Chemotherapy with PAF

[Jenbo6]

I am recovering three weeks after having half of my colon removed to get rid of a cancerous growth. The biopsy results show that I will need chemotherapy to get rid of stray cells in my venous blood system. I know oncologists are brilliant people but I am concerned about mixing my daily flecanide, bisoprolol and apixaban with the chemo drugs. Has anybody had similar treatment and can sugggest questions I should be asking when I have my first appointment to discuss my treatment please. It’s all a bit daunting at the moment.

[Hidden]

I hope someone who can answer you will reply.

Some forum members have had a diagnosis of cancer long before AF crept into their lives and therefore can't be of help.

[Hidden]

I’m sorry I can’t answer your question, but because AF is such a common condition, the oncology department may well have a protocol in place for managing the interaction if any of medication, particularly the Flecainide. Also any effect of the chemo on the heart and AF in particular.

I expect the question of managing your anticoagulation will come up, in view of possible effects of chemo on platelet counts.

It might be worth emailing your cardiologist/EP to ask the same question you have asked here.

[Jenbo6 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. I hadn’t thought about contacting my heart Drs. Just so many questions buzzing around in my head at the moment.

[Pacific]

I had chemo for cancer in 2014 and which caused my first episode of AF. The oncologist said it was provoked by the steroid drug ( to prevent sickness) and not the chemo drugs that caused it, a powerful drug combination and I can understand your concern.

[Jenbo6 in reply to Pacific]

Thank you for taking the time to reply and I hope you are now well. I was concerned about the strong heart tablets I take to keep AF reasonably under control mixing with the chemotherapy drugs which I understand can affect heart rhythm - I hadn’t thought about the steroids!! It is a steep learning curve and I have lots of questions for the oncologist.

[rosyG]

A family member preferred to put up with the sickness rather than take meds for it so I think you'll find you can manage without the steroids- unless they are given for something else of course

[Jenbo6 in reply to rosyG]

Thank you. It’s all very bewildering.