Test Results and visit to Doc today

[candlegranny]

Saw my oncologist today and got my test results. From PET/CT - NED!!! I do have scar tissue but that is normal with the masectomy he said. My MUGGA was 51. I am a little concerned. it was 62 last time. The doc said we need to watch the mugga, he said I have to have herceptin and he may have to send me to a cardiologist for meds so that i can continue herceptin until June. He said with the nodes i had involved, it is very important I continue herceptin. My husband is concerned about cardiac arrest! So I had herceptin today and will have another treatment in 3 weeks then have another MUGGA before i see doc again. he also said if i can get the herceptin in for one full year, then i will be the same as a person that was not Her 2. kind of confused me on that but i was concerned about the drop on the mugga i didnt ask questions on that note. Anyone else had anything like this?

[Mel3]

Hi Candlegranny,

You've been on my mind today and I'm glad to hear your news. I personally would not worry about the mugga yet. Mine was 55 a month ago and they told me it was within normal range. I'm still exercising several times a week, my heart feels very strong and I recover quickly with my heart rate. So happy you're doing well.

[candlegranny]

Thanks Mel !! what kind of exercising do you do? i am not sure what i can do or should do. my arm has lymphedema and still pretty swollen. we do have the lower part of my arm to where it is getting normal size more times than not, but the upper part of my arm is still pretty big. My arm movement is getting tighter. I stretch my arm out and try to do things to stretch my breast muscle. i think it is getting tighter cause it is healing maybe? i have a spot about 1/2 inch wide and 3/4 inch long from radiaton that has to heal yet. almost there!! I go to a therapist 2 times a week for my arm. But have never discussed physical exercise with her.

[Mel3]

I have some lymphedema but mostly in my back. I'm in the middle of radiation treatments right now so I'm noticing some swelling in my arm. I am wearing my sleeve more than I did before and I'm seeing a physical therapist once a week. My exercise is mostly cardio machines and walking. I also do pilates and I just started a yoga class last week. I believe the exercise has kept me strong throughout treatment. With all the cardio I have been doing I expected the mugga to be higher. I don't know how much difference 4 points means.

[Jackie07]

There were a couple of thread discussing about how to improve the MUGA score (related to the heart ability to pump blood) Below is one of them:

http://her2support.org/vbulletin/sho...&highlight=LVF

[Pam P]

Great news on the scan. You are doing well in managing the lymphedema - for me it was harder in the beginning to get it under control and now I can usually manage it fairly well. I hope the muga numbers continue to allow you to get uninterrupted herceptin. Pam

[Sheila]

The cardiologist put me on Coreg 2x a day and lisinopril 1x a day to strengthen my heart so i can continue Herceptin...so far so good, I have been on it 8 years!