Cancer Treatment Induced Heart Disease

@martijwis should you wish to inquire about a second opinion 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

You may find this Visitors Guide helpful too. It answers many commonly asked questions https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide

@Sakota9 it isn't easy to keep a positive attitude. How does one reframe hope? Members talk quite a bit about dealing with cancer and depression in the Cancer: Managing Symptoms group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/cancer-managing-symptoms/

You might want to start a new discussion in that group asking "How do you keep a positive attitude?" I'm sure there are many who could relate and hopefully offer tips or strategies that worked for them.

The cancer education team just posted a related blog and video here on Mayo Clinic Connect. See
- Cancer Treatment and the Heart https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/cancer-education-center/newsfeed-post/cancer-treatment-and-the-heart-1/

Hi Inali, I've been mostly away from the computer lately, so just saw your response today. It is so good that you are having your upcoming surgery at Mayo. And yes, your focus and positivity will be of great help to you while you are in the competent hands of the Mayo surgeons. I saw on another post that you enjoy things like reading and art. These are sustaining you before and will after your surgery as well as your positive family contacts.

Yes, I know it can be difficult finding lodging in Rochester. Hope you can find good places at a decent price for all of you.

Thanks for your kind words on my still beginning research into my condition. Like for you, this will undoubtedly be a long journey. I have much to learn and try (re: meds and first contacts with a cardiologist--may choose a Mayo one--it could very much be worth the drive!)

Please let us all know here how you are doing when you can after your surgery. Wishing you WELL!

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!

Hi Marti,
I have been spreading the message regarding the potential for heart damage as a result of cancer treatment. In just the last week I’ve encountered two women with recently diagnosed breast cancer. I gently raised the issue with them and encouraged them to talk to their oncologist about exploring ways to minimize heart damage. It’s a tough topic to even consider when dealing with such a diagnosis. You just want to survive the cancer. To have another worry thrust on you at such a vulnerable time feels intrusive. But while I regret sharing info that’s less than happy news, the fact that I wish I’d been forewarned when going through treatment keeps me telling the tale.

I so appreciate you sharing your story. I’m letting folks know about the CCS also. Please continue to share any interesting articles you find and I’ll do the same.

Hi Inali, Yes, it is SO important to get the word out about RIHD and CCS. I also wish I'd been forewarned about the need to be monitored more closely and probably put on preventative meds sooner after lengthy radiation treatment. So, I'm glad you are also talking to others, as tactfully as possible, about discussing this risk w/ their Drs. before, during, and after radiation.

Know you have much, much to think about re: your upcoming scheduled surgery. Hope you continue to find more info. to help you be confident in your decisions, whatever they may be.

Thinking of you during this time. Please continue to let us know how you're doing when it feels right for you.

Hi Penn, No a CCS is not the same as an angiogram. I did learn that. CCS is non-invasive and shows images of Coronary Calcium and plaque in your arteries. You then are given a Coronary Calcium score that is an objective measure of how far along your "hardening of the arteries" is. An angiogram, I believe focuses more on images of blood flow through your coronary vessels. It does not, to my knowledge, specifically show the Coronary Calcium/plaque pictures or quantify by a score your level of "clogged arteries". I refreshed my memory on angiograms by skimming a Wikipedia article on what it does and doesn't do. The CCS is considered by most Drs. to be the best predictor of heart attack risk according to numerous articles I have read.

Ok I had a clean angiogram. I will ask for a CCS.

@inali, my apologies for the tardy reply. I recommend that you ask for a consult with the cardio-oncology clinic. You obviously have unresolved questions, or at least the need for more information to make an informed choice that is right for you. I'm not completely apprised of the care provided by the cardio-oncology clinic. But I do know that Mayo specialists work together as a multidisciplinary team of doctors. In this case oncologists and cardiologists. Please do call and inquire here http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63 or through the patient portal.

I'd appreciate your letting the group know what you find out.

I was put on Sutent (a targeted chemo drug) after I was diagnosed with renal cell cancer in 2008. It was rough, but Sutent was considered the gold standard for RCC. I had a minor heart attack in 2014 and the doctors attributed it to Sutent. I was immediately taken off the Sutent, which concerned me at first because the drug was keeping my cancer in check. But my RCC has been in remission since 2014, even without the Sutent. I do, however, get regular CT-Scans and MRIs to make sure the cancer has not come back. Susan54