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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Does Low Potassium Level Affect Chemotherapy?

Hi my mom has been living with lymphoma for three years now. She is 78, she was to under go another chemo treatment this last Thursday but was told her potassium level was too low to obtain chemo treatments. I was told the Dr's also said we should let the extended family know that she may needing hospice and home care soon and gave us phone numbers for them. This was how I found out. What does the low potassium and know chemo treatment this last week say/mean? I wish I had more information, but I'm not allowed to talk with the Dr per my Mom's request. I guess because I ask to many questions I supose which transforms into, trying to take over her life, oh well that's a long story. What's your thoughts on this latest developement?
posted on Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Twitter Fri, 28 Aug 2015 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 28 Aug 2015 Last reviewed on
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Radiologist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

Our body requires ions and electrolytes to keep the organs working normally. There are sodium, potassium, calcium channels and these regulate the flow of information in to and out of the cells. The functions include the regulation of heart beat, the functioning of kidneys, liver and brain and important vital functions int he body.

Potassium is one such important electrolyte which needs to be balanced in a narrow range. If the potassium amount is altered then giving chemotherapy might cause imbalance and lead to muscle fatigue, heart malfunction or kidney and brain dysfunction and death. To avoid this situation the doctors have withheld the decision to start chemotherapy unless the potassium levels are back to normal
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How Does Low Potassium Level Affect Chemotherapy?

Hi, Thanks for writing in. Our body requires ions and electrolytes to keep the organs working normally. There are sodium, potassium, calcium channels and these regulate the flow of information in to and out of the cells. The functions include the regulation of heart beat, the functioning of kidneys, liver and brain and important vital functions int he body. Potassium is one such important electrolyte which needs to be balanced in a narrow range. If the potassium amount is altered then giving chemotherapy might cause imbalance and lead to muscle fatigue, heart malfunction or kidney and brain dysfunction and death. To avoid this situation the doctors have withheld the decision to start chemotherapy unless the potassium levels are back to normal