Having beer or a drink now and then.

LuckyDucky said:

maybe better not to risk it?

I have no idea whether having a drink now and then has any effect....I know my husband thinks I'm a complete nutcase as I have announced that "I will NEVER drink again..never never never"...This whole experience has freaked me out enough that I don't even want to test it....but that's just me.

My husband said that he read also that a drink here and there is fine, but I think I would check up on that first....

[It always beats me to know why anyone who says they have "no idea" of the answer bothers to post a reply to a question!]

Drinking enough water is essential for good kidney (and general) health.  That in itself isn't protection from damage by alcohol but an occasional alcoholic drink is not going to do you any harm, unless you're an alcoholic.  However, it's dangerous to generalise because we're all biochemically unique and our circumstances are different too.  So, you need to be sure that alcohol isn't going to have a bad interaction with a medicine you're taking, so check this with your doctor or a pharmacist.  Another factor is other conditions you may have - for instance if you have high blood pressure alcohol isn't helpful.

LuckyDucky said:

kinda rude

From time to time I have a tendency to chat and bs, but not have all the answers...no apologies from me!!

I talk too much so I can understand that, and nobody has  all the answers.  However, people come on here to ask for help and put questions.  You said "I think I would check up on that first" - that was exactly what he was doing by asking the question! It's not exactly a lot of help to post a reply "I have no idea" is it?  Was there a point? Maybe you just wanted to tell us that your Husband thinks you're a nutcase?

It was just a wry throwaway remark on my part and not something to take to heart.  You know you're welcome here.

icemantoo said:

Yes and no

Southwest,

My answer is that A beer or A drink every week is fine.

 

As an attorney over the years I have seen too many persons who drink too much and are masters of minimizing what they drink. That is why I have used the word A not one ot two and qualified it over a week period. For those of you who have had too much to drink on a regular basis in the past, my answer is NO.

 

 

Icemantoo

Ain't that the truth - wise words indeed!

I really liked these articles when I read up on this after my nephrectomy:

http://www.davita.com/kidney-disease/diet-and-nutrition/lifestyle/alcohol-and-chronic-kidney-disease/e/5330

http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh21-1/84.pdf

http://www.kidneyfund.org/kidney-health/kidney-basics/common-questions.html

If you're otherwise healthy (your remaining kidney is working ok, no high blood pressure, diabetes, or on any medicines that interact with alcohol in a bad way, etc.), a drink now and then won't hurt you. Drinking plenty of water after is a good idea, since alcohol dehydrates you and dehydration has a big impact on kidney function. Alcohol does affect how well the kidney does its job, so too much/too frequent is bad.

I thought I would never drink again in the first 3 months following my nephrectomy, but now I have a glass of wine or a beer now and then (1-2 times a week), or maybe even a martini! All indications from my frequent blood work is that my remaining kidney is doing just fine. Don't drink too much alcohol, soda, or caffeine. Moderation (err on the side of too little) is key I think.

Todd

foxhd said:

My take

Here is what I think about the subject. I probably had renal cancer for several years prior to diagnosis. It is questionable if my kidney was even functioning. Because once removed, I saw no difference in my bodily functions. So just don't be a drunkard unless you want to die from something other than kidney cancer. Also I ask, "What am I saving it for?" If I owned a 3 piece suit I would wear it to mow the lawn or work on my car. My future is probably not forever so I am gonna use everything I have and enjoy it. So, hell yeah, I'm having a beer any time I want to. Probably a slice of pizza too. cholesterol, smolesterol. Live in the moment my friends.

As any good Episcopalian will tell you, "All things in Moderation!"

BDS said:

Alcohol

I am with Fox on this one. I am stage IV and I want to enjoy my life so I do not give a damn – believe me I am a bit of a heath nut. This does not mean I am an alcoholic. If I am at a baseball game - I am having a beer and a hot dog (Hot dogs are not good for you either!). If I am eating crabs - I am drinking beer. If I am on my brother’s boat on Lake George on a beautiful summer’s day - I am having a beer.  If I am taking my wife out to a nice restaurant I am having a nice glass of wine.  I have an alcoholic drink about three times a month. Unless your doctor tells you no alcohol at all or alcohol causes a serious reaction with your meds then do not drink. Otherwise enjoy your life. l'chaim - BDS

Old-timers do you still feel the same way?

