Staying Strong

[pwich]

Hello my name is Paula and I was recommended to join this group by my Cardiologist.  I was born with a hole in my heart and when I was 35 I had to have my heart valve replaced again.  During my recovery after surgery I had a stroke and seizures that left me in a coma for a few days.  I had a hard time recovering from everything, but eventually I became my self again.  When I hit 40 I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  I have have completed treatments and now I am just on hormone therapy.  Many people have wondered if my heart condition lead to the cancer and I wonder if anyone else has had the same issues.  Anyway, thank you for allowing me to be apart of of you all.

[Veronica Burke]

Hi Paula, I was born with Tetralogy of Fallot. My first surgery was at 4mo old and I had my pulmonary valve replaced when I was 27. I am now due to have this valve replaced likely within a year. 

You have been through so much. I am happy for you that you recovered. I have wondered the same thing or at least I think I am wondering the same thing as you. I have worried about my lack of ability to protect my breast over the years as I've needed diagnostic imaging for my heart condition. Is this what you are referring to? I've had CT, MRI, angioplasty, contrast, countless X-rays of my lungs pre and post op. Just wonder if it all adds up to an increased risk of a mutation resulting in breast cancer. I have wonder this for some time. When I saw your post, I had to reply. I do not know if there is causation here, but perhaps there is correlation between the increased exposure and cancer risk. 

Thank you for sharing your story.

Thanks,

Veronica