Hi Colleen,
Thanks so much for posting the link Cancer Treatment and the Heart https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/cancer-education-center/newsfeed-post/cancer-treatment-and-the-heart-1/. I had no idea that Mayo had a cardio-oncology clinic. I have a question for you: I have open heart valve surgery scheduled for next month at Mayo. The research studies and articles I’ve read leave me feeling pretty hopeless about (1) my survival, and (2) my resulting quality of life should I survive the surgery. Speaking with my doc and valve surgeons is likewise leaving me with little reason for hope. I’m considering skipping surgery and just letting nature take its course. Problem is, I’d like to better understand what that choice would me. Perhaps the Cardio-Oncology clinic physicians could help illuminate that area of darkness for me. What do you think? Would they likely have the knowledge and experience to help me understand what that choice would mean? I have questions like: with no surgical intervention, am I likely to be around in a year? Two years?

I’m looking for your advice as I assume you understand the nature of care provided by the clinic. I don’t want to waste their time or mine if such medical ‘forecasting’ is beyond the scope of what they do.

Thanks so much, Colleen!