Cardiotoxicity with A/C

[ecperry]

Hello, everyone,

I found this site recently while doing some research on HER2. Because I believe there are no "coincidences" in life, I have to believe that I am here because of a divine purpose. Thus being said, I would like to do a little brain-storming if I may.

I was diagnosed in late 2002 with Stage IIB, ER/PR+, HER2+, Grade III, node positive BC. I opted for a lumpectomy and had 4 rounds of A/C, followed by 12 weeks of Taxol and 37 radiation treatments. Being part of the clinical study that evaluated Herceptin, I was and am still eligible to receive Herceptin.

Several months after my chemo ended I received a call from my oncologist informing me that my most recent echocardiogram indicated that my ejection fraction had reduced from 65% to 50% from the A/C. Subsequently, it returned almost to the pre-treatment level when last checked.

Because of the risk of cardiotoxicity from the Herceptin, my oncologist and I discussed the issue at length and I decided not to take the Herceptin because of that risk. Now I am having second thoughts about my decision.

Has anyone out there experienced cardiotoxicity from the A/C and then successfully received Herceptin?

I would appreciate any and all comments regarding this issue.

Warmly,

Betsy

Adrian, MI

[Joe]

Betsy,

Several members have resumed Herceptin therapy after having low EF's. Some also take coenzyme COQ10 as a supplement to strengthen the heart. There are no real scientific studies to back this, but many swear by it.

Generally, if you do not experience cardiotoxicity within the first few months you rarely will.

I have read that with Herceptin the benefits greatly outnumber the risks.

Regards
Joe

[ecperry]

Thank you, Joe, I appreciate your input. The more I read, the more convinced I have become that I need to pursue the Herceptin treatment. It's a big step for me since it will bring back some unpleasant memories.

This website is performing a value thing keeping women (and men) informed of their options in treatment for breast cancer. I only wish I had been aware of this website back in 2002 when I was first diagnosed.

Betsy

[Bev]

Hi Betsy,

I have a similiar DX, but node neg. Everyone is different and some people will have a lower LVF from Herceptin. It's usually reversible.

I had a baseline of 65. Went down to 56 on AC. I've gradually gone up to 70 while on Herceptin alone. I am taking COQ10 too.

Just make sure your Doc orders another MUGA after 3 months.

Good Luck with your decision. BB

[Heidi Bibber]

Hello Betsy,
I am new to this posting system and hope to do it correctly. I was diagnosed in August 2006 with Grade 111, ER/PR-, HER2neu+++; and started A/C in October. At the time I had a MUGA which was done prior to my diagnoses and which the oncologist used as a baseline. It was 77. After the third A/C treatment I noticed extreme windedness and swelling in my ankles and feet. My oncologist ordered an echo which showed the ventrical function had declined to 48. To my great distress, my fourth A/C was cancelled. After a six week break, I did have my first Taxol/Herceptin treatment with the understanding that it will be stopped if there is a further decline in heart function. I have not had a chance to read a post about the possible consequences of having only 3 A/C treatments and am now scared that it my be an indicator that I may not tolerate Herceptin either. Has anybody been in a similar situation and are there any alternatives? My oncologist does not seem to think much of COQ10; and I am reluctant to take it without his approval. There don't seem to be to many good options between possible heart failure and HER2 cancer. Any advice will be appreciated.
Heidi

[riveting]

Hello Heidi I also am new to posting, let me tell you a shortened version of my story.Dx April 2006 lumpectomy may 2006 1 node - 17 positive I knew this thats how i found the cancer. subjected to biopsies(never again) I believe uneccesary and dangerous( why look for clear margins if they have already poked holes in it?) Any way 17mm tumour rx er+ weakly pr- her+++found the first onc very cold and detached just punching my odds out on a palm pilot? So I left. The onc in charge then called me and made another appoinment, I smile at this time as the poor guy was nervous(I was known as the "difficult patient" simply because I asked heaps of questions about everything after the biopsies , from which I doubt I shall ever forget. I told him I wanted the truth about my cancer not some odds from a palm pilot. He then said and I quote if there were 100 of me and we all had chemo it may help 10 of me but which 10 who knows....now we all know the damage chemo does to our natural defences so i said no, they are the wosrt odds i had ever heard and why would i bother putting myself and my loved ones through that and if i had a limit on my time I felt very good why be sick now? I have not regretted my decision for 1 second. when Herceptin and Tykerb came up I am not able to have either ever as i havent had chemo, does that sound like a varing industry? I dont think so my whole ordeal with the hospital has been a nightmare. I now just go to my G.P I have done the diet changes and co q 10 and many oyher natural sipps and 12 months on a ct showed nothing untoward so I hope and pray and keep doing what i am doing. So dont feel to badly about only having a couple of doses...for you it could well be enough....I wish you well Patricia

[tousled1]

Betsy,

I had 4 rounds of A/C, then 4 Taxatore. My LVEF started at 65% and went to 55%. I then received Herceptin. You should not have a problem with your LVEF. Usually if it drops a little it then becomes stable. I would suggest that you take the COQ10 which you can purchase in the vitamin isle of any store.