Tests for your heart before chemo?
 

I've had my second chemo treatment of A/C. The first one went really pretty well, other than being very tired and sleeping a bunch, some heartburn, not too bad, and constipation, which finally got better. The second one, not so well. I just feel lousy. Anyway, my question is, I asked my doctor since I've read that A/C can be hard on your heart if I needed any type of scan. He said since I didn't have any indication of heart disease and was otherwise healthy, it wasn't necessary. I thought maybe I needed something before starting chemo to have a baseline. Did any of you have any type of test for your heart, and if so, what and when?

Hi Sheryl, sorry to hear you're feeling lousy after chemo. Make sure to drink lots of water before and after your treatment, so you don't get dehydrated. I did have a baseline test for my heart function, something called an echo-which is like an ultrasound of the heart (painless and fascinating). I thought this test (or the alternative, called a MUGA) was standard for all patients prior to starting A/C, since it can be heart toxic. I'm surprised your doctor did not test you--I would speak up and ask for one or else get a second opinion. I'm pretty certain you will hear from other women on this board who will tell you they had their heart function tests prior to A/C. Best of luck to you with your remaining treatments.

Hugs Sheryl,

I ditto what Audrey said and drink LOTS AND LOTS of water. I kind of overdosed on water the 24 hours prior to a chemo treatment. I also drank water contnually before the treatment, (while I waited in the wiating area for chemo to begin) and drank it throughout the treatment and REALLY drank it afterwards and the next day. I pictured the "nasty's" from the chemo being flushed right out of me. I handled chemo pretty well and often wonder if all the water I drank helped.

Also, yes, I did have my heart checked before chemo begain. They did an echocardiogram on me prior to ever beginning chemo. I also did the A/C and Taxol. I started herceptin with taxol and by my 4th treatment of herceptin my onc. ordered a MUGA. That was the last one I had.

I hope you are feeling better soon.

Mary Jo

Hi Sheryl,

I had a MUGA scan before chemo - although I am on FEC- T (Taxotere), a different chemo than you. My onc. says I will have another MUGA befoe I start Herceptin, and then I will get a few MUGAs during the year long Herceptin treatment.
I agree with the other gals, you should definitely get some kind of heart scan - either a MUGA or I believe an ECHO ( short for echocardiagram?).

All the best
Caya

I also had a MUGA scan before I started A/C. I had terrible side effects from the A/C...and only did 4 treatments instead of 6. My heart, yay, stayed strong through everything! And now, those bad side effects are but a distant memory. Good luck to you!

I had a muga scan before I started chemo. And I agree, drink lots of water. You will have problems down the road if you don't

I had to have a ECHO before starting chemo also. They want to make sure your ok to start...plus it gives them a baseline to go by. I really don't understand why your onc wouldn't want you to have a ECHO or MUGA before starting AC? I would nicely push the issue and tell your onc you would feel more comfortable if you had an ECHO. I'm glad your doing ok and hanging in there during your AC. Just think...that's two done and out of the way. Sending positive thoughts.

Chelee

My surgeon ordered my Muga before I ever saw my oncologist. The oncology nurse looked up my results before giving me my first A/C. She said she wouldn't have given me any if the results were low.

I've had 4 since I've been on herceptin. Last November, my ejection fraction was 65%, in February it was 49%, and in March 47%. I was told 50% was the low end of normal. Mine is decreasing because of the herceptin.

I had no indications of heart disease either. I was diagnosed when I was 39. As it was suggestion, politely ask for an echo or a muga. My understanding is that echo's are a little less invasive.