How might heart disease make lung cancer treatment difficult?

@caralion I'm just a patient, not a doctor, so I'm not sure what impact your heart disease will have on your cancer treatment options. has your oncologist talked to you about surgery or chemotherapy yet? the PET scan will let them know if the lung cancer has spread to any other places in your body. I would also ask for biomarker testing if you haven't had that done yet. that can help the doctor match the best medications for your specific type of cancer. I hope you get answers soon. One of the hardest times is knowing something is wrong, but not the specifics of it - or what you can do about it. Be extra kind to yourself as you go through all of the diagnostic testing. Let us know what you learn.

@caralion, I can imagine you are nervous. First things first, you have to go through the diagnostic process to determine if it is cancer. As @mamajite said, there are still many unknowns.

If it is cancer and you will need treatment, your overall status will be consider for your treatment choices. In fact, in some large cancer centers, there is a specialty called cardio-oncology to keep a close eye on your heart health if you are being treated for cancer.

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.

I wish you all the best for the PET scan. Are you being seen at a cancer center?

Not yet. I'm still waiting for testing and trying to process. I can't seem to focus on anything at the moment.

@caralion I can definitely empathize with how you're feeling. it's overwhelming and you want to do everything and nothing at the same time. you said you have a PET scan this week. have they ordered a brain MRI, as well? when do you see your doctor again?

I have aortic insufficiency, a valvular problem. I now have 3 cardiologists; a "regular" one gor the valve, an electrophysist for the afib caused by the valve (and now gone after an ablation) and a cardio-,oncologist. I went through surgery, chemo and immunotherapy. There was close coordination of all 3 and my oncologist. And each of the 3 was at a different institution/hospital. It can be done. Good luck.

That is reassuring.

Not certain if it was the Alimta or the keytruda but one of them caused me tachycardia. I was admitted to the hospital with a resting heart beat of 124. At one point it was so bad I was confined to a wheelchair and couldn't do stairs. I developed a new UTI every three weeks (Keytruda) and an ear infection that wouldn't quit.

My oncologist stopped treatment in May, it took 4 months for my heart to return to normal. The UTIs and ear infections ended within a few days. I'm back to taking walks, doing housework and driving.

I'm glad you are feeling better. My son was treated with keytruda and had no side effects.

Hello how are you?
I have been on keytruda since 2021. I have stage 4 melanoma in my lung. ( in remission right now).
In the first year keytruda and covid damaged my heart. I was taken off keytruda until my 3 doctors ( lung, heart, cancer) could figure it out.
I was put on 3 medications to help protect my heart and after my heart function went from 25% to 55% I went back on keytruda. My cancer is inoperable.
The problems I have are severe breathlessness by walking only a few feet but once I sit down I am fine. The last several months I have excruciating lower back pain. Thinking it was from 2 previous back surgeries I consulted my back doctor and we did a CT scan. All hardware was intact.
I was full of arthritis. It is possible keytruda is causing inflammation with the arthritis. My oncologist referred me to a rheumatoligist this month.
So since 2021 I have had my share of issues with keytruda but I am still alive even though my quality of life stinks. This is my 4th cancer in 11 years. Breast, melanoma stage 3 on shoulder, thyroid cancer and stage 4 metastasized melanoma in my lung.
If my doctors could find out about my breathlessness and back pain and stop the pain I would be so happy...
Keytruda is the only treatment for me. There is no back up plan.

Immunotherapy was an amazing addition to the treatment process. I'm hoping I can go that route.

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