Low Ejection Fraction

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MHerzberg
MHerzberg Member Posts: 24
edited January 2018 in Waiting for Test Results

I went for my MUGA test on Monday, and got a call yesterday from my oncologist that they want a 2D Echo, as my EF was 50%. This is the lowest possible EF that they want as the chemo and Herceptin can/will cause it to lower.

My dad had some major heart problems, and now am worried that they have been passed to me, and I will be dealing with both of these issues at the same time.

Has anyone had such a low starting EF and continued with your treatment?

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  • Spookiesmom
    Spookiesmom Member Posts: 9,568
    edited January 2018

    They will probably want you to see a cardiologist and go from there. My ef was 56, but did 4 a/c, and am ok 5 years later.

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  • Maureen1
    Maureen1 Member Posts: 614
    edited January 2018

    yes...my EF was only 50% on my MUGA scan before chemo and I was able to do dose dense A, C, T, without a decrease. That was 5 years ago and I haven't had any problems since the chemo but I have seen posts from women who had declining heart function years after chemo so I guess it's possible for damage to show up later. Good luck, (((hugs))) Maureen

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  • NotVeryBrave
    NotVeryBrave Member Posts: 1,287
    edited January 2018

    The big concern is the Herceptin, especially with AC chemo. Have you already started? What is your regimen and length of time?

    I did TCHP. They did an echo before I started (insurance wouldn't cover a MUGA). During treatment, I had one every 3 months. My EF dropped slightly (5-10%) but was still within normal range. If it drops from Herceptin then they sometimes hold off until it recovers - which it normally does with Herceptin alone.

    I would seek the advice of a cardiologist.


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  • MHerzberg
    MHerzberg Member Posts: 24
    edited January 2018

    No I haven't started treatment yet. Had port put in Tuesday and am supposed to stay on 26th. This just had me scared. My dad was diagnosed, after he almost died with several severe heart conditions that link together. I know that I was diagnosed 4 years ago with a mitral valve prolapse, but wasn't bad. Just wondering if out has worsened and is helping cause this issue.

    I guess I will find out. Just seems like one bad thing is enough to deal with, why do I have to have this going on too?!?!


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  • NotVeryBrave
    NotVeryBrave Member Posts: 1,287
    edited January 2018

    It's possible that they could still give you the planned treatment if okay'd by a cardiologist. You'd probably need to be on meds to improve your heart function first and be watched very closely.

    I know - sucks to hear about another problem. But maybe it's a blessing in disguise? Apparently you didn't even know your heart wasn't behaving and now you can hopefully get that taken care of.


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  • MHerzberg
    MHerzberg Member Posts: 24
    edited January 2018

    This whole thing had been a series of fortunate events.

    An accident in June, causes a fully body scan. That brought up a cyst on my ovary that caused me to go to my OB, which caused me to get my mam.

    This is just been crazy. If I hadn't of had the accident I wouldn't have found the cancer - as I've been bad at keeping those appts. Now this.

    I'm hoping it's nothing, but will find out for sure beginning of next week. Fingers crossed!!

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited January 2018

    mherzberg - I would advise seeing a cardiologist that is well versed in dealing with cancer patients, if possible. NCI centers and large university based centers often have these docs on staff. Some cardiologists have put their patients who need cardio-toxic chemo or targeted therapy on heart protective meds during treatment.

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