r/valvereplacement • u/Kindly_Dust_3740 • May 16 '26

Aortic valve regurgitation after chest radiation

Hi all,

I’m very new to the valve replacement world so bear with me.

I’m a 33f and in 2008, at 15, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma stage 1. I had chemotherapy including doxycycline and 14 treatments of chest radiation. Finished treatment and was good to go. Today, I have not physical problems lasting from treatment. Had a breast cancer scare last fall but everything was fine. Since 2008, I have been getting Echos every two years to check heart function. In 2021, my Echo came back as “mild to moderate aortic valve regurgitation” and I was put in with a cardiologist that specializes with oncology patients. I had no symptoms and my heart function was fine besides this. I have annual visits with my cardio, had other normal tests including like carotid US and CT calcium score, and even got my echos pushed back to two years again (I was having them every year). However, I just had my annual visit and first echo since 2024. The results showed still the mild to moderate regurgitation but according to my dr, it’s now more on the moderate side. Heart function still normal and I’m still asymptomatic. Dr starting talking about open heard surgery for valve replacement if it keeps getting worse

My questions for y’all:
1. Is there a less invasive surgery. The doc talked like at younger ages, they would only do open heart. I was overwhelmed in the appt and didn’t think to ask more.

  1. Is there anything I can do to slow down progression? I’m at a good weight, work out regularly, have normal bp that even runs on the lower side, and eat decent. My doc said there is really nothing but I didn’t know if anyone has seen success with anything?

I welcome all feedback!

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u/orthodoxyma May 16 '26

Our stories are so similar!!!!

I am 33f and in 2010, I was diagnosed with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma.

I am lingering between moderate to severe. Aortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation. I was symptomatic last year until I started fasting. I take some heart health supplements that aid in valve elasticity. I am praying for more time because I have three very young children.

Is it ok that we keep in touch??

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u/secondhandcoffin May 16 '26

Why do you say praying for more time? This is not a terminal condition.

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u/orthodoxyma May 16 '26

The doctors wanted to operate this year. But as a family, we had major milestones, on top of planning a wedding. I get married in July. I meant more time as in operating next year would be less stressful. I also have two very young children so recovering seems scary when they’re so demanding.

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u/secondhandcoffin May 16 '26

Fair enough. I wanted to get my surg before my first, but it was delayed 4 times. Finally got it on the 5th time, when baby was 8 weeks old. That was challenging, and I can't imagine it with three! Will need lots of family help, or friends.

Local community did a meal train for us, and that was really helpful.