Heart Disease from Treatment

I actually came here looking for this specifically.

My treatment was also in 2014 (last chemo was 24 dec) to 2015 (radiation). ER found my EF at just below 20 earlier this year, CHF. No enlargement. No blood clots. No artery blockage. No signs of a cause, just not pumping. My blood pressure runs low, so they haven't been able to give much medication to help, they accidentally caused liver shock twice trying to manage it, and I had an afib while in the hospital to boot. My 3 month follow up scan is June 4, once they get the results they will decide what to do. They are talking about sending me to a specialist in the city.

My younger daughter just turned 16 and I am so worried about not being there to see her to adulthood. I'm lucky, though, I used to volunteer for make-a-wish so I'm glad it's me dealing with it and not my daughters. No BRCA genes so I hope they never get it.

How are you doing?

It is such a relief to hear people post about their recovery from this, thank you!

Hello, My Onc put me on letrozole 4/18/2017 . I found , after the 5th month all the joys (NOT) of drug therapy. About 1 week before thanksgiving , I passed out for the first time my life ( very scary ). I stopped therapy right away and been to seen a cardiologist , who put on on a heart monitor for two weeks. The third last day befor sending the monitor back , my heart stopped for 7 seconds , so I was told . After seeing my cardiologist , An appointment was made for the following day for a pacemaker . I was told that my heart is really strong but just have an electrical shortage . I started to feel much better , and the fact that I had been off the meds really gave me a breather. I did think though that I would have to my onc again to see if I was a candidate for another med. He told me that the meds DO NOT cause any heart problems , so I asked him directly , if he was telling me that it was not possible and he finally admitted that it is possible. As frightening as having had cancer is , it is important to remember , that like any other profession ,some people are better than others and because medicine is such big business , you HAVE to be pro active with YOUR health . There are some great health care professionals of course . I am ashamed to say that in previous years ( pre- cancer) that I trusted doctors without a doubt , that what they are telling me the gospel , but as you know , You know how You feel ! After getting the pacemaker , I did ask the cardiologist if the cancer drugs can effect the heart and was told , yes , and that one should be monitored if taking the meds in the future. I have read that the meds could cause less serious heart problems and is not cause for a heart attack. Bottom line , I am now taking anastrozole , for the second day , and am determined to feel positive about it , but am under no illusions about possible side effects . There is a very good web site , under breast cancer 360 , that me surgeon suggested I read. It is an eye opener , in a good way. Check it out and best of luck . Damn , having to put on those big girl pants

Is anybody still looking at this topic?

I went through dose dense AC-THP in 2016 (Herceptin lasted through 4/2017). Last month I had an Echocardiogram to see what might be causing several symptoms; most notably lightheadedness and a BP that started sitting around 90/50. Yup. Cardiomyopathy.

No family history of heart problems; never been a smoker; rarely have a glass of wine (or any other drink); and my blood pressure has always been on the lower side of normal. My EF is only estimated at 50%, which wouldn't be a big deal, except that it had been ~60% in 1/2017 (the last time they checked it).

It's so good to see that SOMEBODY got through this! Gives me hope

Thank you for replying, CJT!

I've heard from more friends whose exercise programs actually reversed their cardiomyopathy! Woohoo!! Don't give up hope!!

My PCP referred me to a PT in case any of my lightheadedness was related to vertigo. Bad news was it wasn't BPPV; good news is that she signed me up for several exercise sessions between now and my cardio appointment. Yay!!

I can't even climb a staircase or walk a half block without getting dizzy or lightheaded... And those times I've tried to "just push through it" (which was always my usual method), the instant I stopped moving, my head started pounding and I would've keeled over if I didn't have something there to lean against. Blood oxygen and heart rate monitors to the rescue!

I think we could start a new me too movement here. I go for my tasting on chemo causing heart trouble. Such wonderful drugs. Solves one problem and starts another. Trying to keep my head up and not loose it. I just want to run away and have an affair while I still can with a ferocious cowboy. Lol

Hi there, hnhdrywall! We want to welcome you to our community. We're so sorry to hear about your situation, but you really nailed it! Chemo solves one problem and sometimes brings on another. We hope your tests all come back with favorable results, we're here for you!

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