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Becky · 08-01-2007, 03:48 AM

Dear Erin

How do you know you are having heart issues without any ejection factor testing? I would insist on the testing now because if all is well, you have been off of Herceptin (and maybe for no reason). Ankle swelling, especially in the summer, could happen just because Herceptin stimulates the immune system. You doctor is right to test the heart but he should have done so a long time ago because if all is well with your heart now, it could be from recovery (and that Herceptin did cause a problem) but it could be that nothing was wrong to begin with.

Get a muga or echo now and see what's going on. If something was or is wrong, you might need to see a cardiologist (probably not but who knows - I think you get what I am trying to say).

Let us know how this turns out.

Big hug to you

08-01-2007, 03:48 AM	#2
Becky Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Stockton, NJ Posts: 4,179	Dear Erin How do you know you are having heart issues without any ejection factor testing? I would insist on the testing now because if all is well, you have been off of Herceptin (and maybe for no reason). Ankle swelling, especially in the summer, could happen just because Herceptin stimulates the immune system. You doctor is right to test the heart but he should have done so a long time ago because if all is well with your heart now, it could be from recovery (and that Herceptin did cause a problem) but it could be that nothing was wrong to begin with. Get a muga or echo now and see what's going on. If something was or is wrong, you might need to see a cardiologist (probably not but who knows - I think you get what I am trying to say). Let us know how this turns out. Big hug to you __________________ Kind regards Becky Found lump via BSE Diagnosed 8/04 at age 45 1.9cm tumor, ER+PR-, Her2 3+(rt side) 2 micromets to sentinel node Stage 2A left 3mm DCIS - low grade ER+PR+Her2 neg lumpectomies 9/7/04 4DD AC followed by 4 DD taxol Used Leukine instead of Neulasta 35 rads on right side only 4/05 started Tamoxifen Started Herceptin 4 months after last Taxol due to trial results and 2005 ASCO meeting & recommendations Oophorectomy 8/05 Started Arimidex 9/05 Finished Herceptin (16 months) 9/06 Arimidex Only Prolia every 6 months for osteopenia NED 18 years! Said Christopher Robin to Pooh: "You must remember this: You're braver than you believe and stronger than you seem and smarter than you think"