Hello everyone.
I had a lumpectomy for a small left sided (6mm) cancer in December, and have been referred for radiotherapy. However, I have cardiac arrhythmia and so have been given the choice of accepting or refusing the treatment due to the possible cardiac effects. Has anyone else been in this situation? Thanks for any thoughts.
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Hi @judyea and welcome to the forum. It’s a very supportive place.
I had bilateral (both) invasive breast cancer and needed radiotherapy on both sides. I had to learn breath hold to move the heart out of the way to minimise any issues. I was also having chemotherapy and Herceptin which are both cardiotoxic and affect the heart. I needed a MUGA scan 3 times over the year to check my heart function because I was having Herceptin for a year. This did affect my heart function (ejection fraction) but was still within normal limits and I was informed it will improve over time as well.
I also have Supraventricular tachycardia which is also an arrhythmia, this is controlled by medication but I occasionally get an episode of it. My team contacted my cardiologist who was happy for me to have the treatment. I needed the treatment to save my life and I knew my tachycardia would not kill me. I also have a family history of cardiomyopathy and this was taken into account with my treatment plan. I am also monitored with my cardiology team who did an ECHO at my last meeting for their own records.
If your team have not contacted your cardiologist ( I’m assuming you have one) I would ask them to do so or you could contact their secretary and explain the situation and see if you can get an appointment with them to discuss your own situation and radiotherapy.
Take care 
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I had 20 doses years ago. 15 normal and 5 boosts. This was before the newer breathing techniques that help move the heart away from the treatment. I was 36 and had no side effects at all. However, as previous poster said, a conversation with your cardiologist would be a great idea to be confident to go ahead. Best wishes.
Thanks very much for your reply - that’s really helpful.
I also have SVT which is well controlled by medication. I haven’t seen ‘my’ cardiologist for years - or even had my meds reviewed! It is very stable and I just get the occasional flutter.
My cancer was invasive ductal, oestrogen +, Her 2 -, and i am now on Anastrazole and Adcal D3.
Because I am not 70 unil next year, I’m right on the cusp of needing/not needing further treatment - which my oncologist is leaving it up to me…
I have my planning appointment the week after next in case i do go for it.
Anyway, I’ll give the breast unit team a call tomorrow and see if they can get a cardiologist involved.
Once again, many thanks and best wishes.
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Thanks for your reply.
I am due just 5 treatments - it seems they blast you over a short space of time rather than drag it out these days…?
I don’t actually have an active cardiology team, but I’m going to call my breast care nurses tomorrow and see if they can get me some information/an appointment.
Many thanks for your advice,
Take care.