Anyone had heart complications from Taxotere and Cytoxin chemo?

I haven’t and I’m 2 years out from it. Did see cardiologist at end of chemo and mentioned it but he didn’t seem particularly concerned about it. Did say it would usually take 5 years or more to see if any damage was done. He felt radiation would be more of a problem because mine was left side and deep to chest wall - they reset everything 3 times before they did it to try to avoid the heart.

I had one treatment and developed PVCs and had to have a complete cardiac work up. I’m now on heart medication to help with the PVCs and an abnormal ekg. I had no issues prior to treatment. My oncologist said there are no heart rhythm issues with Taxotere and Cytoxin. The handout from the oncologist stated there could be issues, a pharmacist told me there are issues, and general research stated that there is a problem. I’m concerned of long term problems.

@waterlilies1899, have you heard about a specialty called cardio-oncology?

Mayo Clinic offers expertise in addressing heart problems (called cardio-oncology), potential or current issues. 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.

You might ask if they have cardio-oncology as a specialty where you receive care. Whether caused by chemotherapy or treatment exacerbated an existing condition, I'm glad you are under the care of a cardiologist.

I had 4 infusions of taxotere and cytoxin. I live in the Chicago area where we have many excellent medical resources. Prior to my cancer diagnosis, I had seen 2 cardiologists. One of these cardiologists specializes in women and heart disease and I'd seen her for years prior to my first afib episode. Unfortunately, she lives more than an hour away and it's difficult getting an appointment to see her quickly. I have a second cardiologist close to home because he was the cardiologist on call in the local emergency room where I went and was diagnosed for my first afib episode.

They are both excellent cardiologists but it was my first cardiologist, who specializes in women and heart disease, who gave me a referral to a colleague, a cardiologist who specializes in cancer. My other cardiologist did not mention or refer me to such a specialist. Truth be told, I think they are a rare breed.

The cardiologist with the cancer subspecialty impressed upon me the need for rigorous monitoring. She said some chemotherapy can be cardio-toxic. I think that's the word she used. My oncologist has recommended Kisqali for me because my cancer grade was aggressive (3). The cardiologist emphasized an EKG monitoring protocol that should be used. I think this is in the Kisqali patient literature as well, but I shared it with my oncologist and PA. My doctor emphasized the need for me to be drinking a LOT of water. Really, an impossible amount for me but it certainly has motivated me to drink as much as possible.

So far, I've had no heart complications while on Kisqali though I'm only on the second cycle (about 2 months). Prior to starting the Kisqali, I had a heart ablation in September to try and prevent more afib episodes. I was diagnosed with afib in August 2023 and only have had about 4 known episodes since then.

If it's possible for you to see a cardiologist with that kind of cancer subspecialty, I think it's beneficial. She clearly understood my cancer treatment drugs and their effects.

I live in Chicago area, also. Could you share the name/ group of your cardiologist who understands cancer treatment problems ? I, too, had the same chemo you mentioned and I am also in the AFib camp. So far my cardio work ups have been normal and I have maybe 10 AFib sessions a year. My current cardio did not feel I needed ablation, so I take metropol and have flecanaide as a pill in the purse to slow my tachy sessions. I just returned to Chicagoland after a ten year break in Bend, Oregon so I am getting started with new doctors. I now go to a Mayo oncologist for my new LCIS ( 2003 IDC w/ nodes). Thx

I sent you a private message

@colleenyoung Thank you! I did not know they existed. I will look into it and double check with my cardiologist. I wish I had known this prior to chemo.

@prarysky Thank you for the suggestion. The heart medication seems to have made the PVCs almost completely gone. I do have a sensitivity to sugar, which does make my heart act up if i take in too much, which is rare these days. I have 2 treatments left. The treatment 2 weeks ago was fine, just a little bit of the PVCs at the end of treatment. I also think another contributing factor was the WBC injection. When that self injected, 30 minutes later I was really sick! It does not indicate on the label that it causes heart issues, but everyone's reaction is different. When this is all over, I think I will try and locate a cardiology oncologist for my continued care.

@waterlilies1899
I hope you can find that kind of specialist. They may not modify your treatment plan but can let you know if there is any additional monitoring they recommend as you proceed. Since you have 2 more treatments left, I'm assuming you may be getting more WBC injections. You said one made you "really sick" but unclear if that involved any heart symptoms.

Everyone is different reacting to these powerful drugs. Your oncologist knows how you are reacting to these drugs. Any cardiologist I've seen has always deferred to my oncologist's judgment. They emphasize things to monitor but do not assume primary responsibility in the cancer treatment.

Having said all that, though, I think a second opinion from a cardiologist specializing in cancer is helpful. I hope your PVCs continue to behave! Good luck trying to find this kind of specialist. Wishing you better days ahead!