MUGA Scan & Rads
Sometimes I am just amazed at all the new words and cancer lingo that I have picked up in this pink journey of mine. If you are not familiar with a MUGA (MUltiple Gated Acquisition) scan, it is a nuclear medicine test to evaluate the function of the heart ventricles. Specifically it is used to test my left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) rate of blood. This test is used to monitor my heart’s overall function while taking the cancer drug Herceptin. While Herceptin is an excellent drug to fight the HER2+ cancer cells, it can affect ones heart function and in some cases cause serious heart damage.
In May, I had a baseline MUGA scan done before I started Herceptin. My baseline score was 55. A normal score is between 50-80. My treatment plan has me scheduled to take Herceptin for a full year. So having a beginning score of only 55 made me very nervous. Many people’s scores are reduced as they continue on Herceptin and if you have too low of a score, you may have to stop Herceptin or cut back on your treatments. Because it is a wonder drug for breast cancer patients who are HER2 positive like me, I was really anxious to have my first MUGA done since I started Herceptin.
I am thrilled to share that my recent MUGA score was 61.9. I am so happy and relieved to know that my heart is functioning well and that my score was actually higher than the baseline one. So that means for now, I am tolerating the Herceptin well and it’s not causing any damage to my heart.
One other update to share is that my radiation or rads as we call it in the cancer lingo world, is going well. On Thursday, I will be halfway done with my treatments. My skin has just a mild pink look which is similar to a sunburn. I am using my gel cream twice daily and so far my skin is holding up.
Anyway that’s all the MUGA and rads news I have to share. Now I’m off to work on a new recycled tote bag project that I’m trying to get done. I’ll be back to share it soon, until then — Happy Green Crafting to all!
Tags: cancer
Sep 13, 2008
Hee hee. I kept calling them Hugograms which is just too silly since they are neither warm or fuzzy like a Hugogram would be. I had to get them a bunch too since I was on Avastin. Woo.
Sep 13, 2008
Oh good, good, good! What a relief that must be. Congratulations, too, on reaching the halfway point of your radiation treatments.
Sep 15, 2008
This is my first visit to your blog. I’m sorry to hear about your health problem. I hope everything works out for you.
Sep 15, 2008
Hi Cindy, I am happy to hear that you are getting through this as well as can be expected. Thank you so much for sharing your story. You are a wonderful encouragement! I am still crocheting tote bags; my coworker and I have done 75 so far!! Keep on keeping on! Love and blessings to you always, Trish
Sep 16, 2008
You really are an inspiration! When I need new ideas for new bags, I always know where to look. Thanks for posting the good news regarding the test results.
Sep 17, 2008
Sounds like you’re toughing it out. Have they warned you that your skin irritation will peak about two weeks after you finish radiation. Then it’s all going to get better. Good to hear about the MUGA. Oh, and some great research on a HER-2 vaccine, still in mice right now but always encouraging.
Sep 17, 2008
My mother-n-law is a breast cancer survivor. So I’ve seen her go through allot of torment. I will pray for you. Love your spirit! 🙂
Sep 20, 2008
Oh good, good, good! What a relief that must be. Congratulations, too, on reaching the halfway point of your radiation treatments. Thank you so much for sharing your story. You are a wonderful encouragement! I am still crocheting tote bags; my coworker and I have done 75 so far!! Keep on keeping on! Love and blessings to you always, Trish
Oct 03, 2008
Congrats! You are truly blessed. I am a 4.5 year breast cancer survivor. I graduated yesterday to every 6month visits from every 4 months. I did not have rads but I did have “red devil” chemo. It’s tough, but each day is a victory! I am praying for you.
Leslie in Tennessee
Oct 04, 2008
Leslie:
Congratulations to you for being a long time cancer survivor. I look so forward to having those many years behind this beast. Thank you for the prayers also.