scared of treatment cause of my heart and diabetes
rosebudd77
Member Posts: 1
I had surgery in June and now I need chemo and radiation........but I had by pass heart surgery a year and 7 months ago and I read how chemo can affect your heart ect. I also have diabetes and I heard that affects your sugar.......I am afraid of chemo and what it is already and now I am even more afraid.......has anyone here had chemo with heart disease and diabetes.....right now I dont want chemo and the docs are not very happy with me. ANyone please some advice and tell me how chemo was for you if youve had it. Blessings and peace to everyone with this diseade.
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Comments
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Welcome rose...
Sorry you are having to go through this. I have not been in your situation, but just wanted to tell you that they will keep a very good watch over you during treatment. I am going to be going through radiation and I too was concerned of a heart condition as it will be over my left breast. Although they will be bending the beams, a small piece of my heart will still be in the field (about 5%). I thought hard about this and decided that the risk of NO treatment far outweighed the risk of being treated.
I know it is scary. I'm sure you will make the right decision for you. We will be here to support you. Maybe someone will post that has gone through this to give you their experience. Hang in there. Some very wonderful people will be posting soon.
Pammy 0 -
rose........
Hello and welcome. I'm very sorry for your dx and also that you have other health problems.
My take on it is that if your docs didn't think that the chemo was necessary, they wouldn't recommend it.
As far as your heart, if you have had successful bypass surgery, your heart is probably in far better shape than it was before the surgery. And it has been my experience that the oncs keep pretty careful watch for any problems with the heart, during chemo.
I don't have diabetes, but my husband does. So I know how difficult it is at times to keep your levels good. I don't know how chemo would affect someone with diabetes, but again, if your docs think that chemo is your best treatment, and they are aware of your diabetes, then they have weighed the pros and cons. And the risks.
Chemo affects everyone differently, so it's very hard to know how it will affect you. But if it were me, I think I would do what the doctors think is best.
Big hugs for you, whatever you decide to do.
CR0 -
Rosebudd
Hello, Rosebudd, and welcome,though I am sorry for your diagnosis.
At least 2 women here with diabetes received chemo. Hopefully, they will see your post and respond. I believe that one of our sisters was not able to complete chemo, but another was.
As for pre-existing heart conditions, your heart function will be tested before you are allowed to receive chemo. Your oncologist must surely be aware of your heart condition and have available to him/her your cardiology history. Your cardiologist should also be a member of your medical team as to whether you get chemo or not.
If every one of your doctors--endocrinologist,cardiologist, primary care, etc.--agree that you can handle chemo, I would say it is definitely worth trying, anyway. But that decision is yours to make. You might get second opinions if you still feel unsure or question your medical team. It is your life, and you have every right and responsibility to do what you think is best for you.
Whatever you decide, I wish you the best. You have come to the right place for understanding and support through your cancer journey and will be hearing from others soon, I am sure.0 -
Hello Rosebud and Welcome
I'm sorry I can't help you with your questions. But I wanted to let you know we're her when you need us. I'm sure someone in your situstion will speeak up soon. And maybe sometime I Can be of more help.
God Bless
Aurora0 -
Rosebudaurora2009 said:Hello Rosebud and Welcome
I'm sorry I can't help you with your questions. But I wanted to let you know we're her when you need us. I'm sure someone in your situstion will speeak up soon. And maybe sometime I Can be of more help.
God Bless
Aurora
Moopy is right Rosebud, only you can make this decision with the help of your medical team.
I have a heart problem(not like yours) and diabetes too. As Moopy said..they will not do chemo or radiation until they have done tests.
With chemo, I found it very difficult to get my Blood sugars right...mostly because of the steroids...but it is certainly doable and the chemo nurses and doctors will be a great help. I had to go on different medications and have still not been able to wean myself off them..but it just takes patience.
As far as the heart goes...each hospital has their own methods. University of MD has a system where they only deliver radiation when the chest wall is away from the heart. I did not need this because my chest wall is concave already...so sorry I do not know the details.
Diabetes will give you problems through all of this, but I have found it helpful to have a diabetes doctor in the same hospital.
Welcome and good luck. Keep in touch and feel free to send me a private message.
Pat0 -
Diabetes and heart trouble with chemo
Hi,
I am one of your sisters with diabetes. It was hard to control my blood sugar, but my doctors monitor it and adjusted my meds as needed, remember you have some control over your blood suger, you just have to be alert to your body and monitor your blood suger closely. It is doable.
Good luck
tjhay0 -
Like the new pic!!tjhay said:Diabetes and heart trouble with chemo
Hi,
I am one of your sisters with diabetes. It was hard to control my blood sugar, but my doctors monitor it and adjusted my meds as needed, remember you have some control over your blood suger, you just have to be alert to your body and monitor your blood suger closely. It is doable.
Good luck
tjhay
Tjhay, just wanted to let you know that I like the new pic. You are looking so much healthier as if you are on the mend. Hope you are feeling better!! Pammy 0 -
Hi Rose and welcome! AsEil4186 said:Yes as Pammy has said, your
Yes as Pammy has said, your docs will be monitoring you very carefully as they know of your health history. I am a believer in treatment. If my docs say it will help me, and I do trust them very much, then I am going for it.
Hi Rose and welcome! As the others said, your medical staff will monitor everything about you and make sure that you will be ok. You have to have faith and trust in your doctors. They are only there to help you!
Good luck!
Noel0 -
I am a diabetic. I had all
I am a diabetic. I had all kinds of heart tests because my heart is always racing. I had to have a few muga scans along the way. I could not get the best Chemo out there because my heart would not take it, but I did get Chemo. The Oncologist will not give you Chemo unless he is sure,believe me. My Oncologist changed my series of treatments a few times but did not start until he was absolutly secure with the treatment. They watch you carefully. Bring snacks,drinks,and stuff to read. Good Luck and go for it.
Love Linda0
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