LilyMir Posted July 12, 2022 Share Posted July 12, 2022 Hi everyone, I have been struggling with tachycardia since my lobectomy. This became worse since I started adjuvant chemo. I used to be with resting heart rate in lower 80s. After surgery it seemed to crop up to lower 90s and now with chemo I seem to hover in lower 100s! Blood work today was good except liver is not happy and Ferritin is suddenly 200, when I have always had it not more than 40. Anyone identifies with any of those symptoms? The constant heart racing is wearing me down (gets to 120-130 if I do house light chores). Oncology seems to be always not bothered with anything. My family doctor ordered a Holter for later this week. I am of course left worrying, as if I needed more to worry about. Karen_L and Justin1970 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justin1970 Posted July 13, 2022 Share Posted July 13, 2022 Hi lily What a nightmare your going through i hope this all settle down soon and you start feeling better, I'm sorry I can't offer any advice my heart rate did creep up on the chemotherapy treatment but nothing severe hopefully someone will have some answers for you soon all the best Take care Justin x LilyMir and Izzy 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LouT Posted July 13, 2022 Share Posted July 13, 2022 Lily, I can't say that I have the experience you've had with the tachycardia, but there was a thread on Lungevity about this topic. It was a while ago (2008), but may offer some information for you. I can be found here. Lou LilyMir, Justin1970 and Tom Galli 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LilyMir Posted July 13, 2022 Author Share Posted July 13, 2022 Thanks guys. I recall this increased heart rate starting after my lobectomy. I wonder if lung surgery is a main cause. It is becoming higher with chemo but not sure it is the main cause, rather maybe dehydration caused by chemo causing further stress on heart. So annoying that doctors seem dismissive. It certainly is a nightmare Justin! LouT and Justin1970 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Judy M2 Posted July 13, 2022 Share Posted July 13, 2022 Lily, I hope you'll see a cardiologist after you've worn the Holter. You should be getting an EKG and an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart). Press for both. The EKG can be done in the cardiologist's office but the echo (ECG) is usually done in a hospital radiology department. I get both every 3 months because the targeted therapy I take can cause cardiac problems. LouT, Justin1970, Karen_L and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LilyMir Posted July 13, 2022 Author Share Posted July 13, 2022 Thanks Judy, I will. I did an ECG and it said "sinus tachycardia, otherwise normal ECG". Holter tomorrow for 24 hours then I will push my GP for echocardiogram. Oncologist is absolutely useless. I know all 3 were normal before my my cancer treatment, as I did all 3 as part of a check-up. Are you on Tagrisso? I am supposed to go on that after chemo... Karen_L, Justin1970 and LouT 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Judy M2 Posted July 14, 2022 Share Posted July 14, 2022 Yes, I am on Tagrisso. I had chemo and, radiation first, then started Tag in March 2020 (NED since April 2021). Having both an EKG and echocardiogram is standard practice before starting on Tag. I've only recently been getting them every 3 months. You may have to be watched closely like that considering your tachycardia. Karen_L and Tom Galli 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Judy M2 Posted July 17, 2022 Share Posted July 17, 2022 I just saw my primary doctor on Friday for a regular checkup. She wants me to see a cardiologist to keep ahead of any potential cardiac issues that Tagrisso might cause. So I'll be adding that specialty to my care team. LilyMir, Tom Galli and LouT 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen_L Posted July 18, 2022 Share Posted July 18, 2022 23 hours ago, Judy M2 said: She wants me to see a cardiologist to keep ahead of any potential cardiac issues that Tagrisso might cause. So I'll be adding that specialty to my care team. Thanks for posting this, @Judy M2. I see my oncologist next week and will raise this with her. Are there such specialities as cardiology-oncology, do you know? Karen LouT 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Judy M2 Posted July 18, 2022 Share Posted July 18, 2022 I don't know, Karen. I think my primary doctor is being overly cautious. My oncologist is not concerned. LouT 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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