muga trends

sassy · 08-05-2006, 01:47 PM

My onc has agreed to keep me on herceptin into the second year (completed first year June 10) until new data is released or my muga drops. I had been having echos staying at 60 until May 06 when my onc switched to muga. My muga was 55 and I am now due for another muga. I assumed the difference between the 60 on echo and 55 on muga could have been a variance of the tests. I am hoping my next muga is at least 55.

Has anyone experience a drop in muga after one year on herceptin? I was under the impression that a drop was more likely to occur during the first few months of treatment.

Thanks for any info.
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LIVE SEX

KathyA · 08-05-2006, 04:31 PM

Sassy,
I've had several MUGA's and they fluctuate in a 7 point range. I've been on herceptin since May 2005.

I've ranged between 58, 65. My onc is fine with this.

God bless

Becky · 08-05-2006, 06:09 PM

A drop in heart function can happen at any time in the process. However, you need to take into consideration that you used 2 different tests and the only way to compare is to compare Echo to Echo or Muga to Muga. So... there probably is absolutely no different between the 2 readings.

Kind regards

Becky

Bev · 08-05-2006, 06:11 PM

Hi Sassy,

Started Herceptin last November and my scores have been creeping up. I did switch from MUGA to Echo recently, and had a 70! Higher than the baseline of 65 on MUGA. So I think there may be some subjectivity in how these tests are read. I didn't ask so I can't say for sure. I prefer the Echo because you don't need to do the nuclear IV. I would be interested in anything members have to say regarding these tests. Will stick with Echo if they let me. Bev

Maggie · 08-05-2006, 07:46 PM

Hi Sassy, I started Herceptin in November for 1 year. My Muga scans have been going down gradually, and this last one showed it has dropped 11% since I started. My onco feels I should stop. I am stage 1. ER/PR neg/Her2 3+strong..
I have been very sad these last two weeks and haven't been on the board since last night. Feeling a bit better now!
I would be interested as to why your doctor switched to a Muga scan.
I hope you continue to do well on Herceptin..
Maggie

sassy · 08-05-2006, 08:03 PM

Maggie,

I have not asked my onc why he switched to muga from echo. I assumed it was because I was getting close to end of one year of treatment and he wanted accuracy of muga. I will ask him for sure next time.

I give this board credit for my being able to continue treatment into my second year. I have learned so much from everyone here. My onc respects the knowledge that I have gained and discusses everything with me to great lengths. I feel he is willing to continue because of my high risk and my understanding of my treatment and prognosis. This week we talked about the tykerb compassionate use and use of zometa for early stage women on AI's. He has told me for several months that approval for the Zometa is in the offing and I should be able to get it soon. My insurance has declined to pay since I do not have bone mets, but we both want me to get on it as soon as possible, both for bone loss (I am on Lupron and Arimidex) and the possibility of prevention of bone mets.

I am thankful to be NED and plan to stay that way thru faith, prayer and the miracle of medicine!

Sassy
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HotSensation

08-06-2006, 07:56 AM

Have you had a bone scan for osteoporosis? I had evidence of osteoporosis so I have been on Zometa every four months (they run it the same time as my Herceptin). Insurance pays for it.

Val Pfeiffer · 08-06-2006, 07:57 AM

Sorry--that last "unregistered" was from me. Every time I post and then go back to the list of topics, I become unregistered and have to log in again. Didn't notice that I had become unregistered again until after I hit "send."

sassy · 08-06-2006, 10:54 AM

I have had a bone scan, but not a bone density test. I think one is scheduled for one year after starting Arimidex. I took fosamax for a while, but had problems with it. Taking lots of calcium and hoping to get Zometa soon.

Good to "see you" Val.
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LIVE SEX WEBSHOWS

Becky · 08-06-2006, 08:21 PM

I got a bone density 2 days after getting my ovaries removed (so I could take Arimidex). I was just on the edge of beginning osteopenia in the lumbar region. Since I was getting Herceptin, my gyne and onco conferred and decided to give me Zometa every 4-6 months. In May, I got my 3rd one. Since I will finish Herceptin after 16 months in September, I will not get anymore. I will say that I told my onc I wouldn't take anymore as only a bone hardener (but I would take it if I ever got mets to the bones). I got nauseous with the dry heaves and 101 degree temperature - basically very flu like. It was worse with the first dose. We will be switching to Boniva and try that in November (as it will be 6 months since the last Zometa by then). Zometa is no walk in the park (and you do have to watch out for the osteonecrosis of the jaw - a rare but very serious side effect).

Kind regards

Becky

Blondey · 08-19-2006, 02:58 PM

You look gorgeous without your wig! Wish I looked that good

rinaina · 08-19-2006, 04:53 PM

Have you all read the latest report on the increase in %'s of heart problems with patients taking herceptin? First reports had it at 4-5% but new reports have it at 28% of the patients getting heart complications.

Blondey · 08-19-2006, 08:05 PM

Wow - that is very scary - 28%. Thank you for the information.

Blondey

Sheila · 08-20-2006, 04:12 AM

It seems to me one is more likely to experience heart complications from Herceptin if you prevciously had AC chemo as the Adriamycin is very hard on the heart....anyne else told this?

Cathya · 08-20-2006, 05:19 AM

I just saw my onc and I will be starting back on herceptin after 4 months off at the end of the month. I have had muga's and recently an echo. It seems my heart is no longer enlarged but my score is 48. He is sending me to the heart institute to get my next muga and is putting me back on weekly herceptin to try to lower the heart risk. I'm happy to be back on it. I also have bone loss and the beginning of osteoarthritis so am on actonel. Along with arimidex I take CoQ10, calcium and Vit D, daily vitamins, magnesium, omego 3.....am I missing something? I am on herceptin indefinitely....depending on my heart.

Cathy

tousled1 · 08-20-2006, 06:37 AM

Sheila,

You are correct that Adriamycin can cause heart problems and that is why it is not administered with Herceptin. Sort of a double bullet. I was on AC then Taxatore and now receiving weekly Herceptin. My oncologist sends me for an electrocardiogram every 3 months.