Heart Disease from Treatment

CJT511

Has anyone else developed heart disease post treatment? I am 4 years post treatment (7/31/14 surgery) and have now developed cardiomyopathy. Will be going for a stress echocardiogram on Friday to determine status. All of the chemo drugs and radiation I survived caused this condition. So I'm going to survive breast cancer but die of heart disease? Looking forward to everyone's input. Thanks

bluepearl

I have a friend who has the same condition. She has received treatment and her heart has recovered almost to normal, so there is a lot o hope in this!! It is the AC one that's the culprit but it was needed for my friend as she had a Stage 3 b.c. She is now out almost 10 years and doing great...and her heart's ejection fraction is within normal limits now and the enlargement has been reduced to almost normal now as well. Hang in there!!!!! BTW...they use the dreadful term "heart failure" but you can live a long time with that...my Mom until 90 years of age!

Vemlyon

I actually came here looking for this specifically.

My treatment was also in 2014 (last chemo was 24 dec) to 2015 (radiation). ER found my EF at just below 20 earlier this year, CHF. No enlargement. No blood clots. No artery blockage. No signs of a cause, just not pumping. My blood pressure runs low, so they haven't been able to give much medication to help, they accidentally caused liver shock twice trying to manage it, and I had an afib while in the hospital to boot. My 3 month follow up scan is June 4, once they get the results they will decide what to do. They are talking about sending me to a specialist in the city.

My younger daughter just turned 16 and I am so worried about not being there to see her to adulthood. I'm lucky, though, I used to volunteer for make-a-wish so I'm glad it's me dealing with it and not my daughters. No BRCA genes so I hope they never get it.

How are you doing?

CJT511

I'm doing well! My stress echo cardiogram came back as "within normal range in absence of any other symptoms". Shows no signs of heart blockage, etc, just like you. My resting EF was 50% but went up to normal range with exercise. My PCP said exercise will help strengthen the heart muscle. All of this damage is due to the chemo drugs/radiation.

I would follow up with your scan on June 4th and see what the plan of action will be from there. Many people live many, many years with this condition so I remain optimistic.

Hang in there!

Vemlyon

It is such a relief to hear people post about their recovery from this, thank you!

CJT511

That's why this great website is so helpful!!!

Orillia

Hello, My Onc put me on letrozole 4/18/2017 . I found , after the 5th month all the joys (NOT) of drug therapy. About 1 week before thanksgiving , I passed out for the first time my life ( very scary ). I stopped therapy right away and been to seen a cardiologist , who put on on a heart monitor for two weeks. The third last day befor sending the monitor back , my heart stopped for 7 seconds , so I was told . After seeing my cardiologist , An appointment was made for the following day for a pacemaker . I was told that my heart is really strong but just have an electrical shortage . I started to feel much better , and the fact that I had been off the meds really gave me a breather. I did think though that I would have to my onc again to see if I was a candidate for another med. He told me that the meds DO NOT cause any heart problems , so I asked him directly , if he was telling me that it was not possible and he finally admitted that it is possible. As frightening as having had cancer is , it is important to remember , that like any other profession ,some people are better than others and because medicine is such big business , you HAVE to be pro active with YOUR health . There are some great health care professionals of course . I am ashamed to say that in previous years ( pre- cancer) that I trusted doctors without a doubt , that what they are telling me the gospel , but as you know , You know how You feel ! After getting the pacemaker , I did ask the cardiologist if the cancer drugs can effect the heart and was told , yes , and that one should be monitored if taking the meds in the future. I have read that the meds could cause less serious heart problems and is not cause for a heart attack. Bottom line , I am now taking anastrozole , for the second day , and am determined to feel positive about it , but am under no illusions about possible side effects . There is a very good web site , under breast cancer 360 , that me surgeon suggested I read. It is an eye opener , in a good way. Check it out and best of luck . Damn , having to put on those big girl pants

CJT511

Orillia, what a beautiful name!!! Before I began chemo, I had to have an echo cardiogram to see if my heart was strong enough to withstand the chemo drugs. Well it was back then (2014) but not now. The chemo drugs caused the damage, specifically adriomycin/cytoxin. I had to stop my chemo treatments because of the numerous side effects I was experiencing.

