Us tissue doppler echocardiogram and general queries/worries

Hi @Womblet 

I can't help with questions about heart echo thingy ,but I'm sure someone will be able to help .

Just wanted to reassure you that you are no different to anyone else in feeling a mess .

Im through the bulk of my treatment i.e. Surgery and chemo now on three weekly injections til jan 2021 .I received text and letter and Im in extremely vulnerable group so Shielded  

hubby in vulnerable group So he walks the dog once a day .

As such we should isolate from each other .

we are managing as much as pos. separate beds / cutlery etc. And like you lots of hand washing and sanitiser . Use plenty of moisturiser as well your skin will be dehydrating with chemo ask your unit if they have any cream for your hands ..

ive been to hospital for bloods on Friday and treatment on Monday and ok I'm not comfortable with it but could see all was being done to keep it healthy for us . There were big signs in waiting area just me in there asking me to wash glands with soap and water before going into chemo area ( I would have gelled before corona ) . 

Hospital visits are the only time I'm out . What I do to reassure myself that house is clear when I come in is follow this piece of advice that somebody posted . 

Ive modified it slightly to my own version after all only been in hospital for about hour . Something similar for hubby could reassure you .

Your hubby already changes at work so that should help you . 

With regards treatment I was due Heart echo in April ( every 4 month ) but we agreed to defer for a further month . 

Your team would only defer if it can without disrupting your treatment plan . 

I know it's hard but we have each to look for ways to make us feel safe . Last week I felt stupid cutting up anti bacterial wipes into little squares . I use them to sanitise phones ,remotes and keyboards . Hubby thought I was mad .lol,nothing new there then

Now he does them each morning just a routine thing . All sounds really weird but it's a weird world at minute . 

Hope this makes you feel better as it's meant to do 

margaret x

Hi 

I'm tagging Lynn Kacang as I seem to recall she has had the tissue doppler echocardiogram procedure.

Hopefully she will get back to you - I think it is just a more high tech form of ultrasound where they use doppler to track blood flow and pressure around the heart in real time ?

BTW - Did you get a PICC line fitted in the end ?

Hope this helps for now, G n' J

You're right on both counts I have had doppler echocardiograms and it is basically a high tech ultrasound, with a lot of complicated pictures on the screen and very clever sonographers. 

Essentially it's like any ultrasound - you lie on one of those wildly uncomfortable tables, usually for 15-20 minutes while someone moves the handpiece around your chest area. You'll be asked to lie on your back and on your side. You get lots of pretty colours on the screen but I've no idea how to decipher any of it. Vaguely uncomfortable but not at all painful and no after effects. 

My first doppler echo was prior to starting herceptin and had them 3 monthly. After finishing I graduated to 6 monthly for a couple of years and now have one a year. They continue to keep an eye on me as I got atrial fibrillation during my first lot of chemo. That was fixed but apparently it could return. My LVEF was 68 before Herceptin, dropped to mid 50s over the year but was back to high 60s within 6 months of finishing. 

So it's nothing to be worried about, rather be grateful that they're giving you excellent care.

Best of luck.

Hi, thanks for the tag.

I haven't had the picc, they didn't seem keen to put one in until they can't get good access through the veins.

Of course I'll take their advice but at least they know I'm open to having one if needed.

Hi, thanks both for replying and big thanks Kacang for the info.

I'm so grateful for all the care the NHS is giving and the wonderful support from you guys on here...considering what a crappy thing cancer is, everyone i have been involved with so far have been amazing.

I'm a little worried about my heart as since the chemo my heart rate has been over 100 at rest but my blood pressure seems ok and I've been monitoring it for the last 2 weeks. I was going to take my BP recordings with me...not sure it's any use to them if they are going to use a super dooper echo machine on me?

But thanks for putting my mind at rest

Oh Northerner, your post was perfect and I've printed off your guideline and I'll show hubby.

Hi I'm new I'm having one of these at the Christie as well I'm having chemo at my local hospital then my second chemo at the Christie got my 3 rs chemo next week before I move over xxx

Hi Sezza

Thanks for replying. Sounds like we are having similar treatments...might see you at Christies

Hi womblet yes might see you at Christie's would be nice I'm here anytime you fancy a chat xxx

When you go for your echo (or if anyone checks your pulse before that) , ask whether your heart is still in sinus rhythm or has gone into atrial fibrillation. The reason I say this is because my AF originally manifested itself as a fast heartbeat. The chemo nurses didn't pick up the AF.