Heart pounding since diagnosed with cancer: What can I do?

In September 2021, I underwent CRS/HIPEC for appendiceal cancer. A year before the cancer was detected, my pulse started going higher and higher. Post surgery I had orthostatic changes which included a rapid pulse along with dizziness. Now that I am three months past surgery my pulse has returned to normal.

I am glad you are doing well now! Appendix cancer is kind of an orphan cancer because if it’s rarity. Was the pulse change and dizziness due to the cancer, the treatment, or the anxiety?

I had a higher pulse several years before I learned I had cancer. I wasn’t anxious because I didn’t know I had cancer.

Post surgery I had an undiagnosed, allergic reaction to Tylenol which froze my lungs contributing to dizziness and severe shortness of breath; an untreated migraine that needed a blood patch; undertreated dehydration; and a coterie of nurses that refused to follow my PT plan resulting in my passing out while unattended. I did have anxiety about this but it didn’t seem to change my pulse one way or the other.

About two months after surgery, my pulse returned to normal. This led me to theorize that the cancer and the CRS/HIPEC put a huge strain on my body. Given the spread of the cancer, it is a miracle and a gift that I am alive.

@cstaryos, I add my welcome.
Did they treat the racing pulse before and up to 2 months post surgery?

The high pulse was not treated prior to surgery. I wonder if this wasn’t addressed because my pulse was 110-120 and only occasionally went above 160.

Post surgery my appendiceal cancer surgeon flat out refused to treat my pulse or orthostatic symptoms. I was discharged without a referral or a treatment plan.

When I returned home after a brief stay at my sister’s, my local VNA Homebound Care team were very responsive to my symptoms. They sought treatment from my providers when I was too dizzy to move and tailored my treatment plan to my abilities.

In the three months following my discharge, I went to the ER three times for an IV hydration which immediately stopped the dizziness. Around the second month after surgery my migraines and dizziness subsided. My pulse stopped racing during the third month after surgery.

Wow, this is quite a journey you have been on. I had a friend who moved back east in order to get HIPEC treatment. We had hunted for treatment for her, this is how I found out that this is rare enough to be considered an orphan cancer. It brings me hope for my barn friend when I hear how well you are doing. What kind of follow up program are you following? Any long term effects?

Please make sure your friend is seeing an appendiceal cancer surgeon with experience with over 200 cases. This is a weird cancer with many presentations and needs a specialist. The gold treatment standard is CRS/HIPEC.

I have LAMN stage 2 which is not aggressive and very very slow growing. My only follow up is a CT scan every six months. More aggressive types of appendiceal cancer can be treated with IV chemo.

Because I had so many things removed or dissected or scraped, I find myself short of breath. My hair is thinning out. I am often tired. Recovery after surgery can be from three months to a year depending on the person.

I worked with an OT & PT in my home. I start outpatient PT in January. Recovery is very long and slow but worth it to be alive. I can share a link to the support group I belong to which might be helpful.

I wish your friend and you all the best in your journey towards better health.

Thank you for sharing this! May I ask where you were treated?