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Just diagnosed on 9/23/10.
I had a routine mammogram and it showed a suspicious mass. I had a biopsy and it was positive for Invasive Ductal Carcinom, High Grade, ER +, PR weak, and her2neu 3+. My MRI showed lymph node involvement. PET scan showed the first chain of lymph nodes involved, but no metastasis to other parts of my body. I was suppose to start on TCH today but my Muga scan showed my left ventricle EF at 41.7%, so I couldn't start the herceptin today. I just had the TC. I am scheduled to see a cardiologist and will have an echo tomorrow. I am so dissapointed about not being able to start the herceptin! I am 51 years old, overweight and have been on blood pressure meds since I was 30. I have never had any symptoms of heart disease. I am hoping there will be a way to increase my heart function. I really want to be on Herceptin!! |
Re: Just diagnosed on 9/23/10.
Rejoyce, glad you found us. Sorry you had to! Sounds like you have encountered a bump in the road but perhaps further tests will prove a better outcome. Good you have a cardiologist on board. Keep the faith.
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Re: Just diagnosed on 9/23/10.
Hi Rejoice,
Glad you found us but sorry you have reason to be here. We will try to help you get through this as best as we can. So far your path report doesn't sound too bad, and it's good that you started chemo. Have you had surgery? Do you know the size of your tumor? There are several ways to improve your ejections fraction, so hopefully that will enable you to have herceptin in the future. I just read on another list that even a few doses of herceptin will give you excellent protection, so perhaps that will be the best way for you. For now the chemo will start mopping up those pesky cancer cells. Jacqueline |
Re: Just diagnosed on 9/23/10.
Rejoice,
There are a few supplements that will help bring up that E.F.: CoQ10, Grape Seed Extract, and Super EPA (fish oil). Olive oil taken with Herceptin is believed to boost its effectiveness. |
Re: Just diagnosed on 9/23/10.
Thank you for your comments! I have three tumors that cover about a 6cm. area. One of them is very close to the chest wall.
I just had my echo today. Very interesting results. the tech let me look over her shoulder and she had 6 measurements of the E.F. all between 60 and 68%! How could my Muga scan show 41.7%?? Of course the radiologist still has to read it. I can't wait to see my doctor next week to see what he says. |
Re: Just diagnosed on 9/23/10.
The tests measure different things; and both, particularly the echo, are highly dependent on the skill of the technician. They are both art and science. The fact that it appears you may be having conflicting results points to getting it tested again (a tie breaker?)
Maybe the news is better than you thought. |
Re: Just diagnosed on 9/23/10.
Lots of Love and Good Luck to you Rejoyce~~~
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Re: Just diagnosed on 9/23/10.
I had the echocardiaram and it showed my function at 62-68%!! What a difference from the Mugga Scan. I saw the cardiologist and he said my heart was in great shape and I could start the Herceptin. I will have echo's instead of Mugga scans from now on. The cardiologist and Oncologist said they have never seen such a difference between the 2 tests.
I had my first dose of Herceptin with chemo this morning! |
Re: Just diagnosed on 9/23/10.
Rejoyce,
That is wonderful news...now you can finally move forward. I'm glad your cardio doc gave you the green light to go ahead with Herceptin. That will give you peace of mind and that's important. Great ECHO results. :) Chelee |
Re: Just diagnosed on 9/23/10.
Dear Rejoyce
Perhaps the difference in the 2 tests was that your Muga reading was actually someone else's. You know your Echo was yours because the technician gave you a pretty clear indication that you were around 60% during the test but perhaps they got your muga mixed up with someone else's. Maybe not. Just thinking out loud here. I am sorry you have had to join our little club here but we are here to support you through your journey. Herceptin has changed the face of Her2+ breast cancer. Come here whenever you need someone. Someone is always around to give you support. |
Re: Just diagnosed on 9/23/10.
Becky,
I was also told at the testing center where I had my MUGA's that it was important to have all your MUGA's done on the same machine, and preferably with the same tech, if possible, because there is variation from machine to machine and tech to tech. Rejoyce's facility could have had an issue with the machine or the tech, too. Rejoyce, I really like your screen name! Best of luck to you with your treatment plan. Hopeful |
Re: Just diagnosed on 9/23/10.
Glad you will be able to get your Herceptin after all. Now on to your Dance with NED! (No Evidence of Disease)
Jacqueline |
Re: Just diagnosed on 9/23/10.
Thanks for the good news. My Mother-in-law's neighbor/friend since childhood also signs 'rejoyce' on her email.
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Re: Just diagnosed on 9/23/10.
I wish you the best of luck during your treatment. YAY, you get to have your Herceptin, what a blessing! GOOD LUCK
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Re: Just diagnosed on 9/23/10.
Good luck sister. I'm sorry we had to meet since there is only one reason we are both here. But, as your name states, rejoice as we are lucky to live in a world with Herceptin and this group. email me off group if you want marafaust5@gmail.com
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