Chemo/Other Meds and Getting Healthy

cmm7303
cmm7303 Posts: 423 Member
in Motivation and Support
Hey there!

I'm Carissa, I'm 5ft 3 and 178lbs. I've lost 60 lbs, and then gained 40 back due to a car wreck and some new diagnoses, so I hopped back onto MFP to log appropriately and drop that weight back off. I'm 10 down again (s, 30 lbs to go, yay).

But: Food is hard. The med I am on now is methotrexate (a chemo med) for not-cancer (a bone disorder) and it makes me feel like garbage some of the time, with nausea and the like, and exhausted during other parts of the day. So eating is hard, or I'm ravenous (when I can eat) and I am sometimes barely able to move (2000 steps kind of not moving). Worse yet, when I'm riding that 1200 calorie line really closely, and then throw up, I'm never sure how to do that math (did the meal count? Did all of it count? 3/4? How do I guess? Do I need to have an ensure or not?).

Anyone else having challenges due to meds or health issues?

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Replies

  • cofresll1278
    cofresll1278 Posts: 3 Member
    I am also 5’3” and 178 lbs… and went through chemotherapy and radiation therapy for endometrial cancer. I am in remission now but as a result of the cancer treatments, lost 133 lbs (non-stop vomiting and nausea for about six months) and wasn’t able to walk for a bit. At one point I wasn’t able to keep water down so I really understand what you are going through. I would suggest you grab an Ensure just to keep your strength and electrolytes up, as without fuel your body won’t want to move. But ask your doctor to be sure. As far as counting what you’ve eaten, take your best guess and let it go—just the act of logging is a big achievement👍🏼.

    I’m recovering slowly but surely, so there is much bright light at the end of the tunnel 🙂... I started working out on May 1, and I am now working out about 10 hours a week (Pilates and aquatic aerobics). I also do another two hours of physical therapy a week to help with my balance and walking. Keep it up, you’ve already lost ten lbs so celebrate that you are on your way🎉.
  • WhiteRhino496
    WhiteRhino496 Posts: 1 Member
    Hi Carissa! I had stage 3b Hodgkin's Lymphoma and I went through 6 months of chemo. I'd go 2-3 days without eating and id consume less than 500 Cals on days 4 and 5. I feel your pain. But once that 6th or 7th day hit id demolish any food around me. Overall I lost about 50 pounds but gained most of it back. Nowadays I just try to treat my body kindly because I do have a food addiction. I've found little fresh snack packs at the grocery store that have fresh fruit/nuts!cheese/meat in them and they are a life saver when I'm craving food hard. Wishing you luck!
  • cmm7303
    cmm7303 Posts: 423 Member
    cofresll1278 wrote: »
    I am also 5’3” and 178 lbs… and went through chemotherapy and radiation therapy for endometrial cancer....I’m recovering slowly but surely, so there is much bright light at the end of the tunnel 🙂... I started working out on May 1, and I am now working out about 10 hours a week (Pilates and aquatic aerobics). I also do another two hours of physical therapy a week to help with my balance and walking. Keep it up, you’ve already lost ten lbs so celebrate that you are on your way🎉.

    I'm walking, but not really working out, yet. I just feel SO tired most of the time. Good to know there's a light somewhere at the end of this tunnel, though. :)

  • cmm7303
    cmm7303 Posts: 423 Member
    WhiteRhino496 wrote: »
    Hi Carissa! I had stage 3b Hodgkin's Lymphoma and I went through 6 months of chemo. I'd go 2-3 days without eating and id consume less than 500 Cals on days 4 and 5. I feel your pain. But once that 6th or 7th day hit id demolish any food around me. Overall I lost about 50 pounds but gained most of it back. Nowadays I just try to treat my body kindly because I do have a food addiction. I've found little fresh snack packs at the grocery store that have fresh fruit/nuts!cheese/meat in them and they are a life saver when I'm craving food hard. Wishing you luck!

    Thanks. Yeah, the days of feeling awful, and then being super hungry two days later...no es bueno. I've been cutting up fruit (nectarines, mostly) and bacon, and carrying them around with me in Tupperware. Not the BEST option I can think of, but between that and the protein shakes, I think I'm doing alright. I just feel like I am ILL, and I don't like the feeling.

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