Does anybody know about heart problems with radiation?

We are in a similar situation. L mastectomy 22 yr ago, negative sentinel nodes, DCIS. 4 months ago bilateral mammogram showed new tumor in L breast. Had lumpectomy 5 weeks ago, saline implant removed. Axillary sentinel node was negative. My tumor was at 8 o’clock. (6 o’clock is bottom of breast). Good margins. I have noticed from reading these very helpful chats that chest wall cancers seem to pop up often so asked in surgeon office yesterday how they would follow. She suggested radiation onc consult which is in 1 week. There are lymph node chains all over your body. Surgeon pointed out my tumor was much closer to the internal mammary chain. They don’t attempt biopsies there often because pretty deep, harder to get to is what I have read. The safest radiation is with proton beam. There aren’t any of those machines in my state! ChatGPT was so helpful in explaining criteria, where closest proton beam tech was. We will see what radiation oncology says but I plan to push for proton beam, since I have a recurrent cancer I think I will qualify

I had IDC at 5 o’clock on left breast. Lumpectomy/reconstruction on both- radiation on left 15 days. They will teach you how to hold your breath during treatment… the machine will shut down if you don’t hold breath. I have not had any problems, besides fatigue and my skin taking awhile to heal. I was 60.

Here is a related discussion:
- About to start radiation: Did anyone have heart or lung complications https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/radiation-complications/

@vlaugtug, I thought you might like to know about cardio-oncology.

Mayo Clinic offers a program to address heart problems associated with cancer treatment called cardio-oncology or for people who have a pre-existing heart condition when diagnosed with cancer. The Cardio-Oncology Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/cardio-oncology-clinic/overview/ovc-20442193) evaluates people prior to cancer treatment and patients who have experienced side effects due their treatment, and can help evaluate treatment when you have both cancer and heart conditions.

You might wish to inquire about the program if the radiologist didn't mention it already.

You can also ask if your facility offers radiation in the prone position.
You lay on your stomach with your breast hanging through a hole (not as uncomfortable as it sounds, boards are heavily padded). In this position the radiation beam is aimed away from the heart.
This may or may not be appropriate depending on the specific location that needs radiation, and it is not offered at all facilities since it requires special equipment and training.

That makes a lot of sense. I hope you get clear and useful answers to your questions. Check in with us here on Connect, too, if you feel like it and fill us in as to your decision.

I am being treated at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota and I do have a phone consult with radiologist today. I will get some questions answered then. I have to choose between lumpectomy and radiation vs mastectomy. I do have heart issues and I have been very proactive for heart health through diet and exercise for over 10 years and just want to be fully informed especially with other's experiences, which I view as most valuable

thank you so much. I appreciate your response

thank you Mistymar. do you know if you had proton or photon radiation?

Diagnosed left breast close to chest wall near center (so over heart). I was told in initial appointment with radiologist that there could be secondary damage to heart and lungs but they would do all they could to prevent. Actually postponed the initial treatment because radiologist wasn’t happy with positioning related to heart. Went through measurements and markings 3 times before she allowed treatment. Did have problems with chemo so was sent to cardiologist and his comment was that damage was possible but it could take 5 years or more to show he wasn’t that concerned. I do have lung damage that shows up in all CT and PET scans that they attribute to the radiation. So far not causing problems. Trying not to dwell on it but for me it’s a wait and see.

I had 20 rounds of radiation in my left breast in 2022. My treatment utilized breathing techniques which had me hold my breath to keep the treated area farther away from my heart. I haven’t experienced any heart issues so far and I do intense exercise several days a week.