Muga scan results

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bjn850
bjn850 Member Posts: 28
edited June 2014 in HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
Muga scan results
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  • bjn850
    bjn850 Member Posts: 28
    edited January 2008

    Has anyone been given suggestions as to how to improve an ejection refraction rate that has been affected by Herceptin? My oncologist told me to come back in 6 weeks for another Muga scan. I want to do something to get the rate back so I can continue with Herceptin. Any ideas?

    dx 1/2007  Stage 2b, 2.5 cm, 2/6 nodes, grade 3, Er/Pr-, Her-2 +++

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  • LittleFlower
    LittleFlower Member Posts: 405
    edited January 2008

    bjn,

    I remember when my Muga decreased, some of the ladies suggested making sure i was hydrated and drinking plenty of water.  I don't know the theory behind it, but it was a suggestion i got.  I didn't actually have to stop tx because of a low MUGA but my MUGA was dropping and i wanted to keep it UP. There have been a few posts about MUGA's being down.

    Hope this helps

    LittleFlower

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  • wishiwere
    wishiwere Member Posts: 3,793
    edited January 2008

    I've never heard there were ways to increase it, but DO let us know if you find out?

    I just checked my records.  2 1/2 years ago before a surgery mine was at 61% and the one I had a November before starting chemo said 55%!!!  Wish I realized the difference before chemo.  I don't like that no one noticed that and now am wondering what it will post chemo!?  Hoping for the best for you too!

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  • DebbieB
    DebbieB Member Posts: 161
    edited February 2008

    55%-60 is a normal ejection fraction.  Drinking water is NOT the thing to do to increase your ejection fraction.  If your ejection fraction is below normal your heart is not pumping as efficiently as it should.  This means you can have fluid retention which can lead to fluid on your heart and/or lungs.  So drinking extra water/fluids can actually hurt.  CoQ10 can actually help with your ejection fraction but I would talk to your doctor about it.  If it drops well below the normal range they can put you on Coreg to increase your heart function.

    I was dx'd with cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure at age 51 back during the summer.  The cardiologist attributes my heart damage from Adriamycin I received 6 years ago during my bc treatment.  I don't have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, don't smoke, don't drink, no blockages and am no overweight.   When they did the echo, I had this huge pocket of fluid on the front of my heart and under it. After 6 months of meds, my ejection fraction is almost normal.

    Debbie

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  • bjn850
    bjn850 Member Posts: 28
    edited April 2008

    Hi all,

    An update from my MUGA scans:  I did just wait the six weeks and the next MUGA scan was back to my normal, 51%, That is what it had been each of the other times.  The only thing I did was to have the injections for the test given directly into my veins instead of an IV tube, and I laid really, really still for the whole time.   I nearly danced into the Chemo suite where I get my infusions of Herceptin after getting the results.

    My med. oncologist says we are going with the last five of my treatments without another MUGA.  Hurray!

    So for me taking a break was the answer. I wish it were that easy for everyone.

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  • henny
    henny Member Posts: 89
    edited April 2008

    I had a MUGA scan this week. My ejection fraction went from 83% to 54%-Big Dip. My onc said to have another MUGA is 6 weeks and will take me off herceptin if it continues to drop. My friend, a cardiologist who read my MUGA said not to do strenous exercise ie no heavy swimming or spinning classes but only moderate exercise. He said the myocardial cells are stressed and aren't contracting like they used to before Herceptin and I don't want to damage them now.

    No wonder I've beeh short of breath and more tired.  Thought it was just the result of all the chemo and surgery this last year.

    So girls looks like I can get out of doing laundry and cooking for a while. Might as well make the most of this.

    Henny

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  • henny
    henny Member Posts: 89
    edited April 2008

    Oh and the snowshoeing season is over anyway so i won't miss that anymore

    Henny

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