ok .......my heart is not doing well

11-13-2005, 12:29 PM

Ok ladies......I am in a panic......I am stage 3 bc......had 6 months chemo (CEF)...rads....tamoxifen......3 months of herceptin......after 12 weeks of herceptin......heart functioning has gone from 60 to 42........herceptin has been stopped and my heart will be tested again in 4 weeks......if it is not up to 55 I have one more month for my heart to come up to 55 to continue treatment.........after 8 weeks if my heart is not up to 55 the herceptin will not be continued! Has this happened to anyone? Have your heart tests improved? I so want herceptin....it is the closest thing I can get to cure me and I am so upset about this......Is this uncommon? My friend has the exact same thing happen to her........please post

Becky · 11-13-2005, 02:13 PM

Don't panic. Since you don't have chemo now and can take supplements, go buy some Coenzyme Q10 (100 mg gelcaps) and start taking one with each meal (3 per day or 300mg). You have to start slow so start by taking one at breakfast only for a couple of days then add the second one by taking one at breakfast and one at lunch. After a couple of days add the third one at dinner. Co Q10 is touted to strengthen the heart and many of us take it for that reason (to keep things going and stay on Herceptin). You should also try to walk everyday. Start slow and try to build up to one hour. Go at your own pace but this will help too.

Lastly, you might want to see a cardiologist. They might prescribe something that can strenghten your heart so you can get back on and stay on Herceptin.

Stay calm. You can overcome this with a little work on your part and get back on Herceptin. Don't worry. We are here for you.

Peace

Becky

Barbara2 · 11-13-2005, 05:34 PM

I second all of Becky's suggestions: Co Q10, walking, and cardiologist if necessary. On Herceptin I went from a 58 EF to 50-52 EF. Started the Co Q-10 and walked as much as possible. That brought it up to a 60 EF.

The doubters of Co Q-10 might question that, but I am confident that it helped me. When I say doubters, I refer to an endrocrinologist I recently saw, who said Co Q-10 doesn't work. I think many on this site would disagree with that statement.

Barbara

Lisa · 11-13-2005, 05:52 PM

With CoQ10 use and a short amount of time, you should see your heart numbers climb back to normal pretty quickly. I'm not sure you really need to see a cardiologist. This has happened to several members and their numbers usually climbed back with no problem.

Love and light,

Lisa

11-13-2005, 08:22 PM

I am curious about this situation, I was not allowed to start to herceptin due to muga dropping below 50%. Onc states there isn't anything to do to improve heart function. Did start 1 dose of taxol and couldn't have 2nd dose due to increasly high liver function 200. Wondering if I'll ever be able to get the herceptin and stay on it and wondering if now I have liver mets. Onc says not to worry its only the taxol. How in the world could liver function tests go from 44 which is high to 200 in one week?
Very concerned that I won't get herceptin as I am er-pr- her2+++, just waiting for a recurrance.

11-13-2005, 08:29 PM

Please go to a cardiolofist ad ask him for Coreg and Lisinipirol...
That together with COQ 10 and walk and some wild salmon will take care of the heart....
I went thru the same...
Which part of US are u based out of...I am in New Hampshire almost on MA border...

Lyn · 11-15-2005, 07:31 AM

Hi there, I am in Australia and of all things I have a lovely AMERICAN lady heart specialist, she told me when I saw her last to take CQ10 as it was mentioned in one of the journals she had read and it does strengthen the heart. I am scheduled for my echo tomorrow morning so I will see how mine is going, I am not supposed to take anti-inflammatories but I have been this last couple of weeks so I am anxious to see where I am at. I have been on Herceptin for the last 4 years and I have been lucky with my Left Ventricle reading.

Love & Hugs Lyn