LVEF, Herceptin, and excercise

[Denni016]

I have heart complications related to chemo--A/C, Taxol, and Herceptin. My LVEF changed from 67% prior to treatment, to 60% to 50%.  I am on beta blockers (Carvedilol) and have suspended Herceptin.  I want to be pro-active restoring what I can of my heart capacity.  What are the excercise recommendations under these conditions.  I've been doing strength and resistence training 3 days a week for the last 4 months (to regain muscle strength, etc. lost during cancer treatment). Can I and should I do cardio training as well?

[Denni016]

Indeed, the EF is at the bottom of normal. When I asked my cardiologist about exercise, he shrugged and said, "Well, I don't see a problem, just don't run any marathons." When  asked for more detail, he said, "Do what feels comfortable." My oncologist said the same thing--don't overdo, just do what feels comfortable.  The problem with these answers is that they don't really give me guidance.  Yes, I walk every day--1 to 2 miles, at a good clip, but that's not really a program to increase heart health.

Any thoughts?

[Momto3]

What does your physician recommend with regard to your exercise regime?  Your EF appears to be in the normal, or possibly just below normal range.  Normal being 55-70, with a 5% variance for interpretation.

Hope you're doing well and enjoying the weekend!

connie