I learned something very interesting while preparing to go through chemo for the 2nd time around . Apparently they are supposed to give you an Echocardiagram AKA ECHO test of your heart before you have chemo so they have a baseline reading of what condition your heart is in. Then after you completed chemo they are supposed to give you another ECHO test to look for any changes or damage the chemo may have done to your heart.

The first time I had chemo they did not give me an ECHO test before chemo began. After chemo I could tell something was wrong with my heart. Every time I would bend over, even for a moment to put down my service dog's food bowl, when I would stand up again I would be out of breath and huffing and puffing. I also had way less stamina doing just about everything and would get winded very easily when I walked more than 50-100 feet.. I told my primary care doctor and he ordered an ECHO test right away. The results showed very minor leakage in a couple spots, where exactly I don't remember. This problem never resolved after the first round of chemo.

All of my cancer and other medical care has been done through the same organiziation, ORMC in Orlando. When they told me to schedule an ECHO test before the 2nd round of chemo I questioned them about it. I asked how long this has been a standard of care and was told they had done it this way for years. At that point I was really irritated and told the breast cancer oncologist that I never got an ECHO test before my first round of chemo when I was under the care of the OBG oncologist.

Now, after completing round two of chemo, I've had the before and after ECHO tests. I know my heart is in worse shape now than before the 2nd round of chemo and am currently awaiting my latest test results.

I thought it was important to let you all know that an ECHO test before and after chemo should be the standard of care you receive because chemo is known to cause heart problems in people who started this ordeal with a healthy heart and can make pre-existing heart problems worse. Also, if you have breast cancer in left breast and receive radiation it increases your risk of heart problems during and after your radiation treatment.

Leesa, I had hypothyroidism issues prior to breast cancer but the chemo/radiation
Made my issues worse. The meds for thyroid hardly worked and I gained a lot of weight and felt horrible with absolutely no energy at all. I could barely lift my arms. Working was very difficult. I tried everything to lose weight and finally was able to after 4 years. I drank a ton of water and started eating 2 Brazil nuts every day along with trying to walk at lunch daily. My meds work perfectly now. I hope this info is helpful to you. Wishing you the very best. Much love and endless hugs!!

LeesaJ i eill slso my oncologist to give me an answer to your question! Shes great shr can respond i will let you know what she says!!
Glow🍃🌸🍃

Yes, I had the Echo test before starting chemo as Herceptin is known to affect the heart- and the protocol is to have a repeat test every three months. I had to argue about getting the last one, the oncologist did not feel it was necessary as everything had been fine so far. SMH!! The last one was good too, thankfully! We really have to get comfortable advocating for ourselves! This may be their job- but it is our LIFE!
Glad you stood up for what you needed!!