Diastolic Disfunction...Damn!

SweetHope

I have had 3 out of 4 DD AC infusions. Shortness of breath at inappropriate times warranted a follow up Echocardiogram. Results show a lowered EF% and Diastolic Dysfunction. From what I have read the Diastolic Dysfunction (which means that the heart does not totally relax between beats so it does not completely refill) is related to the Adriamycin.

Chemo is now on hold until I visit a Cardiologist tomorrow. I am assuming more tests will be ordered and it may be a while until I get a new treatment plan. I am very anxious about starting Taxol. Radiation now seems heart-threatening since cancer was 9 o'clock on left breast. Both of those treatments can further stiffen the heart muscle. DH and I are discussing a BMX....UGH!

I would greatly appreciate hearing from those who have faced this dilemma. Please!

jlstacey

I hope your cardiologist appoibtment went well today

leftfootforward

Hi there,

I will chime in that I had radiation to my left side as well. Because my heart was in the way and I had some issues with EF I followed a breath holding protocall and that kept my heart out of the radiation field. Ask your radiologist about it. It did mean I couldn't treat all my neck lymph nodes but it was worth the trade off. So hold out help. Also 4 years later my heart has bounced back with follow up with a cardiologist and heart meds.