Not a Cup of Coffee

I've had a muga - and it doesn't have anything to do with coffee. Monday I had a MUGA scan (multiple gated acquisition scan) which is a special test of heart function, more specifically - ejection fraction. A MUGA was done to see how well blood is pushed from my heart. The test is done by obtaining a blood sample and attaching radiation to it and re-injecting the blood into the patient, then watching the blood move through the heart with a special camera. It takes about 30 minutes to complete, and the hard part is lying very still with your arms overhead. Two of the chemotherapy medications that I will be taking can have side effects on the heart. The test will be repeated periodically throughout the next few months to monitor the effect on my heart. Today the doctor called to tell me the results - and my ejection fraction is 60.8% - so students what is a "normal" ejection fraction? Okay, I give - 55-70% is considered normal.
The protocol that I will receive is a standard treatment for ER/PR negative with HER2/neu positive tumors - AC - TH protocol, which is Adriamycin and Cytoxan followed by Taxol and Herceptin. I will get AC every three weeks for 4 rounds, then TH every three weeks for 4 rounds. It is anticipated that I will receive Herceptin, which attacks the HER2/neu positive cells, every week for a year following completion of the chemotherapy. Radiation therapy is also planned following chemotherapy and I will get the Herceptin along with radiation. Herceptin is unlike other chemotherapy drugs, as there are few side effects, such as loosing hair, GI effects or fatigue. However, Herceptin is one of the drugs that has heart side effects.
I have the first round tomorrow - May 1- which will take most of the day, as the adriamycin is given over 4 hours.
I know many people will have me in their thoughts and prayers tomorrow as I begin another "leg" of my recovery journey. I am thankful for the many blessings in my life.
It is again time to put on the "warrior" armor and fight! I am ready!
Power to you and to me-
Ellen