Chemo effects

[normanbyrott]

After 2 chemo sessions (for a tumour in the pharynx) my creatinine has gone to 1.48.Does chemo damage the kidneys or will this return to normal when it finishes.?

[Benjamin124]

Chemo can impact kidney function, causing elevated creatinine levels.

It's crucial to monitor closely and consult your healthcare team. They'll guide you through managing side effects and assessing if levels will normalize post-treatment.

Stay in close communication with your medical team for personalized guidance.

[ShyeLoverDoctor]

According to my friend who went through a very long bout of chemotherapy, yes. It permanently lowered her kidney function. However, everyone is different. Sometimes people do have AKI, acute kidney injury, which they can improve from. Ask your doctor.

[normanbyrott in reply to ShyeLoverDoctor]

Someone well known around here was on dialysis after (failed) chemo treatment, might still be but he moved away soon after. Nobody (locally) made the connection between the two.My chemo doc did mention beforehand that my blood levels would be monitored and for the third session changed it to a milder solution.

See what the fourth session brings.

[PeaB4YouGo]

Chemo damages EVERYTHING! And, what isn't killed by chemo is zapped with radiation until you glow in the daytime. I hate cancer.

[nonna70]

I have just had 6 months of surgery, radiation and hormones. My oncologist said he was not going to give chemo because it was too hard on the kidneys. When I told my nephrologist, he was thrilled.

[Darlenia]

Life matters. Sometimes the biggest threat isn't kidney failure, which has backup treatments, but the cancer itself. You seem to have a very conscientious and thorough oncologist - monitoring your labs and, in that process, deciding to back off your next treatment. When creatinine reaches 5 or 6 it can lead to dialysis - yours is at 1.48 at the moment, so that's actually pretty close to normal. And creatinine data can improve after treatment is finished. I agree with Benjamin's advice to stay in close contact with your team to optimize outcomes.

[normanbyrott in reply to Darlenia]

Darlenia, thanks for that. like most hospitals getting full information is not automatic. I have chemo on a Tuesday, on the Monday a blood test and a meeting with the Chemo doc. That is the way their system works.Radiotherapy is Mon l-Fri, I will be halfway through it next week.

For the record this is mot in the UK and I am paying for it.

[Darlenia in reply to normanbyrott]

My heart goes out to you. The burden of medical care today is extreme in many countries, especially the US - access, availability, and affordability is desperately needed. Sending hugs.

[normanbyrott]

Many thanks to all who have taken the trouble to respond.