Muga keeps going up
 

I don't understand why my muga score keeps going up. Before starting chemo two years ago it was 55. My last muga two days ago is 70. How can this be if herceptin is hard on the heart? The Oncology nurses did not have an answer. I know this is good score but I wonder what it means. I don't think that it would mean that herceptin is just not effective. I don't think that has anything to do with it. I'm just curious. I am not taking any supplements except a multi-vitamin.

I'll ask the onc next time I see him.

I think this qualifies as "don't look a gift horse in the mouth." Are you exercising more than you were, or have lost weight, or eating healthier - I think any of these things can help your MUGA.

I just had a conversation with Colleen's oncologist about Muga numbers 2 days ago. Minor fluctuations of 5 points or more are generally considered insignificant. You can be tested in the morning and the same afternoon be tested again and have a score 5 or 6 points different.

Also, as Cannon has said, better diet, more exercise, losing weight, and having less stress can help raise the score.

Anyways, since a score of 50 or less may disqualify you from taking Herceptin, you are going in the right direction. A drop of 15 points is what you really need to avoid.

Lee

Thanks. It is good to know that my change in diet/exercise may be the cause.