weight really stable

gfbaker

Okay, maybe what I'm looking for is a swift kick in the paranoid pants, but here goes: I am worried because my weight is really stable, and just coming off the holidays with cookies and creamy things I should have gained a couple of pounds. But I am nice and thin, flat tummy and all. I can't find any lumps (well, I guess I should say I can't find any suspicious lumps since my boobs are the super lumpy kind) but this was my first symptom the last time before I found a lump. I was a grade 2/3 so I know that I can't mess around. But - I am just being weird here? I do go to the onc in 2 weeks, but I don't know how much I believe in tumor marker counts.

 Tell me I'm kooky, please!

ElaineD

You're not cooky-but I think you're reading  too much into no weight gain. If you have a healthy lifestyle and diet, it's perfectly feasible to overeat for a few weeks without putting on weight! But if you are really worried, then mention it when you see your onc in a few weeks. Really don't wuite know what else to say on this....

otter

I think our bodies secretly store those calories somewhere, and dump them into our systems as a weight gain when we least expect it. 

My onco does pay attention to my weight, but I think it's because there are so many things going on that could cause me to gain or lose weight right now.  Probably the least of them is a cancer recurrence.  I don't mean that's the least important -- I mean it's the least likely to cause a weight change.  "Cancer cachexia" doesn't happen early with cancer, especially in fairly early-stage BC.  A two- or three-cm tumor (or less) really doesn't suck up that many more calories than, say, a biceps muscle we've exercised.

OTOH, I had lost 4 pounds last summer, and kept it off through the fall.  That's not a huge amount -- maybe around 2-1/2 to 3% of my body weight.  When I went for my most recent onco recheck, she noted that I had lost some weight since my previous visit and she asked, "Was that intentional?".  I said it was, and she said, "Good for you!".  I'm on Arimidex, so it's a challenge to maintain a stable weight and even harder to lose weight.

Unfortunately, I had an unwanted Christmas present this year (as my PCP put it this morning) -- I've gained back the 4 pounds.

I'd say stop worrying if you are feeling good and your appetite is strong and your energy level is "normal" (I know, those can be problems after BC treatment). But, ask your onco.  I'll bet he/she will brag on you for having a stable weight.

otter 

MJLToday

Yep, you have to be in the really late stages to begin losing weight from cancer.  I've got lots of liver tumors, and managed to gain 5 pounds in the last two weeks!  :ugh:

gfbaker

I know, thanks for giving me a little kick in the pants. I guess I should thank my cancer for getting my baby weight off. I started at 130, went down to 115. I'm back up to 120 and holding steady. I'll thank the toddlers for keeping me running!