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rene2476's avatar
rene2476
Member
9 years ago

Herceptin vs Heart Failure

Hi All!  Am happy to say, chemo & radiation are now complete.  But unfortunately my Herceptin treatment (after 4 rounds) has been put on hold indefinitely due to the results of my latest gated heart test and follow up ecos with the cardiologist.  My heart function has gone from 55 % (which I believe was not great to start with) to 37 % and is now around the 43% range with no improvement over the last 6 weeks.  I am on Ramipril and Bicor.

Has anyone else had issues with Herceptin?  Did your heart function improve?  Were you able to complete your Herceptin treatment?

Thanks xx

Rae

2 Replies

  • Hi Rae, I also experienced heart problems with Herceptin when I was treated during 2012/13. My baseline was much higher than yours (in the 70's I believe) and dropped to around 43% in the final 6 months of the treatment. After a short delay of a few weeks it stabilised and I was able to complete the treatment once on heart medication (think it was Bicor) and was more closely monitored with extra ECGs etc. The good news is that my heart function returned to more normal levels after I finished treatment (though not to the original level) and I no longer need heart medication or see a cardiologist. 

    Best wishes to you, hopefully things will improve for you soon. Jane xx

  • Hi Rae,

    55% is fine, but I can understand the concern about the drop. I think this has happened to quite a few women, who have been able to continue with Herceptin once their heart function improved.

    Good luck with this..... Pam