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primek's avatar
primek
Member
9 years ago

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

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? 

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  • melclarity's avatar
    melclarity
    Member
    9 years ago
    Kath, sending a hug, let us know what the Oncologist says. I agree I think as you are fitter and dropped a massive amount of weight your body is coping better regardless of the heart reading. Hoping it goes ahead!!! Melinda xo
  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    9 years ago
    Good luck, I hope it all works out well feeling fit must be a good sign!
  • socoda's avatar
    socoda
    Member
    9 years ago
    ooooohhhhh right!!!! - sending positive vibes that that is exactly what happens. And yes 300km is a big damn nuisance!
  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    9 years ago
    He did say before only normally stop at 40% and since no symptons hopefully he will say go ahead and retest in a month (its 300 km to do it! Which is a damn nuisance)
  • socoda's avatar
    socoda
    Member
    9 years ago
    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!!  
  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    9 years ago
    I'll  go into the unit tomorrow as herceptin in due Wednesday and they will need to call him...500k away.
  • socoda's avatar
    socoda
    Member
    9 years ago
    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?