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Joan M · 10-11-2009, 04:22 PM

Momo,

One of the side effects of Herceptin is congestive heart failure and the echo is one way to measure that by looking at the left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF), which Herceptin affects. The normal range of the LVEF is 50%-70%. However, the protocal for Herceptin calls for discontinuing the drug if the LVEF falls more than 10% between scans, even if it's not below 50%. Although whether an onc decides to discontinue the drug until the heart bounces back is another question.

A more precise measurement of the LVEF is taken by a MUGA scan, which is a nuclear test that requires contrast.

I used to have MUGAs all the time, but I was having so many scans that I decided to do echos instead even though they're not as precise as the MUGA.

Glad that your echo is normal.

Joan

10-11-2009, 04:22 PM	#6
Joan M Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,851	Re: Don't understand echo reading Momo, One of the side effects of Herceptin is congestive heart failure and the echo is one way to measure that by looking at the left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF), which Herceptin affects. The normal range of the LVEF is 50%-70%. However, the protocal for Herceptin calls for discontinuing the drug if the LVEF falls more than 10% between scans, even if it's not below 50%. Although whether an onc decides to discontinue the drug until the heart bounces back is another question. A more precise measurement of the LVEF is taken by a MUGA scan, which is a nuclear test that requires contrast. I used to have MUGAs all the time, but I was having so many scans that I decided to do echos instead even though they're not as precise as the MUGA. Glad that your echo is normal. Joan __________________ Diagnosed stage 2b in July 2003 (2.3 cm, HER2+, ER-/PR-, 7+ nodes). Treated with mastectomy (with immediate DIEP flap reconstruction), AC + T/Herceptin (off label). Cancer advanced to lung in Jan. 2007 (1 cm nodule). Started Herceptin every 3 weeks. Lung wedge resection April 2007. Cancer recurred in lung April 2008. RFA of lung in August 2008. 2nd annual brain MRI in Oct. 2008 discovered 2.6 cm cystic tumor in left frontal lobe. Craniotomy Oct. 2008 (ER-/PR-/HER2-) followed by targeted radiation (IMRT). Coughing up blood Feb. 2009. Thoractomy July 2009 to cut out fungal ball of common soil fungus (aspergillus) that grew in the RFA cavity (most likely inhaled while gardening). No cancer, only fungus. Removal of tiny melanoma from upper left arm, plus sentinel lymph node biopsy in Feb. 2016. Guardant Health liquid biopsy in Feb. 2016 showed mutations in 4 subtypes of TP53. Repeat of Guardant Health biopsy in Jana. 2021 showed 3 TP53 mutations, BRCA1 mutation and CHEK2 mutation. Invitae genetic testing showed negative for all of these. Living with MBC since 2007. Stopped Herceptin Hylecta (injection) treatment in March 2020. Recent 2023 annual CT of chest, abdomen and pelvis and annual brain MRI showed NED. Praying for NED forever!! Last edited by Joan M; 10-11-2009 at 04:25 PM..