Any survivors out there with heart problems now?

Options
amanda6
amanda6 Member Posts: 121
edited July 2016 in Stage III Breast Cancer

I'm 6 1/2 years out from stage 3a left side breast cancer. Recently I had an episode of atrial fibrillation & heart failure. . a shock as I'm active, have no high blood pressure & am not overweight or a smoker. Now I'm looking at having a heart valve replacement & a bypass. From what I've read open heart surgery is high risk for the radiated heart, but my cardiologist doesn't seem to get my concern. I'm hoping to find someone who's gone through this- open heart surgery after breast cancer treatment. Anyone out there? Thanks:)


· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • tangandchris
    tangandchris Member Posts: 1,855
    edited July 2016

    hello.....just came across your post. I'm supposed to fo Monday for an echo cardio gram and get some sort of monitor to wear. I've experienced some issues and the cardiologist is ruling out heart problems. I haven't seen alot on here about this, but from other things I've read this can happen from chemo.

    I'm wishing you the best and hoping someone chimes in with more info for you.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • amanda6
    amanda6 Member Posts: 121
    edited July 2016

    Thanks, best of luck to you too:)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dtad
    dtad Member Posts: 2,323
    edited July 2016

    amanda6...so sorry you are going through this. Chemo can definitely affect the heart. IMO you should be treated at a university based teaching hospital. Do your homework before you decide where to get treated! Good luck and keep us posted

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • amanda6
    amanda6 Member Posts: 121
    edited July 2016

    Thanks for the reply:). There is a growing field called cardio- oncology now and about 10 cardio- ontology centers that specialize in cardio care for those who are currently going thru treatment & survivors who once had treatment. Two of the centers are in Boston ( which I'm near) , unfortunately they're not in my network- I'm exploring options. This is all pretty new to me, but I'm learning fast!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Denise-G
    Denise-G Member Posts: 1,777
    edited July 2016

    Amanda6 - I had a heart attack during A/C Chemo in 2012 but didn't realize it until tests showed it later.  Had so many SEs didn't know the difference.  Also had permanent valve damage from Herceptin after 3 months.  Also, left side, and I had rads.   My MO at Univ of Michigan sent me to a cardiologist that was a valve specialist and is very knowledgeable about chemo/heart.  I have been on heart meds for 4 years and am very stable and asymptomatic. 

    I'm glad you found the Onco-Cardio centers and good to hear this.  As far as those two being close to you but not in your network - pursue your insurance company heavily.  They may consent.  If not, please consider paying for a consult at one of them!!  Please post back and let me know how you are proceeding!!   I am so interested in this.

    Also, I write a busy breast cancer blog and hear from a lot of women in this situation, so I try to learn as much as I can. 





    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • amanda6
    amanda6 Member Posts: 121
    edited July 2016

    thanks, Denise-G...glad things have worked out well for you, you've been through a lot! I'm seeing my oncologist & my gp next week & will discuss my concerns with them. Then I see my cardio in a few weeks to see what she has planned. If they are able to do a less invasive surgery than open heart ( there is a new method, recently fda approved, where they go through a small incision on the right side of the chest) I will be sighing with relief. Definitely keeping the 2d opinion with a cardio- oncologist open. I'll check out your blog & post when I get more info:).

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Denise-G
    Denise-G Member Posts: 1,777
    edited July 2016

    Amanda6 - thank you! Just post here on this thread and I will follow what you have to say - you don't need any more to do!!

    Sending my best to you!! Good to know about that new method - did not know about it!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories