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Chemotherapy and Dialysis: Looking for others who have had both

Posted by Ginger, Volunteer Mentor @gingerw, Aug 11, 2021

Have you been diagnosed with a condition that requires chemotherapy (oral or infusion) ? Do you have chronic kidney disease that also requires dialysis?

What is your story, please? I will be starting chemotherapy [oral only at this time], and am also facing the real possibility of starting dialysis. My current eGFR is 18%. I would prefer to do peritoneal dialysis.

Looking for others with this combination of treatments.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Kidney & Bladder Support Group.

kbirk | @kbirk | Dec 6, 2021
In reply to @gingerw "@loribmt No I have not had this or any other chemo before. Pretty sure I can..." + (show)
@gingerw

@loribmt No I have not had this or any other chemo before. Pretty sure I can handle the side effects if any. Just worried about the kidney issues and chemo.
Ginger

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Hi, I went thru chemo and radiation with severe kidney disease. I faired pretty well although the nephropathy is horrible. Putting your feet in ice water may prevent Nephropathy. I wish someone had told me this before I had chemo. My chemo was almost 5 years ago. My Kidneys are failing now. Karen

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Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Dec 6, 2021
In reply to @kbirk "Hi, I went thru chemo and radiation with severe kidney disease. I faired pretty well although..." + (show)
@kbirk

Hi, I went thru chemo and radiation with severe kidney disease. I faired pretty well although the nephropathy is horrible. Putting your feet in ice water may prevent Nephropathy. I wish someone had told me this before I had chemo. My chemo was almost 5 years ago. My Kidneys are failing now. Karen

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@kbirk Thank you! Reading about putting my feet in ice water really gave me the shivers! They figure the neuropathy is from a combination of the chemo [Revlimid] and the myeloma itself attaching to some nerves. Are your kidney issues a result of the chemo?
Ginger

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kbirk | @kbirk | Dec 6, 2021

I have had this Kd for 51 years. When I went into chemo my creat was 2.5 today 5 years later it's 5.92. If I hadn't gotten the Cancer I think I could have lived a long life even with the Kidney disease

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oregonami58 | @oregonami58 | Apr 19 10:07pm

Hi
I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2016 after finding sky high creatinine (17). I had experienced acute kidney pain just prior. Immediately given end stage renal failure status and sent to dialysis along with revlimid drug. After a few months they were going to prep me for home dialysis when my numbers radically improved and quit trips to dialysis lab. Shortly after I was approved for stem cell transplant at Seattle Cancer Care. Currently I'm on rev/dex/Kyprolis in remission. Car-t probably on deck at some point hopefully far in future. Stay strong and be well.

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Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Apr 19 10:40pm
In reply to @oregonami58 "Hi I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2016 after finding sky high creatinine (17). I..." + (show)
@oregonami58

Hi
I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2016 after finding sky high creatinine (17). I had experienced acute kidney pain just prior. Immediately given end stage renal failure status and sent to dialysis along with revlimid drug. After a few months they were going to prep me for home dialysis when my numbers radically improved and quit trips to dialysis lab. Shortly after I was approved for stem cell transplant at Seattle Cancer Care. Currently I'm on rev/dex/Kyprolis in remission. Car-t probably on deck at some point hopefully far in future. Stay strong and be well.

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@oregonami58 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I have read your posts and can relate!

I was on Revlimid and dexamethasone from Aug 2021 until last month. We are trying an experiment now, and only doing Ninlaro [since Nov 2024] and dex. I have been on peritoneal dialysis since Sept 2022, the kidney issues are not from myeloma.

Unfortunately I cannot get a stem cell transplant, not kidney transplant, and live my life now with these two conditions. My medical care is centered n Eugene [Oregon].

Thank you for sharing your story. Keep in touch, and be well!
Ginger

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oregonami58 | @oregonami58 | Apr 20 10:32pm

Ok so you are down the road from me here in Bend. I get my weekly infusion at St Charles medical center.
At some point in the future whe revlimid becomes less effective I will be eligible for car-t. Will that be an option for you?
I hope your new treatment plan has great results. Keep staying strong!

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Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Apr 22 1:13pm
In reply to @oregonami58 "Ok so you are down the road from me here in Bend. I get my weekly..." + (show)
@oregonami58

Ok so you are down the road from me here in Bend. I get my weekly infusion at St Charles medical center.
At some point in the future whe revlimid becomes less effective I will be eligible for car-t. Will that be an option for you?
I hope your new treatment plan has great results. Keep staying strong!

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@oregonami58 I am glad you will be eligible to car-t. Have you figured where you will go? Knight Cancer in Seattle or OHSU perhaps? Unfortunately, I am not a good candidate for either stem cell or Car-T. This definitely gave me pause, and changed my mindset. Knowing I am living with these two conditions that are my present and future realities, it is to embrace each day as a gift.

Yes, staying strong is my goal. and hoping it is yours, also!
Ginger

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