After Jennifer Koch was diagnosed with triple-positive breast cancer, she underwent a double mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation to treat it.
While these advancements in cancer treatment increase life expectancy, heart problems are a possible side effect. That’s why Jennifer’s heart was monitored regularly during and after treatment.
After noting a drop in ejection fraction on one of Jennifer’s echocardiograms, her oncologist, Marci Allen, DO, with The University of Kansas Cancer Center, referred her to Rajya L. Malay, MD, a cardio-oncologist with Meritas Health Cardiology. Dr. Malay specializes in preventing and treating cardiac disease during and after cancer therapy.
“A drop in heart function can lead to heart failure, which is a very serious side effect of some of the most effective and routinely used breast cancer therapies,” Dr. Malay said. “Radiation to the left side of the chest can have long-lasting effects on the heart.”
Cardio-Oncologist Benefits
Meeting with Dr. Malay gave Jennifer some peace of mind. “Dr. Malay was very thorough in reading my medical records before we met,” Jennifer said. “Having that knowledge of my cancer treatment and my medications and how they affect my body, especially my heart, helped her determine what was best for me. I knew she was on my side and working for me.”
NKCH and The University of Kansas Cancer Center joined forces in 2014 to host a cancer program in the Northland. One benefit of the KU-NKCH cancer program is the high level of collaboration between doctors. “A team approach with guidance from an oncologist and a cardio-oncologist can help patients manage heart-related side effects,” Dr. Malay said.
“What I appreciated the most was how well Dr. Malay and Dr. Allen worked together,” Jennifer said. “That they were a team fighting for me is what I think was the best.”
With treatment, Jennifer’s heart function improved and recent tests showed her heart function has returned to a normal level.
Cardio-Oncology Rehab
As part of her treatment plan, Jennifer participated in CORE, a cardio-oncology rehabilitation program at NKCH. A physical therapist with advanced training in cancer rehab helps participants increase their physical activity level and reduce fatigue.
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