and basically told me this was permanent and has been treating me like I have congestive heart failure already when I don't think he can know that for sure yet. He was just too short and sweet for me the one time I saw him so far. I have an appt on Wednesday morning of this week and if I still get the same attitude from him and also him being short about everything, I think I will be getting a new cardio doc. For me, this is as important to me as the onc doc, so I want someone who has time to explain things to me, etc. What are your thoughts?

Faith316

I agree with you.  You know in your gut when something or somebody isn't right for you and that includes doctors.  I did not like my first oncologist and I fired him after just a couple of appointments with him.  I knew my oncologist was somebody I would have a lifetime relationship with and I knew he wasn't right for me.  I changed and am so glad I did.  Trust your gut instincts.  It won't lead you wrong.  Good luck and keep us posted on how things are going with you.

GryffinSong

I agree with you 100%. If a doctor doesn't have time to talk with you and discuss your concerns, they're not the one for you. You deserve the best, and I'd be straight off for a second opinion. Hugs and good luck!

sheila888

Blondie, didn't you have some kind of Echo or muga test before they started A/C?

i had the muga and got 4x A/C +4x Taxol. Herceptin started with the first dose of Taxol, I was getting it weekly then half way through Herceptin, another Muga which the numbers were little lower than the first one but still in the range. If you dont get any answers change your DR.

Sheila

noellech

Blondie - You should definitely go for a second opinion about this even if you loved your cardiologist. I have been under care of cardiologist since last year and didn't do the last three rounds of herceptin because my echo showed some problems. They think my issues were there before the chemo and compared to some they are relatively mild. The goal for you would be to stabilize the heart muscle so that you can continue on the herceptin. But a second opinion before any kind of invasive procedure is always warranted and insurance almost always covers it.

 Good luck, Noelle

janincanada

go with your gut.  You had=ve to have a good feeling about your Dr.s. It's your life that they are affecting.  I would def. look at getting a new cardio so that you feel acknowledged and understand all of the issues.  How can you manage your health and make good decisions about activity etc. if you don't know what your are dealing with precisely.  I changed my GP because he was an idiot.  I had to argue with him for 1`5 minutes to justify to him why I needed a perscription for mastectomy bras since they are covered.  He thought that i should be able to just put that puppy in a regular bra and everything would be OK.  I got the perscription after getting pretty graphic and telling him that if he had a testicular prosthesis wouldn't he want to have underwear that would keep it from migrating towards his belly button.

After i left his office with my perscription I decided to change Dr.s figuring that if he didn't get the bra issue how could he support me, understand my concerns etc.

KorynH

My ejection fraction slipped from 69 at onset of treatment (Dec. 08)  to 65, 64, 62, 64, then to 70 by the end of treatment (Dec. 09) . I started working out about half way through treatment and this helped raise my numbers. My doc also said that once you are off Herceptin is generally rebounds heart function. Another test a month from now may turn the tables for you too!

blondie45

Unfortunately I have more than the low ejection fraction going on. I guess there are 3 main vessels or arteries that run around the heart and one of mine is not functioning correctly. I am having a heart cath next Monday and they will stent or do whatever they need to at the time. Doc said today depending on what they find and oral meds to control things, I may be back on herceptin eventually.

cancer2

I am HER-2 positive also.  I already had a cariologist due to prior heart issues.  When taking Herceptin I had a heart echo every 3 months to make sure my ejection fraction was not getting lower.  What is your EF?  This is what my oncologist and cardiologist both said one should do when taking Herceptin.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with getting a second opinion!

tami444

I'm so sorry you are going through this ... and ALWAYS follow your gut feel.  I consider "gut feels" as one way God communicates with us.

My ejection fraction was measured before starting, after the A/C (before the Herceptin/Abraxane), and after my 12 Herceptin/Abraxane treatments.  Did you get a scan after the A/C before the Herceptin?  If so, you and the doctor need to look at the scores and compare.  I hear that your heart can recover from Herceptin ... not sure about the A/C.

Hugs and prayers headed your way