Thoracic aorta aneurysm with breast cancer: Is chemo safe or not?

@moey
Welcome to Mayo Connect. Dealing with multiple conditions at the same time is very stressful. I think you're correct to be concerned about the effect of radiation. My radiation was on the left side, same side as the heart, and they had me hold my breath so the diaphragm helps keep the heart from radiation.

Seeing you have no cardiologist to ask about, I would contact your oncologist, or even better, if there is a radiation oncologist on your care team. Ask them about the new diagnosis, the effects radiation will have, and whether you should delay radiation until you see a cardiologist. Your cancer care team may be able to reach out to a cardiologist to discuss. Were the tests that found your aneurysm done at the same clinic or at a different one? If at a different one, you should arrange to share the test results with the oncology team.

Also, maybe you could call whoever is scheduling your cardiologist appointment and let them know that you are scheduled for radiation and may be delayed, and ask for an appointment as soon as possible.

I had radiation on the left breast 6 years ago and was recently diagnosed with an enlarged aorta root. I have met with a vascular specialist and asked if the radiation could have caused it. He said cases of radiation causing aortra anysyrsum is rare, but possible.

Do you care to share more information?
What breast did you have surgery on?
How was your aneurysm found?
Were you having symptoms, or was it just a routine test that found?

moey, I was hoping you would gather more answers before tomorrow.
Radiation should be structured to avoid an aortic aneurysm. Be sure the radiology team is aware of your situation. You might call Radiation, let them know and ask if you should reschedule. You could also call whoever diagnosed the TAA and have your scans sent to Radiation asap.
On a more cheerful note some patients with aneurysms have a reduction in expansion because of scar tissue from radiation for nearby cancers. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11039527/ In this study, both infield and outfield radiation exposure were associated with reduced aneurysm growth

Hello....unless your Oncologist has valid concerns for starting chemo so soon after surgery, I would think a period of time for healing would be needed prior to chemo. Otherwise, healing is delayed or complicated by what the chemo can do to the affected area. I would insist on having direct contact with your Oncologist regarding that concern before you start chemo. Time pressure/stress isn't helpful in your circumstance!! Best wishes for success in your treatments!!