Ovarian cancer and kidney failure

Hi,

I’m afraid I don’t have any experience of the kidney function problems you are facing, but noticed you hadn’t had any responses yet. Just wanted you to know that this community is here to support you, and hopefully by bumping you up the list somebody will come along soon who has relevant experiences to share.

Wishing you all the very best,

Bxx

Many thanks B x

Hi Cherie70,

I’m so sorry to hear that your chemo has been stopped due to your poor kidney function. Your post resonated with me as I might end up in the same position further down the line.

Long story short, I had my right kidney removed when I had my hysterectomy 4 years ago. Endometriosis had blocked my ureter causing the kidney to die. Since I’ve only got one kidney now, my GFR fluctuates between 40 to 46. Prior to starting chemo in September, I had a nuclear science GFR test as my Oncologist wanted to make sure that my kidney could cope. The good news for me is that my actual GFR was 56. I’m not sure whether there’s a baseline that your GFR needs to be before you can have this type of test but it might be worth asking about as your GFR could be higher than the estimated level.

Also, when I started chemo in September, I had an allergic reaction to Paclitaxel. My chemo was switched over to Abraxane and Carboplatin. Abraxane is part of the same group as Paclitaxel but is easier for the body to cope with (although you do still get the same rubbish side effects!). The poisons are coated in lipids and glucose so it’s not rejected by the body. But the most important thing is that it’s filtered by the liver, not the kidneys. Also, the infusion of the Abraxane part only takes 30 mins, not the 3 hrs that Paclitaxel takes. The only downside of Abraxane is that it costs 5 times more that Paclitaxel so the NHS don’t readily offer it as an alternative. But it might be worthwhile asking your Oncologist about it?

I really do hope that your GFR level starts to improve so that you can continue with chemo. I wish you all the luck in the world with your future treatment.

Liz xx

Hi Liz

Thank you so much for your reply, you have been very informative. I will definitely mention this chemo to my oncologist at my next appointment.  
I wish you well for the future too.

Take care

Cherina x

You’re more than welcome, Cherina.

If you feel up to it, please let us know how you get on. In the meantime look after yourself xx