New People what is your take?

My husband is stage 4 aggressive and advanced.  The Oncologist told my husband no alcohol.  However, the pharmacy we are getting the Votrient from says an occasional drink in moderation is ok.  He starts Votrient today with our next scan set for August 13th.  He usually only drinks Saturday and Sunday.  He was already to go without alcohol but the pharmacist said it is ok.  Now he is reconsidering. He said he will won't drink for "awhile".  He sounds a little too happy about the news! What's your take?

cheatinlil said:

Old-timers do you still feel

Old-timers do you still feel the same way?

New People what is your take?

My husband is stage 4 aggressive and advanced.  The Oncologist told my husband no alcohol.  However, the pharmacy we are getting the Votrient from says an occasional drink in moderation is ok.  He starts Votrient today with our next scan set for August 13th.  He usually only drinks Saturday and Sunday.  He was already to go without alcohol but the pharmacist said it is ok.  Now he is reconsidering. He said he will won't drink for "awhile".  He sounds a little too happy about the news! What's your take?

It's hard on the kidneys, hard on the immune system, dehydrates you.

IF I was going to drink at all in this condition (which I would not), I would limit to 1-2 beers or a glass of wine a week.

Since I had my kidney removed, I really feel it when I drink alcohol. I still do very occasionally, but I sure can feel it. I don't think my system processes it as efficiently as it used to. Why put the extra burden on the body?

The votrient is processed in the liver. You have to check which enzymes are involved to see how the alcohol affects those enzymes. It "may" interfere by either causing you to absorb the votrient faster or slower (both bad).

I'd go with the oncologists advice. I'm sure he's being careful, though.

But I can also understand if it was me and I enjoyed have a drink or two, and I was stage 4 aggressive and advanced, might consider having a drink if I wanted one. Consider letting him decide...another idea is to ask the oncologist to explain why he said no alcohol? Might be worth understanding his reasoning. Tell the oncologist what the pharmacist said, and ask for an explanation, then your husband can make an informed decision.

Todd

cheatinlil said:

Sarah,
I'm going to post your

Sarah,

I'm going to post your feedback on the bathroom mirror

Todd,

This made me LOL:  "consider letting him decide". Uh NO!   The rest is great advice.  I will get with the Oncologist.  Thanks!

My sister's mother-in-law donated her kidney to her son 45 years ago.  So, she's been living (and drinking) just fine with 1 kidney for 45 years.  She's NOT a heavy drinker - and has never had cancer - but she has been known to enjoy a drink or two several times a week.

Also, I'd side with the pharmacist as I believe they have a much more comprehensive understanding of drugs, interactions, etc.  The docs will always err on the side of caution (although that's not always a bad thing...).  We all must decide how to live our own lives - just do the research to ensure you understand them.

J

db8ne1 said:

97 YO and counting

My sister's mother-in-law donated her kidney to her son 45 years ago.  So, she's been living (and drinking) just fine with 1 kidney for 45 years.  She's NOT a heavy drinker - and has never had cancer - but she has been known to enjoy a drink or two several times a week.

Also, I'd side with the pharmacist as I believe they have a much more comprehensive understanding of drugs, interactions, etc.  The docs will always err on the side of caution (although that's not always a bad thing...).  We all must decide how to live our own lives - just do the research to ensure you understand them.

J

true that pharmacists are very knowledgeable and drug interaction may be an area where they excel. I find that pharmacists are very knowledgeable but where I part ways is that kidney cancer is much more than living with one kidney.

alcohol consumption and smoking are two known causes of kidney cancer; doctors may be more cautious but with this disease, the doctor has a thorough picture of the patient than the pharmacist.

Staying hydrated is very important and alcohol dehydrates; in fact, so does caffeine. My husband was told it was ok to drink a cup of coffee but he needed to drink an extra glass of water.

A random, celebratory drink now and then is probably alright although I personally would not choose it. Once your body has cancer, why ingest any additional toxins?

i am sorry but your story of the donated kidney and her subsequent longevity does not apply to a grade 4, aggressive cancer.

Sarah

I just had a partial a week ago and the discharge papers said that alcohol in moderation was fine as long as I was not taking the pain Meds at the same time. I have also read some random studies that claim there is a reduced risk of RCC in drinkers. Surprised me a bit...