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Cancer Treatment Induced Heart Disease

Posted by inali @inali, Oct 10, 2019

This is my most recent diagnosis, which apparently is the underlying cause of my: congestive heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, tricuspid-mitral-aortic valve problems, and goodness knows what other conditions. I have further testing at Mayo next week to help determine the extent of the damage, and whether or not I’m a candidate for valve replacement/repair. I had radiation therapy for cancer 40 years ago and have had periodic shortness of breath episodes over the years, no cause for which has been identified until now. How frustrating to learn what’s going on so late in the game. I’ve been searching for research articles but haven’t found much so far that even a highly educated layperson like me can understand. Is anyone dealing with the same or similar issues?

I’m in the process of getting my affairs in order’ (which we should all do whether a health scare or not), because this sounds like a death sentence to me. I feel like I’m suddenly in a race to dispose of my possessions and downsize my life before the grim reaper grabs me. At the same time, I’m desperate to maintain a positive attitude and find a kernel of hope in this situation.

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denisern | @denisern | Aug 31, 2022

Hi @ Inali
I have a very similar situation, I had breast cancer and had chemo therapy and left sided chest wall radiation, 13 years ago, they did an echo before treatment and not again until I had symptoms. 3 cardiologist agree that my cardiomyopathy and CHF were caused by the treatment, but I would have done exactly the same thing if I were in that situation again! As I had 5 tumors in my left breast and positive margins on my chest wall. This illness also ended my career as an RN due to the fatigue but I was 60 when this happened so retirement a bit earlier than expected. I heard a speech calling side effects are collateral damage. I thing that is an apt description. Good luck to you!

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alex1962 | @alex1962 | Sep 1, 2022
In reply to @colleenyoung "Welcome @alex1962. Am I understanding correctly that you have heart disease as a result of radiation..." + (show)
Profile picture for Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung

Welcome @alex1962. Am I understanding correctly that you have heart disease as a result of radiation treatments for cancer? If yes, you may be interested in this related discussion:
- Cancer Treatment Induced Heart Disease https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/radiation-induced-heart-disease/

It sounds like you are looking for information about how to request an appointment at Mayo Clinic. Here's the contact information to call or submit a request online. You can self-refer or have your doctor refer you. http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63

Mayo Clinic offers a program to address heart problems associated with cancer treatment called cardio-oncology. The Cardio-Oncology Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/cardio-oncology-clinic/overview/ovc-20442193) evaluates people prior to cancer treatment and patients who have experienced side effects due their treatment.

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Hi @colleenyoung . Thanks for the info-packed reply. Yes, my radiation heart disease is a result of chest radiation in 1988. Can you tell me, who are true general cardiologists and surgeons at Mayo who treat/specialize in patients with my history? I'd like to set up a consultation, using the links you supplied, but would like too do so knowing whom to see. Thanks, again.

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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Sep 1, 2022
In reply to @alex1962 "Hi @colleenyoung . Thanks for the info-packed reply. Yes, my radiation heart disease is a result..." + (show)
Profile picture for alex1962 @alex1962

Hi @colleenyoung . Thanks for the info-packed reply. Yes, my radiation heart disease is a result of chest radiation in 1988. Can you tell me, who are true general cardiologists and surgeons at Mayo who treat/specialize in patients with my history? I'd like to set up a consultation, using the links you supplied, but would like too do so knowing whom to see. Thanks, again.

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Good question, Alex. Mayo Clinic uses a team approach. Your team will be hand-picked according to your unique needs. It will likely include specialists within and across departments to evaluate your condition from fresh perspectives, specifically cardiology and oncology.

It's important to note that not all Cardio-Oncology services may be available at all Mayo Clinic locations. Be sure to inquire which location has full services.

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alex1962 | @alex1962 | Sep 1, 2022
In reply to @colleenyoung "Good question, Alex. Mayo Clinic uses a team approach. Your team will be hand-picked according to..." + (show)
Profile picture for Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung

Good question, Alex. Mayo Clinic uses a team approach. Your team will be hand-picked according to your unique needs. It will likely include specialists within and across departments to evaluate your condition from fresh perspectives, specifically cardiology and oncology.

It's important to note that not all Cardio-Oncology services may be available at all Mayo Clinic locations. Be sure to inquire which location has full services.

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Thanks, that’s helpful. I’ve contacted the Rochester campus and should have an update about a consultation soon.

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vlaugtug | @vlaugtug | Aug 13 11:34pm
In reply to @martijwis "Hi Inali, sorry to hear about your radiation induced heart disease. I am in the early..." + (show)
Profile picture for martijwis @martijwis

Hi Inali, sorry to hear about your radiation induced heart disease. I am in the early stages of getting diagnosed w/ moderate to high risk (of heart attack or stroke) coronary artery disease (and maybe more). I underwent left breast cancer lumpectomy radiation treatment over 6 years ago. And now, via getting a Coronary Calcium Scan, find out I have serious problems with my coronary arteries. In searching for info. on possible radiation induced heart disease for myself, I came not only upon Mayo but also upon "Cleveland Clinic". I found their website also has very good info on "Radiation Induced Heart Disease". I can't post links here but if you do a web search on the two terms (in one search) I put in quotation marks, it should take you to the Cleveland Clinic's Radiation Induced Heart Disease page. Very best wishes to you in your treatment. I share your concern that is a very alarming thing to have happen and am also thinking of getting my affairs in better order. I'm just now beginning this whole process. Thanks for writing and sharing so we others know we're not alone.

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Martijwis. I am wondering if you have pursued this issue with the Mayo in Minnesota since your original post

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mrszig | @mrszig | Aug 24 1:55pm

I was feeling ok until I read your post. Doesn’t sound like ur fighting. God bless you!

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