5 replies to this topic

[Pin]

Ok, so kind of gross question - but where do the dead CML cells go when they die? Do we excrete them somehow?

I recently had a urine test at the doctor and this time it showed positive for both white and red cells (last time when I was in emergency for right side groin/lower abdomen pain it was only red cells, so they thought it was kidney stones - which was wrong). Anyway, so this time, the doctor put me on Keflex (antibiotic), as she said I must have a urinary tract infection, which they have to treat especially in a CML case. I've never had a UTI before, but since my cell counts are now lower, I am not ruling it out as something that can now happen (I am symptom-free in this area, or at least I thought so - except for the intermittent groin pain, which has come and gone over the last 5 months).

But - has anyone else had this type of experience of finding cells in their urine? Is it something that might be normal for people on TKIs - or have I just got a UTI and should take my antibiotics and pipe down about it?

Thanks,

Pin

[Trey]

You actually have two questions.  First, the reason you have WBCs in your urine is that they are fighting the UTI infection.  The WBCs go where they are needed.  Normal.

As for your other question, when WBCs die, they unzip their DNA and then are stripped apart like a Volkswagon in a car chop shop, and then the pieces are recycled.  Some end up on eBay or Craigslist: "Hey buddy, want to buy a used WBC nucleus -- it may be leukemic, but otherwise in good shape?"  Some parts become energy for other body uses.  Some are eaten by specialized WBCs which are garbage eaters.  Then the rest breaks down into chemical parts, such as uric acid and other garbage.  The by products are then excreted out in unrecognizable forms, so they are no longer "cells".  So your question about dead cells in the urine is not relevant.  If there are WBCs in the urine, you have an infection somewhere in there.

[cdrocab]

Good Patient education and explanation. I am a nurse who does a lot of teaching and educating and enjoyed your description on the "Where do WBC's go when they die"

Good analogy,

[Pin]

Hahaha - brilliant The guy selling the nucleus sounds a bit shifty though. Guess it's good I'm taking my antibiotics then...Although I am starting to get worried about why there are red cells in there (and maybe have been for a while).

[AmyH]

Haha!  I love this explanation! 

[Trey]

A small amount of RBCs in the urine is not significant.  Since you have an infection somewhere in there, there could be some small capillary  bleeding.  If you can see red urine, go to the hospital.