I had 4 infusions of taxotere and cytoxin. I live in the Chicago area where we have many excellent medical resources. Prior to my cancer diagnosis, I had seen 2 cardiologists. One of these cardiologists specializes in women and heart disease and I'd seen her for years prior to my first afib episode. Unfortunately, she lives more than an hour away and it's difficult getting an appointment to see her quickly. I have a second cardiologist close to home because he was the cardiologist on call in the local emergency room where I went and was diagnosed for my first afib episode.

They are both excellent cardiologists but it was my first cardiologist, who specializes in women and heart disease, who gave me a referral to a colleague, a cardiologist who specializes in cancer. My other cardiologist did not mention or refer me to such a specialist. Truth be told, I think they are a rare breed.

The cardiologist with the cancer subspecialty impressed upon me the need for rigorous monitoring. She said some chemotherapy can be cardio-toxic. I think that's the word she used. My oncologist has recommended Kisqali for me because my cancer grade was aggressive (3). The cardiologist emphasized an EKG monitoring protocol that should be used. I think this is in the Kisqali patient literature as well, but I shared it with my oncologist and PA. My doctor emphasized the need for me to be drinking a LOT of water. Really, an impossible amount for me but it certainly has motivated me to drink as much as possible.

So far, I've had no heart complications while on Kisqali though I'm only on the second cycle (about 2 months). Prior to starting the Kisqali, I had a heart ablation in September to try and prevent more afib episodes. I was diagnosed with afib in August 2023 and only have had about 4 known episodes since then.

If it's possible for you to see a cardiologist with that kind of cancer subspecialty, I think it's beneficial. She clearly understood my cancer treatment drugs and their effects.