Ever since before my wife's first bicuspid aortic valve replacement in 2009 we have together been following Adam's posts. Thank you, Adam! Her first (bovine) ...Read more
Ever since before my wife's first bicuspid aortic valve replacement in 2009 we have together been following Adam's posts. Thank you, Adam! Her first (bovine) valve lasted for almost twelve years and was replaced in 2020 with a mechanical valve. All good. But now she has just been diagnosed with breast cancer. She's 63. The tumor is very small, detected with enormous luck and by pure chance very early indeed. It is a "lobular" cancer that can be invasive but of a type that moves very slowly, thank god. Its removal followed by the protocol dose of radiotherapy is being planned with admirable speed at the flagship Paris hospital where the professor treating her practices (yes, we live in France : Adam has fans far and wide!) We are told that the prognosis for complete recovery is really very good. The only point that seems (and I read between the lines) to bother the professor treating her is that due to the mechanical aortic valve my wife cannot have an MRI to check there aren't any other nasty little bits invisible to a regular echography. Is this in fact the case? Anybody? And if so, what is the strongest and most precise scan that a mechanical aortic valve can be subjected to? It's all moving quite fast now, of course, so if anyone has advice let us know as soon as possible. Especially if there are any cardios reading this or if Adam can ask one of his expert contacts for us. Thank you so much. Health and long life to you all!
Yvonne Deane Hi Paul and wife! My heart goes out to you both. I had breast cancer first, 20 years ago and now hav... Read more
Yvonne Deane Hi Paul and wife! My heart goes out to you both. I had breast cancer first, 20 years ago and now have to have AVR. I will keep you all in my prayers. I'm sorry I don't have an answer for you, but I read your post and wanted you to know you are not alone.
Paul Bandey Thank you very much, Yvonne. It is reassuring to hear you had breast cancer so long ago. And I hope ... Read more
Paul Bandey Thank you very much, Yvonne. It is reassuring to hear you had breast cancer so long ago. And I hope it helps you to know that my wife’s heart is still ticking away healthily with its new valve. Plus I’ve found out that she probably can have an MRI after all. So all good. And you’ll be fine too. Thanks again.