Post-Cisplatin/Etoposide Heart Problems/Monitoring

[MROSE]

Hello!

Question for those who are a bit far down the road post-chemo. I understand there are certain long-term effects on the heart after cisplatin-based chemotherapy. My boyfriend is 23, finished chemo in June 4xEP. He had his RPLND and is feeling great, trying to walk a bit to get his heart rate to level off and get back into shape. He is greatly concerned over his doctor's early mentioning of heart issues down the road (we're talking 10+ years down the road). Has anyone been told the same or noticed a difference in their heart functioning? For those of you who are keeping close watch on your hearts, is there anything you find helpful for yourself to keep up with your healthy heart? I'd like to do all I can to help him on the issue - it's tough being so young and having to worry about the most important organ in your body!

As always, any help is greatly appreciated. Everyone is always so helpful!

Thanks,
Melissa

[Rory (UAE)]

Hi Melissa,

I have been away from the forum for the past two weeks (due to business) and saw your post. I finished 4 rounds of EP in Jan of this year. My oncologist did not mention anything about heart problems. I have always been fairly fit and had a resting heart rate of 50 before I started Chemo in Nov 05. My heart rate is now about the same (50). There are obviously some side effects to the chemo but my recommendation is that your boyfriend lives a healthy lifestyle (food/exercise) and keeps going to his checkups. At the end of the day he knows his own body and if he feels fine then I am sure he is. Good luck.

[dadmo]

Follow this link to an article posted in our research library. It deals specifically with the long term care of tc survivors. The problem is the cisplatin, what it does is leech potassium and magnesium out of your muscles. During chemo you should have been given supplemental vitamins to help protect the muscles. It’s not a bad idea to add these to your daily list of supplements because traces of cisplatin can remain in the system for many years. The most important thing you can do to protect your heart is stay in shape.