Informative Book on IBC Survival

Hi Bonnie!

Thanks for the post. Hope all is well with you.  I wanted to let you know that I have had to have a bi-ventrical pacemaker/defibrulator implanted.  The cardiologist said that I have scar tissue throughout my heart and it appears to be from the chemo I received during my treatment for IBC in 2002 - 2003 (11 months/ 20 chemos- 4 A/C, 4 Taxotere, Surgery(didn't get it all), had a Re-excision 4 weeks later, Emergency Surgery 1 week later due to a hematoma which occurred when my drains were removed, then 12 taxol treatments in conjuction with 33 radiation treatments.  I developed a bundle branch block in my heart which was discovered in 2006 when I had to have a colectomy(colon cancer surgery) based on pre-cancer polyps found during a colonoscopy (3 opinions recommended surgery!)  Finally decided to have it and the surgeon reported that it would have been full blown colon cancer in 6 months if I had not had the colectomy.  No follow up for the bundle branch block until my gp wanted me to have an echo cardiogram which revealed that I had less that 20% heart function and was told that I would be permanently disabled.  Decided to have the pacemaker at the recommendation of the the cardiologist.  Glad I did.  I now have 40-45% heart function and I am feeling the best I have felt since my chemo almost 8 years ago!  Praising the Lord everyday!