6 months Post DCIS now heart failure at 57

Louise64

Went for 6 month checkup at radiology oncologist - now have been diagnosed with severe heart failure and need aortic valve replacement. I can’t believe after having nothing wrong for 30 years- only 2 caesareans in 1990 and 1992 ... here I go again. Any suggestions for support groups like this one? Once again - I’m not telling anyone but my sister, daughter and school principal... I know so many worse off than me .. more surgery.. more time away from work... more frustrating than worrying. 

Afraser

Oh dear, that’s disappointing. As you say, more frustrating than worrying as the ‘fix’ is a well known and successful one but it does tend to hit home. It was a Heart Condition (I always thought of it with capitals) that sent me off to a counsellor five months after bc diagnosis. I could handle the cancer but a Heart Condition??  The counsellor was a good thing overall, and I was, and still am, perfectly fine, of course. Just needed a bit of time to get rid of the capitals! Best wishes for a rapid resolution and recovery! 

FLClover

Sorry to hear that Louise 😢. Really unnecessary at this time. What an absolute bugger. I don’t know of any support groups, but maybe your specialist will know? 

I wish you all the luck for the best outcome 🍀🍀

Louise64

Thank you. My mum would have said (she died of breast cancer and mets to spine, lungs, brain etc)..just another speed bump in life.
Now starting another journey on another road...at least I'm not boring !

FLClover

You’re anything but boring! 😆☺️. I like your mum’s viewpoint 👌🏻, cos that’s all it really is 💟

Jwrenn

@Louise64 is the heart failure because of radiation? This was my concern when going through it, as family history of heart problems. 

Louise64

They don’t think so- but also have no family cardiac history. Just unlucky 👍

PV123

Hi @Louise64

Your mum was very wise to call it another speed bump.  My father had a heart valve replaced at 70 and lived a very healthy life till the age of 91.  His life was not affected in any way.  

Wishing you the best of luck and a speedy recovery.

Anne65

@Louise64 So sorry to hear of your "speed bump". My first thought also, was it may be from the radiation but sounds like they have ruled that out. I just googled  https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/helpline . They have a Helpline 13 11 12 & it says that part of their job is putting you in contact with a support group in your area so I reckon that would be a good place to start. If they're as good as the staff at BCNA & Cancer Council, then Im sure they will be able to help you. Good luck & I love your positive attitude!!  xx

Halla

That’s awful news for you @Louise64 and only 57, what a double bummer! I suppose it’s good that you have a team looking after you to identify it early and do something about it. My oncologist mentioned yesterday that Aromatase Inhibitors can have a bad effect on heart health,  are you on those?

Louise64

No - chose not to go on anything yet. 

Jen2019

@Louise64, i feel for you and life sometimes throw too many curve balls at us. But, you seem to be full of courage just like your mother. Hang in there and you have the BCNA community rallying behind you. I may not know exactly what you're going through but I sure can lend you an ear if you need one. 

lrb_03

If you go to anything, go to the heart foundation website. I too just googled and came up with 
https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/conditions/heart-failure

Also sending you a private message

Cath62

Wishing you the very best @Louise64. Sometimes those bumps go on a bit more than we like. Sorry you have this one. Sending love ❤

Locksley

Sorry to hear of your "speed bump".   So many things are thrown at us on this roller coaster.   Sending you love and positive thoughts.  

arpie

Gosh, that's a bugger, @Louise64!  Did you have chemo at all?  I know that some chemo treatment can cause heart problems     Sending heaps of good vibes to help you thru this one   xxxx