John had an echocardiogram health check on May 6.
One of the possible side effects of chemo can be heart failure which simply means the pumping strength of the heart muscle weakens. Today’s echocardiogram documents the pumping strength of John’s heart now, before chemo starts. The echo will be performed again during treatment so comparisons can be made.
Overall, John’s heart has the normal appearance of a man his age with mild high blood pressure. The left ventricular function is completely normal.
It is no surprise, though, that the heart's right ventricle is struggling. The lymphoma in the right side of his chest is squished in on the right bronchia, pulmonary artery and pulmonary vein. This is a very compact area to begin with, where numerous crucial functions perform as a well-oiled machine. Drop a couple of 2.5” marbles in there in the form of lymphoma and there’s a noticeable impact.
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| The Thoracic cavity is very compact, not unlike a bunch of straws zip tied together. |
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| A couple of 2.5" lymphomas squeezed into this cavity is bound to restrict the vital veins, arteries, and air ways. |
The chemo may weaken the pumping of the heart but, if it decreases the size of these marbles, the right lung and ventricular function should get better!
