Urination Changes

"My nurse told me how important it was to drink lots of water. She told me what changes to call about, such as a fever or pain."

Tell your doctor or nurse if you have any of these changes:

• A strong urge to urinate more often
  
  
• Urine that is cloudy, or is a different color, such as orange, red, green, or dark yellow
  
  
• Urine that has a strong smell
  
  
• Trouble urinating

It is common for your urine to change color or smell different during chemotherapy. Talk with your doctor or nurse to learn what changes you should expect and ways to best manage them.

Learn about liquids.

Drink more liquids.

• Drink liquids such as water, soup, milkshakes, and cranberry juice. Add extra water to the juice.
  
  
• Ask your doctor or nurse how many cups of liquid you should drink each day. Most people need to drink at least 8 cups a day.

Some liquids can make bladder problems worse.

Talk with your doctor or nurse to learn what you should stop drinking or drink less of. These include:

• Drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, black tea, and soda.
  
  
• Drinks with alcohol, such as beer, wine, mixed drinks, and liquor.

Questions to ask your doctor or nurse:

1. What problems should I call you about?
   
   
2. How much should I drink each day?
   
   
3. What liquids are best for me?
   
   
4. Are there liquids that I should drink less of?
   
   
5. Are there liquids that I should not drink?

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