chemotherapy and weight gain :(

tamandua1505
tamandua1505 Posts: 12
in Motivation and Support
Hi everyone,

i have been having chemotherapy for breast cancer and I have put on about 8lbs :(

Has anyone here been through chemotherapy? Does the weight come off afterwards (my Dad helpfully pointed out that I will lose a few lbs of breast tissue anyway).

Am really anxious about not being able to exercise after my operation: am having mastectomy and have to have six weeks off the gym :(. normally i go to spin four or five times per week and do weights too. Am fairly active and havea pretty healthy vegetarian diet.

Does anyone have any helpful tips they could share?
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Replies

  • sunglasses_and_ocean_waves
    sunglasses_and_ocean_waves Posts: 2,757 Member
    I did not have chemo, but went thru the treatment/weight gain thing. I'm sending you a FR. Read my profile.

    crap, just read your profile. You're so young for this. {{{{hugs}}}}}
  • nikkiclaire123
    nikkiclaire123 Posts: 119
    ive never been through this. but i would say focus on you getting better first and foremost. weight loss and exercise can take a back seat. still eat healthy but just focus on recovery
  • mitchyinge
    mitchyinge Posts: 196
    bump x
  • anlu37
    anlu37 Posts: 100 Member
    Did you just start? While I have not had chemotherapy, my husband has. He said the first few weeks were fine. Then He couldn't eat. He jokes that the best weight loss program is chemotherapy.

    My advice would be to focus on getting well. You will have time to figure out the rest when you are back on your a-game.
  • CarmenSRT
    CarmenSRT Posts: 843 Member
    Dang. The only chemo weight side effects I ever saw when my husband was in treatment for a synovial sarcoma was massive weight loss. The Army finally agreed to pay for the "pot pills" (Marisol) to give him enough appetite to eat.

    What are you being treated with? Is prednisone or any other steroid medication being used? That will pork up anyone, and fast. Sometimes it's used in conjunction with other chemo meds.
  • tamandua1505
    tamandua1505 Posts: 12
    thank you everyone

    yes - am young for this, am 34 :(

    i can't take the steroids due to another illness i have

    am on abraxane - this is my 9th cycle and then the joy of the operation to come

    am TRYING to focus on getting well etc but am not enjoying being so HUNGRY and too fat for my clothes :(
  • links_slayer
    links_slayer Posts: 1,151 Member
    I can't offer any advice re: chemo but I'm only 30 and had surgery on July 8 of this year to remove a tumor from my tongue and just finished radiation therapy yesterday. It has been absolute hell - my mouth is just destroyed inside, I can't eat, it hurts to swallow, I'm constantly choking on my own saliva because it it so thick. BUT...keeping a positive attitude has been so crucial to getting to this point. I know it will get better. I know it's easy for me to sit here and preach to you to stay positive since I haven't gone through exactly what you have gone through. But from the very beginning of this whole ordeal people have told me that attitude is 90% of the battle and I firmly believe it.
  • tamandua1505
    tamandua1505 Posts: 12
    argh poor you that is terrible

    my attitude is fairly positive i think - i never complain etc

    just would like not to be so FAT!
  • PennStateChick
    PennStateChick Posts: 327 Member
    Please call the American Cancer Society. There are specialists (some medically trained) that will be able to provide you with resources about Weight Changes and Chemotherapy (and can answer other questions you may have!). They also may be able to connect you with a woman who went through a similar surgery/situation through the Reach to Recovery program. Most materials are available to be mailed or can be sent to you electronically.

    The number is 1-800-227-2345.

    If you would rather not call, you can visit www.cancer.org. I quickly searched about weight gain / chemo and found several resources.

    By the way, I feel like I need to share that I do work for the American Cancer Society. However, regardless of employment, I truly believe in the resources available.
  • CarmenSRT
    CarmenSRT Posts: 843 Member
    Right now kicking the cancer to the curb needs to be your main focus. As annoying as the weight gain is, you need to first ensure (as best you can) being around long enough for weight to move up your list of most pressing concerns. Hang tough. Life is worth fighting for!

    EDITED TO ADD: Looking your med up, it has water retention as a common side effect. Water weighs up quickly. Meh.
  • mitchyinge
    mitchyinge Posts: 196
    another bump
  • ldrosophila
    ldrosophila Posts: 7,512 Member
    Hmmm? usually it causes weight loss?

