Herceptin and heart function

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momdoc3
momdoc3 Member Posts: 2
edited October 2016 in HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer

Has anyone hada decline in cardiac function or CHF with Herceptin?


I have had echocardiograms every 3 months while on Herceptin and my last echo showed grade 1 diastolic dysfunction.


Thanks

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  • Ivegotthis
    Ivegotthis Member Posts: 28
    edited August 2016

    I found out yesterday that my MUGA scan showed a decline (77 to 52) in left ventricular
    ejection fraction in comparison to my first echo. Don't know why they scheduled me for MUGA when I've had echos consistently. It's apples and oranges. So I am missing my infusion today and will have an echo to compare apples to apples and see if I can have the next infusion. I'm wondering if my heart is weakened due to radiation zapping a part of the muscle because I've been fine since I started Herceptin in January and now one month post-rads I have an issue.

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  • MarshaMay
    MarshaMay Member Posts: 95
    edited August 2016

    In May of 2014 my LVEF went down to 10. I was immediately taken off the Herceptin and Perjeta. After about 4 months on cardiac melds (which I continue on to this day), my LVEF was just over 40 and I resumed my chemo. Since then my LVEF has climbed to 55 and seems to be holding there. I faithfully get my 3-month echoes and faithfully take my daily cardiac meds. By the way, while off. chemo I developed a brain tumor which was successfully treated in Sept. 2014.


    Bottom line, heart damage caused by HER 2 drugs is repairable. Heart damage caused by other chemo often is not. There is life after heart damage.

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  • Ivegotthis
    Ivegotthis Member Posts: 28
    edited August 2016

    Thanks, Marsha. My LVEF is 57 now. No Herceptin infusion again. Both my parents died of heart attacks. I'm seeing a cardiologist this week to determine whether it's due to Herceptin or hereditary issue. I'm feeling optimistic. My numbers are going in the right direction. I believe my heart needs to heal from radiation and Herceptin. I expect to have a long life after this hear damage!!


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  • BlessedOne2
    BlessedOne2 Member Posts: 106
    edited October 2016

    Hello Sisters,

    It has been a very long time since I visited the boards, but here I am today.  I was diagnosed in 2009, triple positive. Healed in 2009 and doing well in 2016.   My LVEF declined while on A/C, treated and returned to 50-55%, started Herceptin with Taxol, LVEF declined to 45%.  Decision was made to discontinue Herceptin, LVEF returned to normal.  I have been taking anastrazole since 2010. Cardiologist finally released me in 2014 with consistent LVEF.   Good news, but, I sometimes wonder about the risk of not completing the standard and if there is any Herceptin-like anti-cancer med available for those who could not finish the regimin.  Does anyone know? 

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