small update on my scare about heart issues

[Pam P]

I finally saw the cardiologist last week, reviewed my echos and my nuclear stress test results. Mostly good news.

She's concerned about the pericardial fluid around the heart which is likely caused by the taxol. But it's a small amount & it will just be monitored. She said if it got worse there's a surgery where they put a 'window' in the sac so the fluid just drains into the lungs. I've heard of people having that done, but am not going to spend energy thinking of that now - only later if that becomes a need.

No definite blockages were shown - but there are some defects so she said she can't be sure that there isn't a small blockage somewhere.

LVEF was improved to 55-60, but the filling function in one ventrical isn't normal - again just monitor it.

I'm now on a beta blocker and blood pressure, added to the statin, and baby aspirin I already took to help with cardio stability - and repeat the echo in 3 months.

The blood pressure issue is due to avastin, fluid to taxol, but she can't say if the defects are caused by chemo drugs or not.

I'm encouraged to exercise - but restricted from the sauna or hot tub due to the fluid. Sauna was my big reward for doing my water fitness classes regularly. Oh well, small price to pay.

Thank you for all the support you gave me while I was freaking out and scared waiting for all the tests and answers.