    How has your appetite been? Do you have any of the taste changes? Do you appear puffy, swollen, or fluids on your extremities? Is this your first dose of chemo? What is the opinion of your doctor? And you said you are not taking any steroids correct? Any other medications that you are taking?

    Lots of prayers and hugs to you and a speedy recovery.
  • caroluherek
    caroluherek Posts: 63 Member
    When I went through chemo I initially was so nauseated I lost weight but my doctor prescribed more (I ended up on 3) meds to combat the nausea which increased my appetite. Combine that with a picc line and limited activity and unfortunately I ended up gaining almost 20 pounds over 7 months. Are you able to keep active even if walking after your surgery? I would encourage you to do that if you can. I've come back to mfp and have been in a supervised exercise program endorsed by my oncologist and have lost 4 pounds so far. Everyone else is correct in that battling the cancer is the main priority, I hope your surgery goes well and that your back on the road to good health soon.
  • maryjboom
    maryjboom Posts: 137 Member
    My weight stayed about the same. Even when it hurt to eat or my taste buds got messed up, I still found things to eat.
    Eat like you have been. Don't worry about the scale, just stay focused on your fight. and FIGHT LIKE A GIRL!
  • mitchyinge
    mitchyinge Posts: 196
    have known tamandua for over ten years in which time she has always maintained a healthy weight, is pretty much a lifelong vegetarian - I can imagine how comforting it might be to decide that people always bring this sort of misfortune upon themselves but it's a view you should keep to yourself
  • Sedna_51
    Sedna_51 Posts: 277 Member
    OP: I would second the recommendation to talk to a good nutritionist. Major illness and the treatment of it cause enormous changes to our bodies, and your body's requirements are going to change as you go through this. You may need to be eating MORE in order to ensure your body has enough energy to stay healthy as you go through chemo.
    And- if you possibly can- be kind to yourself. Eight pounds may feel like a lot, but your body is going through a hell of a lot right now. Try to cut it- and yourself- some slack.
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    had chemo for lymphoma about eight years ago.

    In my case, and I believe this is in most cases of chemo, they give you a steroid before the chemo and this makes you bloated and gain weight. I know after my chemo I took a picture around thanksgiving and I looked like jaba the hut..well not that bad...but it was pretty bad.

    My oncologist told me not to lift during chemo because lifting causes your muscles to tear and rebuild, but when on chemo you are more susceptible to internal bleeding. My stubborn *kitten* did not agree with that and on my off week from chemo I would do light jogging and some workouts, it was tough thought because I was tired ALL the time...Even with the work outs the steroids made me bloated..plus on chemo, they tel you to eat a lot when you are hungry because they want you to keep your weight and energy levels up. So this is really not the time to be worried about dieting and exercise. Once you have kicked cancers *kitten* you can get back into the swing of your normal routine.

    I would say try to get some light workouts in but do not push it too much. chemo is essentially poison that attacks all of your body's cells, healthy and cancerous....so you really need to stay rested...



    Good luck to you with your treatment!
  • ajlandon
    ajlandon Posts: 115 Member
    @the original poster: I am no sorry you are going through this. I second the recommendation to call the cancer hotline. They helped some of my relatives in the past. :(
  • Sashoi
    Sashoi Posts: 295 Member
    I went through chemo twice n the first time was a 9 month cycle which ended with me being 60lns heavier than when I started. It depends really on your chemo drugs and if they have u on steriods. I was doing good at first cause I would pee put all the fluids that they were pumping into me but 3 months into treatment they changed one of the chemo drugs m I stop peeing out what was being pumped in. I did chemo every 28 days for 3 days and during those 3 days I would gain 3-20lbs. All I can tell u is to stay as active as u can depending on how u feel, I wasn't active because I had no energy to do anything. I still don't n my last chemo was in May of this year.
  • NRBreit
    NRBreit Posts: 319 Member
    I went through 8 chemo cycles over a 20 week period for male breast cancer. Despite most foods losing their taste or tasting lke metal (I ate with plastic forks), I did not notice any significant weight gain or loss during that period. I was still recovering from the surgery and regaining my range of motion, however, I went to the gym on every infusion day and did something (cardio, light weights, etc.). I tried to keep my normal schedule as best I could and I really believe that helped keep my energy levels up and fatigue to a minimum. Everybody reacts differently to these treatments so you have to listen to your body and adjust accordingly. Good luck to you!
  • tamandua1505
    tamandua1505 Posts: 12
    Wow thank you everyone

