has anybody developed heart problems after 2 a/c cycle

mamadawg

i am new to the site and have had 2 cycles of adriamycin/cytoxen and am having heart problems. Never had any trouble before chemo. My oncologist sent me to ER then a cardiologist for echocardiogram. Waiting for results. Is this normal or should I request to stop chemo treatments?

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leggo

Hi mamadawg and welcome. The bad news is adriamycin can affect heart function. The good news is that it's usually temporary. The echocardiogram will likely show an oncologist/cardiologist if your heart function is good enough to continue treatment. If they think you're in danger, they will stop treatment, likely until your heart recovers. I hope you get good news in that regard. Did you have an echo prior to starting treatment? If so, they'll likely compare the two to see how dramatic the change has been.

My heart recovered from adriamycin with the help of cardiologists' supervision and treatment. Unfortunately, another drug did it in permanently. 

leggo

Also, I think it's important to mention that heart damage caused by chemo is different than other heart problems. It affects all four walls of the heart. If that's not the case, it could be caused by something else. A lesser cardiologist sometimes doesn't look into another possibility, so something to keep in mind.

ChristyLee70

Hello,

I experienced extra beats after my first treatment. It was decided it wasn't a concern although it felt like one to me. I continued with the irregular beats throughout treatment. It eventually corrected. Wish you well.

Moderators

Also, here are a few links that you may find helpful:

Adriamycin

Heart Problems

Redporchlady

Did you have an echocardiogram before you started?  I had one before we started and so they knew it was strong enough to start treatment.  I was told they would not recheck it unless I had issues and I just completed my 4 rounds of AC on November 18th.  I would definitely ask your oncologist questions.  It is hard knowing that the drugs they need to use to kill the cancer can cause such harsh side effects.