Kidney issues -anyone else?

[DianneS]

Hi,
My onc referred me to a nephrologist (kidney specialist). He did what is called a blood GFR which is a more accurate way of determining the kidney's GFR, which is glomerular filtration rate. Standard bloodwork, the kind most of us have frequently to measure white & red blood cells, etc, does not give an accurate reading of the GFR. Mine was coming up in the 50's. When the kidney specialist did the 3 hour blood GFR it came up at 71, a bit of a difference! Normal range (here in Canada) is 60-120 mls per minute. The test I had is done at a nuclear dept. of a hospital and is painless other than one needle stick in the inside of the elbow and either the hand or around the wrist area. They put a needle IV in your arm for 3 hours then take samples every 1/2 hour. The IV is not the type connected to a pole, just a needle in the arm. I have been learning a bit about GFR since this whole thing came up, and apparently there are many different ways to determine GFR by different labs. My doctor said not to focus on the GFR or I'd go crazy...well, almost! It's good to be aware of kidney function and mine was slightly compromised by the Carboplatin. If you and/or your doctor want to know for sure how your kidney are functioning you may want to ask about the blood GFR or have them refer you to a nephrologist.

I also drink a lot more water than I did with initial herceptin tx's. It may not be chemo per se but still needs to be flushed out. I find that when I have to pee I don't get much warning..hope this trend changes. It does not feel irritated, though, just 'full' a lot.

Hope my rambling helps.
Dianne