10 years after chemo (now metastatic) I’ve joined a gym for cancer survivors/patients. The Oncologist has ordered a echogram because I my chemo was TAC. Has anyone been told that TAC may cause damage to the heart?

Hello @MeganM Thank you for your question about TAC chemotherapy. This stands for Docetaxol, Doxorubicin & Cyclophosphamide) huge names I know! I have included the patient information sheet below from the eviQ website regarding this chemotherapy combination. https://www.eviq.org.au/medical-oncology/breast/adjuvant/13-breast-adjuvant-tac-docetaxel-doxorubicin-cycl/patient-informationOne of the less common side effects of Doxorubicin is that it can affect the way the heart works. An echo cardiogram (an echo) can help find problems with the heart muscle, valves, or rhythm prior to having chemotherapy. You will certainly be monitored while having chemotherapy.

I also had A/C - T, plus Herceptin. I had an echocardiogram before starting chemo, developed an arrythmia after nearly five months of chemo and have had echocardiograms annually since. Herceptin can possibly cause damage to the heart wall (none in my case) and the arrythmia is stable and manageable. It was initially blamed on chemo, particularly after surgery, but may be a combination of factors. My gym wanted a certificate from my cardiologist, which was no problem (it's not specialist). My general heart health, apart from the irregular heartbeat, is fine. Best wishes

All the best for your results ..... It could be another area that @wingman may be interested in re BC Research?I know that I hadn't heard about it before my friend was diagnosed! :( Take care xxx

@MeganM I had Adriamycin and had an echocardiogram before starting chemo. I now see a heart specialist and have had tests for arythmia and at one stage cardiomyopathy. I am 46. It’s good to follow up with a heart specialist if you have any ongoing heart issues. You will need a referral. I am being monitored but have to watch out for a few heart issues.

Chemo can affect the heart. I was on AC-T (I don't know if that's the same as TAC) and had to have before, during and after scans. Where are you going to gym?

Heart check after chemo | BCNA Online Network

12 Replies

Afraser
Member
7 years ago
I also had A/C - T, plus Herceptin. I had an echocardiogram before starting chemo, developed an arrythmia after nearly five months of chemo and have had echocardiograms annually since. Herceptin can possibly cause damage to the heart wall (none in my case) and the arrythmia is stable and manageable. It was initially blamed on chemo, particularly after surgery, but may be a combination of factors. My gym wanted a certificate from my cardiologist, which was no problem (it's not specialist). My general heart health, apart from the irregular heartbeat, is fine. Best wishes
Sister
Member
7 years ago
Chemo can affect the heart. I was on AC-T (I don't know if that's the same as TAC) and had to have before, during and after scans. Where are you going to gym?

Forum Discussion

Heart check after chemo

12 Replies

Recent Discussions

Bone and join pain side effects of chemotherapy

My armpits feel like they are coated with ADHESIVE!

Abemaciclib Verezenio side effects

Radiotherapy (5 weeks)

Joint pain, muscle stiffness

Disclaimer: