Mild Pericardial Effusion

Options
Richa
Richa Member Posts: 16
edited June 2014 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After

Echo results show a mild pericardial effusion...the doctor doing it says that it is OK...have had three cycles of FEC followed by three cycles of Taxotere and Herceptin...is it a normal effect or something I need to worry about

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited December 2012

    Richa,

    I also have mild pericardial effusion that was found over a year ago during the first echocardiogram I had. It remains unchanged and there seems to be no known cause. Both my mo and several cardiologists she consulted call it idiopathic, meaning no known cause. Cardiologist says that some people just have it. I have not had chemo, so we know that isn't the cause in my case. Best wishes for you.

    Caryn

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Richa
    Richa Member Posts: 16
    edited December 2012

    Hi Caryn

    Thanks for ur advice...my echo prior to the chemo showed no effusion...so its either Taxotere or Herceptin...you take care and keep up your spirits 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • WanderingSpirit
    WanderingSpirit Member Posts: 122
    edited April 2014

    Can someone please explain small pericardial effusion to me? Please? In a panic. Dr. casually mentioned it at my Feb 2014 visit and after reading forums today it sounds bad. Onc. is on vacation, again.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • WanderingSpirit
    WanderingSpirit Member Posts: 122
    edited April 2014

    Well to explain I had my PET scan in February, my dr was thrilled that
    my bones aren't
    lighting up (now I learned they are, but 's not "bright" just dull
    because they are healing). And before he left he said that I have "some
    fluid around
    my heart" and shrugged. After he left I told my husband I thought it was
    my right lung (had thoracentisis done June 2013). Today I called my onc
    in a panic after reading about this on the internet and here. The nurse
    said he's off today (isn't he always when I need him?) and read the
    chart that said "small fluid around heart"
    Just now the nurse
    practitioner called back and said not to worry. They consider this
    "incidental" and will just "watch it". And that it was my PET scan in
    October but the radiologist didn't mention it in his report. THIS
    radiologist saw it and compared the scan from Oct to the one in Feb and
    mentioned it and said it was "the same". She told me not to worry and
    stop googling.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited April 2014

    wandering spirit,

    See my pm's to you. It is not uncommon to have idiopathic fluid around the heart. As with me, you probably wouldn't have know about it if not for the scan. Thinking of you.

    Caryn

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • WanderingSpirit
    WanderingSpirit Member Posts: 122
    edited April 2014

    Thank you Caryn and I did see your message! I am glad yours is not worrisome!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited April 2014

    I'm not making a dx for you, of course, just saying that it quite possibly is nothing to be concerned about.

    Caryn

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • WanderingSpirit
    WanderingSpirit Member Posts: 122
    edited April 2014

    Oh I know! I'm just trying to remain calm because my oncology dr and staff are calm and not worried.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • WanderingSpirit
    WanderingSpirit Member Posts: 122
    edited April 2014

    Well I went to my regular Dr. yesterday and they did an echocardiogram. Today I went back. I have to see a cardiologist now because there is "moderate" fluid around my heart! And because I have headaches and nausea, my dr. is erring on the side of caution and ordering an MRI of my brain too! He's a bit more test oriented than my oncologist. My oncologist isn't worried about the brain since my Feb PET scan showed regression and my tumor markers had dropped. And his nurse said they don't normally do ANYTHING for the pericardial effusion!!! But my regular dr. does!
    So now my next few weeks will be busy. Next week I have my Xgeva shot AND get my blood drawn for the tumor markers (praying they go down). And I don't see the onc till May 2nd. By then he will have the results of the Brain MRI and the cardiology report. I have no clue what the cardiologist is going to do. my regular dr. said it will be up to the cardiologist if the fluid is drained or not...not the oncologist!
    I love all my drs. My regular dr. did say I could have headaches and nausea from the meds, the cancer, and the lack of sleep. I NEVER sleep anymore. Maybe 2 or 3 hours a night, in 20-30 minute increments usually.
    Any ideas ladies?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories