Breast cancer treatments consisting of avastin/bevacizumab, chemotherapy and/or pain medications that include aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen sodium can all affect the kidneys and result in damage. According to Breast Cancer.Org, signs and symptoms indicating a kidney problem include discoloration of the urine; difficulty with the passing of urination; too much urine; pain, fever and chills; urinary tract infection; fatigue; weakness; edema; loss of appetite; confusion and seizure activity. As always, it is imperative to consult with a licensed health professional before attempting to self-medicate. These could be signs of a serious condition that warrants prompt medical attention.
Electrolyte Balance
The effects of kidney complications following breast cancer treatments can be due to prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, sweating and high fever. Tennessee Oncology suggests that when this occurs, the body loses valuable electrolytes. Since electrolytes--sodium, calcium, chloride, magnesium and potassium--are responsible for keeping other vital organs functioning, an imbalance may cause them to fail or shut down completely.
Hydration
Hydration, or the body's fluid content, is similarly influenced by illness and the lack of adequate intake of water. According to Tennessee Oncology, this results in electrolyte imbalance and complications due to the major muscle groups, nervous system and organs not functioning properly. It is imperative to keep water intake up in order to flush toxins from the kidneys by passing them into the urine and out of the body. In the case of a severe deficit, supplements are needed to boost electrolyte levels as well as hydration via an intravenous injection.
Acidity
Kidney complications from breast cancer treatment can include symptoms of hypokalemia, or lack of adequate potassium. This can develop during or after cancer treatments due to vomiting, sweating and diarrhea, the American Cancer Society suggests, especially if kidney problems are already established. Potassium levels will generally be screened by the attending oncologist, who will then issue a potassium supplement as needed for hypokalemia.
Toxins
The kidneys play an integral role in flushing harmful toxins out of the body via the output of urine. When the kidneys are no longer functioning properly for any reason, toxins tend to build up in the body and can lead to further complications for the cancer patient. The National Cancer Institute states that in cases where a mastectomy, or breast removal surgery, has been completed there may be a need to keep lower doses of radiation, chemotherapy or hormone therapy going to prevent future problems. These adjuvent therapies increase the body's toxin levels and can create or worsen existing kidney problems.