For now, I am monitoring my own blood pressure at home and keeping track of any adverse events. I see my PCP in late June and she'll determine then if I need to have further testing with a cardiologist.

And I do agree with you about being responsible for your own journey. I have refused all drugs and so far I am feeling fine (aside from this heart problem).

06elise

Is anybody still looking at this topic?

I went through dose dense AC-THP in 2016 (Herceptin lasted through 4/2017). Last month I had an Echocardiogram to see what might be causing several symptoms; most notably lightheadedness and a BP that started sitting around 90/50. Yup. Cardiomyopathy.

No family history of heart problems; never been a smoker; rarely have a glass of wine (or any other drink); and my blood pressure has always been on the lower side of normal. My EF is only estimated at 50%, which wouldn't be a big deal, except that it had been ~60% in 1/2017 (the last time they checked it).

It's so good to see that SOMEBODY got through this! Gives me hope

CJT511

My PCP feels that I should just continue to monitor for now and to start exercising more. Didn't feel it necessary to see a cardiologist yet. I use to take the dog for a good fast pace walk but due to the extreme heat and humidity, I can't breath. I do have COPD (former smoker) but also suffered pneumonitis from Taxol chemo. I am so looking forward to fall weather when the humidity drops!!! I have a stationary bike in the basement which I need to get my lazy butt on and start working it. My PCP thinks that more cardio exercise will help to strengthen my heart and help to increase my lung capacity. Right now, I'm status quo, which is fine with me!!! As long as my symptoms haven't worsened.

I will say that I am pissed to think that I will survive breast cancer but could possibly die of cardiomyopathy which I got from treatment to treat the cancer. Ironic, huh? Hang in there!!!

06elise

Thank you for replying, CJT!

I've heard from more friends whose exercise programs actually reversed their cardiomyopathy! Woohoo!! Don't give up hope!!

My PCP referred me to a PT in case any of my lightheadedness was related to vertigo. Bad news was it wasn't BPPV; good news is that she signed me up for several exercise sessions between now and my cardio appointment. Yay!!

I can't even climb a staircase or walk a half block without getting dizzy or lightheaded... And those times I've tried to "just push through it" (which was always my usual method), the instant I stopped moving, my head started pounding and I would've keeled over if I didn't have something there to lean against. Blood oxygen and heart rate monitors to the rescue!

CJT511

Amazing what exercise can do for you....even just a simple walk around the block!! The difficulty I'm having right now is I live in the North East and the heat & humidity we're experiencing right now doesn't allow me to stay out very long. I just can't breath!!! I am so looking forward to fall when the dry air arrives.

So we'll just do what we can for now and keep on truckin'!!!!

hnhdrywall

I think we could start a new me too movement here. I go for my tasting on chemo causing heart trouble. Such wonderful drugs. Solves one problem and starts another. Trying to keep my head up and not loose it. I just want to run away and have an affair while I still can with a ferocious cowboy. Lol

hnhdrywall

thank you for those encouraging words. Just starting my heart journey. All my chemo and rad was done in2016

Moderators

Hi there, hnhdrywall! We want to welcome you to our community. We're so sorry to hear about your situation, but you really nailed it! Chemo solves one problem and sometimes brings on another. We hope your tests all come back with favorable results, we're here for you!

The Mods

Mahomet_mom

Wondering if the radiation done ten years ago could be contributing to left subclavian artery stenosis. No chemo, left breast, tumor at 1:00 position facing me. Diagnosed with stenosis first 2 years ago but now is ‘significant‘ vs moderate. 35-60 point difference in systolic of my arms, very faint pulse in left arm and other symptoms. Any guidance?

CJT511

Who gave you the diagnosis of "subclavian arterial stenosis"? You may need to follow up with a cardiologist. Radiation can do a lot of damage as well. In the clinic I'm treated at, they hired a cardiologist who specializes in the side effects of chemo/radiation. So far, I've been able to keep myself in check with exercising. Don't give up hope and keep us posted.