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Potassium level

july31
july31 Posts: 43
in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment

Just got a call that test results showed my potassium levels are high. Has anyone else had an issue with that happening? I don't think it is related to the Anastrozole or radiation treatments but it is so hard to tell what causes what, is it the cancer or something else? Hard to know how to try and fix something when you don't know what is causing it. Before anyone suggests it, I don't eat bananas or avocados.

Thanks

Comments

  • piperkay
    piperkay Posts: 136

    Hi July31,

    Did this come in the results of a recent blood draw? Did you happen to have any bruising or other difficulty with the needle stick? The only time I ever had a spike in my potassium levels - in my life - it was due to a poorly placed needle. Apparently, a "traumatic" stick can cause damage to the red blood cells which sometimes causes potassium that is normally confined to the inside of the cells to leak out. And because the normal range for potassium is so narrow, any little bit extra can show up in your lab results as abnormal. My doc told me to get a new blood draw ASAP. If it's back down, you're good to go. If not, you'll want to follow up quickly because high potassium is an indicator for an issue with your kidneys and can, ulimately, cause serious issues with your heart.

    Good luck!

    Anne

  • july31
    july31 Posts: 43

    @piperkay
    It was a recent blood draw at my oncologist office but there was no issue with it. I have my issues with this place but the ladies that do the lab work are really good. This is good info to have though for another place I go where they aren't as good. They told me to wait 4 weeks to get a new one done with my regular GP. Seems like none of us get the same info or instructions on how to handle issues. One of the most frustrating things is how they just throw us back into the world with little support.

    I was also just diagnosed with a mild case of lymphedema which I see you have also. They didn't seem to concerned about it either.

    Thank you for the response.

  • piperkay
    piperkay Posts: 136

    Yes, it's very frustrating! But don't let them pooh pooh the lymphedema! What begins as mild may worsen over time if it's not addressed right away. I'm 7 years out from treatment but that blasted LE doesn't let go. 😒

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