    Although of course silly me for bringing it on myself through my diet etc
  • tamandua1505
    tamandua1505 Posts: 12
    Heh also helpful "do you know most people who die from cancer do so during the chemo stage"

    Helpfulnosity

    Is there a "report post" thing?
  • tamandua1505
    tamandua1505 Posts: 12
    Have reported it
  • miller930
    miller930 Posts: 31 Member
    OP, Well wishes are being sent Your way! Fortunately You can fight this and get Healthy! Unfortunately Some people will be blissfully ignorant the rest of their lives! Good Luck and Fight Like A Girl!!

    PS. I guess my niece got cancer when she was 9 months old because she didn't eat right! Shame on her! FYI, She is a healthy 19 year old today!
  • arewethereyet
    arewethereyet Posts: 18,702 Member
    Heh also helpful "do you know most people who die from cancer do so during the chemo stage"

    Helpfulnosity

    Is there a "report post" thing?

    Yes! And therefore some posts may look weird as I have cleaned up the thread!

    Let me put a note here:

    Please stay on topic in the forums. The topic here is " Weight Gain from Chemo. Let's be what MFP is known for. Encouraging and helpful.

    I do not wish to issue strikes, but will.

    Thank You,

    Arewethereyet
    MFP Moderator
  • FixIngMe13
    FixIngMe13 Posts: 405 Member
    I have absolutely no advice, but I can and will pray for you. (((hugs))) Keep that positive/great attitude... and God bless you!
  • Sedna_51
    Sedna_51 Posts: 277 Member
    Heh also helpful "do you know most people who die from cancer do so during the chemo stage"

    Helpfulnosity

    Is there a "report post" thing?

    Yes! And therefore some posts may look weird as I have cleaned up the thread!

    Let me put a note here:

    Please stay on topic in the forums. The topic here is " Weight Gain from Chemo. Let's be what MFP is known for. Encouraging and helpful.

    I do not wish to issue strikes, but will.

    Thank You,

    Arewethereyet
    MFP Moderator

    Oh, that is about a million times better. Thank you.

    OP: I'm afraid I don't have any more helpful advice beyond giving yourself and your body some time. And I know that's probably the last thing you want to hear right now- after weeks and months of prodding and testing and feeling awful, you want something you can CONTROL. Anything! So I'd talk to a nutritionist, who can give you some information on what your body needs right now, and I'd try to do some gentle exercise. Only what your doctor approves, and nothing that wears you out, but some walking around the neighborhood every day, or some laps in the pool or light lifting at your gym, might give you something to do that'll help you feel a little more in control.
    Try and be patient with yourself if you can. You and your body are going through an awful lot- if there's ever a time when it's OK to cut yourself a little slack, now is it.
    Keep your chin up. You've got a lot of folks pulling for you. ::hug::
  • tamandua1505
    tamandua1505 Posts: 12
    Wow thank you everyone and thank you to the moderator who took the nasty stuff away.

    There is a new trainer at my gym who - sadly - has a few people in her family who have been through chemo. Am having a session with her next week.

    Feeling better now have started logging my food and exercise anyway. Am still managing spin and weights a few times per week but a new side effect is am getting really out of breath walking :(
  • imogen__may
    imogen__may Posts: 78 Member
    You can only work with your body darling, so if walking is difficult could you get one of those mini exercise bikes to pedal while you're in your armchair watching TV? Or some Velcro weights so you can just lift your legs while your sat?

    Don't be too hard on your self sweetheart and listen to your body! I'll keep you in my thoughts :)
  • yankeedownsouth
    yankeedownsouth Posts: 717 Member
    I had chemo for breast cancer 7 1/2 years ago at the age of 37. I'm sorry you're going through this; it's miserable and awful and scary. If I were you, I'd focus on eating foods that are healthy (of course with treats thrown in as necessary!) and that taste good to you. I know that I eventually lost my taste for most things, but those little cutie oranges tasted wonderful! I lived on them on the days around my chemo treatments. Also, don't stress yourself worrying too much about fitness; you'll have time after treatment to get yourself back in shape. Just do what you can without exhausting yourself and focus on healing and rest. You do NOT want to be exhausted from overdoing it when you go in for surgery; you'll need all your strength to heal from that.

    The road can be tough, but you'll get through!

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