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Chemotherapy with heart problems

CaH
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Hello

My dad was diagnosed with colon cancer (T4N2M0) a few months ago. Plan was to have 5x5 chemo and radio and then hopefully surgery to remove it. For some reason they sent him for his surgery fitness test prior to starting any treatment, and he had a major heart attack and cardiac arrest at the end of the test. This obviously put cancer treatment on hold whilst we got the heart sorted -  thankfully he is doing well and recovering following double bypass surgery. 

My question is whether chemo will still be a viable option for him? Our colorectal consultant initially indicated that chemo and heart issues do not go well together, and oncologists usually don't offer chemo if the patient has heart issues. Is this correct? Concerned since the cancer is in his lymph nodes that radiotherapy would only get us so far. 

Thank you 

  • Hello CaH 

    Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the Online Community. I’m Debbie, one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists  on the Macmillan Support Line.

    I am so sorry to read that your dad has colon cancer. It must have been very shocking for you when he had a heart attack and cardiac arrest during his fitness tests. It is good to read that he is recovering well after his heart surgery.

    You asked about whether he would still be able to have chemotherapy. He might still be able to have it and his oncology doctors will be able to let you know whether they still recommend chemotherapy for him. Some chemotherapy drugs or targeted therapies can potentially damage heart muscle or reduce its ability to pump blood. But some drugs have a low risk of causing heart changes.

    Your dad’s doctors will weigh up the benefits of any cancer drug in treating the cancer, against the possibility of it causing heart side effects. They will check his heart function before and during treatment and would choose chemotherapy drugs that have a low risk of causing heart damage. His doctors can also prescribe medicines to protect his heart before or during chemotherapy.

    The team can often also work closely with a heart specialist team to make sure your dad has the best treatment for his cancer while maintaining his heart health. 

    I can understand this is a worrying time for you and hope this information is helpful. You are welcome to phone and speak to one of the nurses here as it can often be easier to talk things through by phone. Our lines are open every day from 8am to 8pm and the number to call is 0808 808 0000. 

    I hope that all goes well for your dad. 

    With best wishes 

    Debbie
    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist  

    Ref/**DC/JF

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