Ejection Fraction down

[Susan McQ]

I've had 4 Mugas since I started treatment in Feb '06. All results were in the 60's. I had 5th Muga last month and Onc said the result was 49. I'm scheduled for another Muga in 2 weeks just to see if the results could be inaccurate.

Anyone have Muga result that were wrong? Or had their EF increase with a repeat scan?

Susan

Susan,

My first result, 59%, came from a muga prior to herceptin or chemo. Next muga three months later was 64% and the one after that was 63%. Also, during the third muga (63%), the first result was 57% so the tech redid it, and it went up to 63%. My cardiologist told me that results can vary quite a bit. Also, in March 2006 before I was diagnosed with breast cancer, my LVEF was 69%, so my LVEF results, prior to taking any heart-damaging drugs, have varied by ten points.

So, don't get discouraged. This latest reading may be wrong. And even if it's not, cardiologists report that, with herceptin, LVEF usually goes back up when patient comes off herceptin. Good luck!

[Merridith]

Hi Susan:

A MUGA is not absolutely accurate. It is accurate within a certain range.

If you have had a sudden drop in MUGA, it could be related to it's accepted standard variability. It will take two MUGAs showing a similar significant drop before it is significant.

If you want to assist in improving/maintaining your MUGA - do aerobic exercise.

The MUGA scan visually measures the amount of blood that your right ventrical can pump. 60% means that your heart pumps 60% of your blood in the chamber with one "pump". That part of the heart muscle is exercised and conditioning is improved if you do aerobic exercise.

To make an improvement you must exercise 1 hour 4 days in 5 days. On the 5th day you can rest. Your rest day is as important as your 4 exercise days. You should also take a rest day the day BEFORE your MUGA so that your heart is rested for the test. You don't need to do vigorous exercise, but you need to maintain your heart rate at around 120 beats @ minute for the one hour time period. It's easiest to keep track of it if you use a heart monitor.
You can "cheat" a little bit by drinking something cafinated just before going to the MUGA - say a coke or a coffee - this might improve it slightly.

Regards

[Susan McQ]

I had a repeat Muga last Tuesday. Med Asst called to let me know that they will be stopping my Herceptin per Dr's orders. She did not give the the EF percentage. My monthly appt with my Onc is on April 3rd. I have to assume that my EF has not increased or has gone down even more.

I have been able to complete 40 weeks of the 52 weeks. I know there have been trial regarding the length of time for taking herceptin. I just hope mine was long enough.

Susan

Sorry Susan,

But forty weeks is pretty good; remember the Finher study was only nine weeks and the results were very positive.

Also, it will come back up. Lots of proof for that. The exercise option sounds good; I think I'll do it myself.

[StillHere]

Hi Susan
I was symtomatic 6 mos after starting Herceptin. My legs felt like lead and I was becoming short of breath. Had an Echocardiogram of 40. Discontinued Herceptin and my Echo was back up to normal 10 months later. I too am nervous about having to stop Herceptin early. My oncol told me it was important to walk every day. I did not take him seriously. At the time all I could do was work 8 hrs and sleep 10 hrs. I started walking during my lunch hour, but stopped when I was getting behind at work. To all my sisters out there on Herceptin. Please take getting enough exercise serious! It is really important. Your health is more important than any job. Peace, Karen