I went for my 3 monthly heart scan last week, I continue on herceptin. I had to stop for 4 weeks as my cardiac output dropped to 44% . It was rechecked in a month and back to 58% ...but better method was used apparently, so herceptin restarted. So there I was last week...new technician who says oh a couple of ways to do this...chucks the stuff in my veins then says...oh this method can have a 5% inaccuracy. To say I was pissed off was an understatement. My comment was well that's not good...it could mean my treatment being stopped. So results back in 43% I am livid. Will have to wait now and see the decision of the oncologist.When it was 44% I was symptomatic. Breathless when walking. Fluid retention...heart pounding. I was 18 kg heavier too, though. I have since lost that. I have recommenced swimming. ..the last 2 weeks doing 32 laps of a 25 m pool. I have got my step rate up daily and started Zumba again. 1 hour sessions...not doing the whole lot, needing to sit out 3 or 4 songs in the hour ...but it has been 38 degrees on those days.So...could it really be only 43% and me feeling so absolutely well and fit again. Or is it just a flippin bad test. What do you think ladies?

Hey Kath, I reckon don't underestimate your weight loss and your increased activity levels. It may be that it is in fact 43% but you are coping better because your body is fitter and not carrying that 18kg. Your heart certainly wouldn't be under the same stress. Brilliant effort with you being back at work as well as doing all your exercise. Surely your oncologist will take in to account the possible 5% inaccuracy with the testing and how you are feeling as opposed to last time. Crossing fingers for you. When do you find out your oncologists decision?

I'll go into the unit tomorrow as herceptin in due Wednesday and they will need to call him...500k away.

Will you be speaking to your oncologist yourself when he is phoned or will a report be given by techs/nurses? I think you should be asking to speak to him yourself and letting him know exactly how you are doing - may give you a better chance of continuing with the herceptin. I also think I would also be advising him of the blazay attitude of the tech, particularly when it can mean the difference between your treatment going ahead or not!!

Good luck with it Kath. Will be thinking of you. Xx

43% cardiac output. How come I feel so well?

40 Replies

primek
Member
9 years ago
I was having gated blood pool scans which used to be called Mugga scans. Can't recall being warm on herceptin. Hope all goes well for you.
au0rei
Member
9 years ago

primek said:

I went for my 3 monthly heart scan last week, I continue on herceptin. I had to stop for 4 weeks as my cardiac output dropped to 44% . It was rechecked in a month and back to 58% ...but better method was used apparently, so herceptin restarted. So there I was last week...new technician who says oh a couple of ways to do this...chucks the stuff in my veins then says...oh this method can have a 5% inaccuracy. To say I was pissed off was an understatement. My comment was well that's not good...it could mean my treatment being stopped. So results back in 43% I am livid. Will have to wait now and see the decision of the oncologist.

When it was 44% I was symptomatic. Breathless when walking. Fluid retention...heart pounding. I was 18 kg heavier too, though. I have since lost that. I have recommenced swimming. ..the last 2 weeks doing 32 laps of a 25 m pool. I have got my step rate up daily and started Zumba again. 1 hour sessions...not doing the whole lot, needing to sit out 3 or 4 songs in the hour ...but it has been 38 degrees on those days.

So...could it really be only 43% and me feeling so absolutely well and fit again. Or is it just a flippin bad test.
What do you think ladies?

Hi lovely, hope you are well :) Could I know what scans do you go on for heart scans? I had baseline using MUGA. I will be doing echocardiaogram next week instead. My oncologist suggested that after I have gone through so much radiation recently. I thought that was being thoughtful of him :P

Do you feel warmer than usual while on Herceptin? I do thought it's not fever. Melbourne's colder this week so I feel much better. Even urine feels warmer than usual lol.
melclarity
Member
9 years ago
Oh thats right Kath, sorry! yes and thats tough, because you go from all of the treatment, doctors etc., to nothing, so its a big adjustment. But now you get to really heal and find your feet again, which will be fantastic! xoxo
primek
Member
9 years ago
@melclarity Having had a bilateral there is no yearly scan etc to be done. It's just following up on any new issues and being thorough in investigation if persistent issues occur like pain etc.
melclarity
Member
9 years ago
Kath, Im sorry that was the outcome, but it sounds like it was really the best thing. It is hard finishing abruptly too like that with no time to adjust to having no treatment and then you feel you are free falling. It will settle I promise and you then only get nervy at yearly check ups. Just remember youve done all the right things, time to heal some more. Hugs Melinda xo
socoda
Member
9 years ago
Excellent, Kath. That's definitely something to look forward to!!!
primek
Member
9 years ago
@socoda Havent got a date yet but sometime in next 6 weeks
socoda
Member
9 years ago
Oh Kath, It must be extremely daunting to be told about this research when your told your existing treatment is no longer viable, shame they didn't decide that one from the start!! It's early days to be over the shock and be able to put a positive spin on this but I am sure that you will and your very understandable fears will quieten as time passes. So when is your exchange scheduled for?
Jane221
Member
9 years ago
That sounds like a good plan Kath! <3
primek
Member
9 years ago
Thankyou. Yes .. as it feels unfinished I think I will focus on the completion of my reconstruction as being the end of treatment and feel able to celebrate then.