About Me (In My Own Words)
My story is as follows: I'm a soon to be 62 year old male. Diagnosed with moderate aortic stenosis in August of 2020 after a 2D Echo study. Going back even further, I am a 13 yr Stage III esophageal cancer survivor, who received radiation to the left chest area as part of my cancer treatment. Never have smoked, not much of a drinker, avid runner for years. Dr. William Dillon, my cardiologist, was somewhat surprised at the early onset of the stenosis, but then pointed the cause towards the radiation damaging valve possibly. I have read a few studies of what they call radiation cardiotoxity and how it can play a part in creating heart issues. Folks who have had esophageal cancers, ladies who have had left breast cancer radiation, etc. Anyway its been 2 years since the diagnosis and I'm sure I'll eventually need to have the valve replaced. Does this scare me? Of course. My last 2D Echo summary in Aug. of 2021 noted that the disease was now at the moderate to severe stage. First time I had read the word "severe". The valve area was noted at 0.94 cm2. Less than 1. Which I understand means that intervention is probably near. I'm not feeling bad. I seem to generally have the same stamina I'm accustomed to. Don't necessarily fatigue easily. Not feeling short of breath for the most part when exerting myself. I have been noticing for the past year or so some intermittent short, what I call fluttering/rapid heart beat only while sleeping. If I wake when feeling this is it stops. I reported this to my cardiologist and he suggested I get a Kardia Mobile device. It has never been able to detect any rhythm abnormality. I just recently wore the Zio Monitor for 2 weeks, still waiting on that result to see if any rhythm disturbance detected. My best guess this sensation I'm having while sleeping is because of the aortic stenosis. However, I did also read that a heart affected by radiation cardiotoxity can have isolated electrical rhythm issues.
So, I suppose I'm just reaching out to anyone who could offer any words of encouragement. I feel confident in my cardiologist. But the biggest thing I'm trying to manage is the anxiety this has created for me. Just can't seem to shake it. One would think after going through chemo, radiation, and a trans-hiatal esophagectomy, to fortunately beat cancer, I'd look at this like a piece of cake. And I'm hoping and praying when the time comes, I'll have myself in the right place mentally and physically to face the inevitable valve replacement head on!
Well, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Louisville, KENTUCKY
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Stenosis
