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A muga is a precise reading done by a computer. Usually you get a number, let's say 62. An echo's ejection factor is "read" by a cardiologist and is usually a range, lets say 60-65 (as an example if the muga said 62). The echo is just as accurate, especially if the same person is reading it everytime. Also, your parents are right about the bit of radiation involved with Muga - who needs it if it is not necessary.
A muga could be called for if a person is on the borderline of 50 and is also either elderly, ill or has known heart problems. That is when an oncologist might want a precise number versus a range.
If your mother continues to tolerate Herceptin (and it gets better and better over time) do not discourage her as it is a life saving drug. Of course, if there a life threatening problems in taking the drug and her doctors want her off, that is another story all together.
Bottom line to your question, there is very little difference between muga and echo.
Hope this helps
__________________
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"
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