Good evening all, Just wondering if anyone has had radiation on there chest and had open heart surgery? I had Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1985 and now due open heart surgery to replace my aortic and mitral valves with carbon ones, I’m 38 now and understand this is not a normal procedure so just after a bit of feedback or advice.
Many thanks Dave.
Hello Dave
Welcome to the forum.
My goodness you have had quite a journey as they say.
Have you tried contacting a Cardio oncologist?
There are 2 centres in London. It is a new and developing area of Cardiology.
uclh.nhs.uk/our-services/fi...
rbht.nhs.uk/our-services/he...
Thankyou for your reply, I haven’t looked or had any help at the moment, but saying that just that post I put up has mentally helped, including your response. To be honest the surgery needs doing and soon as I’ve been told by my surgeon. I was emitted to hospital for 2 weeks in December with pericarditis, this is when the found how bad my heart was. They/I knew/have known about it since my treatment in the 80’s but somehow they forgot about me for 7 years, I don’t really know what help is out there, it might sound weird but I’m actually ok with the thought..... possibly due to me surviving cancer ... who knows. Its a strange one, who would you recommend I talk to ? I’m guessing I’ll come crashing down to reality as soon as I get the call..... I’m it sure it’s appropriate but I’ve attached my latest heart trace below. Thankyou for your time to respond, it really dose mean a lot 
Hi Dave,
I suggest you remove the picture your ECG. It gives details about you that is confidential and can be read by anybody on the internet. This is not a closed group.
I can't say who you should see, however you can ask your Cardiologist to contact the hospitals in the links I gave you and find out for you.
There are loads of amazing members of the forum who I know will be along to share their experiences with you too.
Hi Dave. I had Hodgkins Disease in 1993 and had extensive radiation to my chest. In 2011 I had a double mastectomy as treatment for breast cancer and my surgeons told me that I had my maximum lifetime dose of radiation in 1993 and couldn't have any more. I had OHS to replace my aortic valve and repair my mitral valve in 2018. The surgeon said that my chest was difficult to open because of fibrosis from the radiation. Other than that, I've done extremely well. My scar has healed beautifully and I've had no problems with my skin.
If I can answer any questions you have, let me know. I hope all goes well for you.
Hi Dave
I have had Open Heart Surgery and Stents as well. I did have a Brain Haemorrhage ( AVM Leaking ) in 2004 which was fixed by Gamma Knife Radiation before my OHS the Consultant wanted the Brain Surgeon to state in writing that it was safe for me to have the Heparin needed during the OHS. So I had a Brain MRI to say it was safe !!! Hope it helps knowing that they read your notes and take precautions !!!!
Hands Face Space to Stay safe
I’ve had radiation to my left side chest in 2015 after having breast cancer and open heart surgery in October last year for a mitral valve replacement which my surgeon has said that the damage to the valve was due to the radiation as it was so calcified and I’d not had rheumatic fever as a child
nerve damage after open heart surgery 
Open heart surgery recovery
Waiting for open Heart surgery.
post open heart surgery 
How long were you off work after Open Heart surgery?
