Heart failure

Sorry to hear what has happened. Good to know there is improvement already.

Thank you to everyone for their replies.

Further to my heart failure I have ended up with a blood clot in my left ventricle. This is a result of the blood pooling as the heart is not strong enough to pump all the blood out. My ejection fraction is currently at 28%. An improvement from 15% but still very low. I am self injecting Clexane twice a day until the end of chemo on 12/9/16. I start cardiac rehab on 1/9/16.

My oncologist is working closely with my cardiologist. Herceptin is off the list for good. Now my heart health is a priority over my breast cancer. A very stressful time all round. ??

I was wondering if maybe it had dropped by 15%? ..Remembered that is what my oncologist said would be a reason to look at it being stopped for a while .. so even if still in normal range a 15% drop is a concern. After AC I had a 12% drop and await now review after 3 months of Herceptin.

Hi Diane

This is Kathy from BCNA's Policy Team. I am sorry to hear that your Herceptin treatment has damaged your heart. This is one of the known side effects of Herceptin, although it isn't terribly common. Heart function often returns to normal once Herceptin is stopped.

Currently there are no alternative treatments for women with HER2-positive early breast cancer, however you may be able to resume Herceptin if you heart function improves after taking a break from it. Your medical oncologist will be able to talk to you about this.

Best wishes

Kathy

Hi, my sister-in-law diagnosed same time as me could only have half of the chemo treatment she required, however has handled herceptin. Crazy we are all so different. I am sure your oncologist has come across this situation before.  I agree with Primek the oncologist will definitely know what to do.

good luck and take one day at a time (easier said then done) 

love Anne-Marie ????

I don't  believe there is an alternative. They may however monitor your heart recovery closely after stopping and it  might be recommenced if recover quickly. Your oncogist will be able to explain any available alternatives and risks.