has anybody developed heart problems after 2 a/c cycle

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mamadawg
mamadawg Member Posts: 1
edited December 2014 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment

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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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited December 2014

    Hello mamadawg,

    We're bumping your thread for a reply!

    Let us know if you need help finding your way around the boards, By Private messaging us

    The mods

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  • leggo
    leggo Member Posts: 3,293
    edited December 2014

    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. 

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  • leggo
    leggo Member Posts: 3,293
    edited December 2014

    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.

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  • ChristyLee70
    ChristyLee70 Member Posts: 9
    edited December 2014

    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.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited December 2014

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

    Adriamycin

    Heart Problems


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  • Redporchlady
    Redporchlady Member Posts: 113
    edited December 2014


    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.

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