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.

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.

@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

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!

@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. :)

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

6 months Post DCIS now heart failure at 57

26 Replies

Louise64
Member
4 years ago
:)
Locksley
Member
4 years ago
@Louise64 sending you a hug and wishing you a speedy recovery.
June1952
Member
4 years ago
I always tell myself that my man battle scars are just proof that I won over whatever tried to kill me.
All the best for what lies ahead. 💖
arpie
Member
4 years ago
Haha ... I had to have my gown ‘front opening’ as I was face down for my Rads ... and didn’t realise I was Flashing the guy sitting opposite me in the waiting room, as it had ‘opened up’ when I sat down and I hadn’t realised! LOL. He would have seen my belly rolls too! LOL It didn’t worry me too much as I’d gotten used to dropping my top in front of complete strangers in the previous months ..... so I just laughed it off! So did he!

Wear your scars with pride, @Louise64 ... it shows that you are a survivor xxx
Louise64
Member
4 years ago
Thank you. It’s just a little bit funny after bc surgery & radiotherapy I’m the quickest undresser- but have to remember to put gown on opening at back! But back to the best front opening bra- Amoena Hannah from David Jones $39... again - heart bypass, breastbone crack & wired - just another bump in the road.. but sad my magnificently healed scar from last July just looking invisible- now this . Battlescars ❤️
arpie
Member
4 years ago
I had severe palpitations last year @Louise64 (I seriously thought I was having a heart attack!) Just on Beta Blockers now ..... no chemo for me either.

All the best with your tests & surgery.
Mummy0297
Member
4 years ago
Sorry to hear about your new diagnosis @Louise64- wishing you all the best - stay strong and reach out for help if you need it xx
Louise64
Member
4 years ago
Sorry @arpie - no chemo. Undiagnosed murmur that has surfaced. Luckily I’m really good at getting tests done and radiotherapy makes us the fastest dress/ undressers for X-rays /ultrasounds/echocardiograms/ ECG/ angiograms... sense of déjà vous. Surgery booked - another 3-6 months off work. Ce la vie 🥰
Louise64
Member
4 years ago
I’m on that path - left breast surgery and radiotherapy- 6 month check up in morning - echocardiogram and heart failure diagnosis in afternoon. Great doctor so now angiogram then valve replacement... life goes on 💗💗
Stormbird63
Member
4 years ago
I was diagnosed with a congenital faulty aortic valve with a large aneurysm to boot. This was found during the work up to left breast cancer 2 years ago. Went through lumpectomy and radiation then one year later open heart surgery. It was a roller coaster of a recovery but would do it all over again compared to the mental torture of the potential presence of cancer hanging over you for the rest of your life!
Check out the Australianhearthealth.org.au or heartstart. All the best