First heart scan next week!!

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Hi all,

I have my first heart ‘Echo’ scheduled for next thurs, prior to me starting Herceptin in the next few weeks.

I was wondering if I will get the results there and then?? And will they tell me what the ‘norm’ is? I’ve heard people mention various numbers, and but I’m not really sure what they mean. If anyone could let me know whats what I would be really grateful,

Many thanks,

Take care,

Kelly
-x-

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Hi Kelly

When I had mine done the Technician said they are looking for a base line, to see how the herceptin affects your heart!

Hope this helps a little

Maggie x

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Hi Kelly,

What maggie says is right - the reading will be used as a baseline then you will be checked every 3 months to make sure the herceptin isnt affecting the heart. Normal is considered to be between 55-70%. Very often other chemo drugs can have affected the reading and they will not consider giving herceptin if the LVEF is below 50. I have been on herceptin for 4 years now and have had quite a big variation at these regular scans from as low as 42% up to 68%. My original baseline was 56%. I don’t think it is normal for the technicians to give you any indication of the results. At my hospital they have the results within a couple of days - as long as it takes for the consultant on nuclear to write his report.

Dawnhc

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Kelly
I had one before I started FEC. Then they told me they were looking for a score (of what I don’t know) about 55. Below 50 would have prevented chemo. Mine was above 65. That was mid May

I am having another one next week, like you before I start Herceptin later in the month. I will be interested to see what my score is now.

The nurse told me there and then what score she was seeing

Good luck and with the rads on Monday. Mine has now been delayed to Thursday. Rats! I wanted to get on with it

Sharon x

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Hi Kelly

I had an echocardiograph before I stated chemo, just to make sure heart was OK. Presume it was because chemo went ahead.

Before I started herceptin I had a MUGA scan, the one where they inject you with something to make the isotope stick to your blood, wait half an hour and then inject the isotope before connecting you to the computer and putu you in the machine. I found out before starting herceptin that my score was 70%(I think). They can’t tell you straight away as they have to do calculations. I had another one in August but haven’t heard what that score was - I presume that it was OK as herceptin has continued. I’ll ask on Tuesday what it was.

When they did the echo it was still fairly recent after surgery and I couldn’t lay on the side they wanted for them to do it on my back, so they did it on my front. With having had a TRAM recon they were trying to scan through muscle so they couldn’t get a proper reading so they havd to go under my boob.

I think 50% is when they postpone herceptin.

Good luck for Thursday, but I’ll let you know how I go on on Tuesday

Take care

Marilyn x

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I have had two muga scans now the first was 60 and the second was 59. I was so worried that I wouldn’t be able to start herceptin as I haven’t felt to have any stamina since finish of chemo. Good luck for Thursday love Eileen

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Hi ladies,

thanks as ever for your prompt and informative responses. As ever they are much appreciated!

Well, I guess I’ll just have to take ot as it comes on thurs. I’m sure my onc will soon let me know if there’s anything to tell,

Take care,

Kelly
-x-

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Hi Kelly

Had my onc appointment yesterday and he told me reusults of last MUGA scan. Heart function has gone done to 57 from 70 but they are continuing with Herceptin and he did not mention going for another one just yet - thankyou God. For me the worst part is them finding a vein and having to keep it open till they put the isotope in.

Hope yours goes OK tomorrow

Take care

Marilyn x

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Hiya,

well I had my heart scan on thurs and the radiologist said I om good to go for Herceptin, woohoo!!! My ejection blah blah was 72 (?%) which is pretty good by all accounts. So, just waiting for my start date now!

Take care all,

Kelly
-x-

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I had my echo this afternoon and was told my heart was fine but I wasn’t given any kind of score. However the radiologist said I was ok to start Herceptin. I think I have the first one on 26th as an inpatient. I finish radiotherapy later that week as I am having 30 sessions.

All the best

Anne

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hi

i’m due for my first herceptin on the 12th Dec and have to date no mention or appointment for a heart scan. Do they automatically send you an appointment for this or should i has my oncologyst.

Karen