Ejection Fraction Dropped...

jacksnana

When I started Herceptin my ejection fraction was 72, it was the same at the next muga.  The next time I did an echo the cardiologist just said that it was above "55" and didn't specify a number.  Now six weeks after finishing Herceptin a muga shows that it has dropped to 56.  I know that is still in the normal range but I'm a terrible worrier.  After being finished with Herceptin how long did it take for your ejection fraction to recover?  Thanks in advance for your help.  So grateful to be able to come here for help and support!

elmcity69

Hi J,

My ejection fraction started at 74, then dropped to 58 after weeks of Adriamyicin and then Herceptin. As I finish Herceptin one year later, my EF is back up at 68. My onc is confident it will keep increasing back to high normal. I am also a "terrible worrier" and he always reassured me that most patients are fine with a delay in Herceptin (ie, 4 weeks instead of 3 to give the EF chance to improve).

I do find my heart pounds more than it did, but it goes in waves. I just keep reminding myself that this drug is a game changer!

hugs

TriciaK

I had a similar experience to the last poster and was glad to finish my year of herceptin and have had no ill effects five years on!

Tricia xx

jacksnana

Thanks elmcity and Tricia.  I am grateful I was able to finish my herceptin treatment also.  I'm just hoping that my EF will go back up closer to what it was before starting.  I've been finished for 6 weeks, so hopefully it will recover at least some of what was lost.  Don't know why that number is so important to me, it sounds like anything in the normal range is fine.  I guess I just would feel better knowing that it will improve now that I'm finished!  Glad you're both doing well - we just keep on keeping on, right?Thanks again, Veda