MUGA scan and Herceptin effects
 

I just had a Muga scan and my heart ejection fraction? (I think that's the right term) is at 75% after almost 5 years of herceptin.

I wasn't sure what to expect, since I know some have had to stop herceptin due to heart issues.

My onc. said my heart was stronger than his!!!

A terrific score! I have never been above 64%. Next MUGA is in a few weeks.

Esther, Did they use your port to inject the tagged red blood cells? If so, what kind of port do you have?

Thanks

No they did not use my port for the MUGA, they used a vein.

I have hard veins to access though and have had a small port in the inner part of my right arm for almost 5 years now. Lately Stanford has used it for CT's and MRI's and even for the IV for sedation when they inserted the fiducials for Cyberknife.

It has been fine, and I figure if it gets clogged, it's about time for a new one. The new power port only comes in a chest port, and they stick out on me. I'm reluctant to get one for that reason. You can't see the one in my arm at all.

When it's time to replace this port, I'll figure out what the best option is.

Obviously you are very active and that probably accounts for much of your great score. Do you take C0Q10 or other supps?

At the moment I am taking a generic iron supplement, Iscador--which are injections made from Mistletoe and are shipped from Germany by Weleda. And a potassium supplement.

All 3 were recommended by either my onc. or my PCP.

I have alot of supplements I've invested in, but I have a hard time being consistent and taking them. I don't usually like to take alot of pills. Now that you mention it, I'll take a look at them again.

Is the Iscador strictly for Iron supplementation?

No the Iscador is a separate item from the iron supplementation.

I do take a generic iron supplement, but I get that at the regular pharmacy.

Iscador is ordered from Weleda, and it seems to work synergistically with Herceptin in keeping the cancer progression down.

It really does work for me as I've run out a few times and had to wait for another shipment and in 6 weeks time my CA 27-29 began to go up again, after the arrival of my next shipment, the CA 27-29 immediately decreased again.

You need a valid Dr's prescription for it and Weleda ships it from Germany. It has been used in Cancer clinics in Europe for over 30 years.