Why chemo wieght stays on and on

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enjoylife
enjoylife Member Posts: 578
edited June 2014 in Working on Your Fitness

 I have never been one to be overwieght really even after my babies I would be able to get into shape early. I have been out of chemo 9 weeks and have lost only about 5 pounds. I need to get off at least 15 pounds I also had some problems with retaining fluid too does anyone have any suggestions. I have been walking not very far but walking and I was down with a cough for a few weeks so I am getting back to it now. How long does it take to get this off and I didnt eat alot or anymore than normal if even that much during chemo I guess its the drugs that do this to us besides taking our breast, hair and shape... wow

Any hope for wieght loss now at the end of the rads 33 of them total its a good time just want my hair and wieght back...

Thanks

Fatter bald no fingernails and toe nail lady who will be 57 soon ha.... last day of rad is my birthday ...yeah I am glad of that ...

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  • Fllorik
    Fllorik Member Posts: 1,351
    edited October 2008

    I would love to know that too!!!!

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  • RIV54
    RIV54 Member Posts: 359
    edited October 2008

    I've been doing the South Beach Diet since April and lost 23 lbs, but I'm at a stand still or plateau. Its been difficult. If I stray too far with the carbs the weight just jumps back on. Very frustrating.

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  • gsg
    gsg Member Posts: 3,386
    edited November 2008

    I gained around 30 pounds during chemo and successfully took off 20 pounds in 4 months following chemo--started DURING radiation--by swimming for 1 hour every day and eating all healthy food that consisted mostly of  oatmeal & fruit, alternated between chicken breast and shrimp, brown rice and plain cucumbers and tomatoes.  I'd have a few dried pineapple pieces or raisins mixed with peanuts for something sweet occasionally.    Had some stuff happen in my personal life and got away from that regimen and promptly regained the 20 and added another 10.  I'm actually heavier now than during my peak chemo weight.  I'm on Arimidex and it's making it difficult to lose even 1 pound.  You didn't say if you would be starting an A/I.

    My advice to you is to start in immediately and keep at it.  It seems the further out from treatment I get, the more difficult it is for me to lose due to the Arimidex.

    Congrats on nearing the end of your treatment!

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  • swimangel72
    swimangel72 Member Posts: 1,989
    edited November 2008

    Swimming is my exercise - but I've been doing it for so long (for at least 30 years) that my body is too efficient in the water so I don't lose weight unless I do something else - so I've started to add walking. Problem is the weather is getting lousy now - so either I increase my speed swimming or start using a tread mill (I hate machines though.) I used to love aerobics classes, but without a working abdominal muscle, I can't do situps anymore. It's even hard to bend down to touch my toes! So we have to be inventive - GSG your diet sounds like it would work for me. I really need to make changes in my snacking habits - I'm OK with my meals - but the nibbling in-between is not helping. I've not gained any weight even though I'm on Arimidex and still getting Herceptin - but I'm not losing any either, which is a problem because I need to lose at least 15 pounds before my abdominal repair surgery next summer.

    Enjoylife - I'm so happy you'll be finished with rads - and Happy early Birthday! As a birthday present, I hope your hair and nails all grow in very very quicly! Exercise will really help you with fluid retention - swimming is excellent, or water aerobics, because it won't hurt your joints and the pressure of the water against your skin helps prevent fluid buildup.

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  • Msklapkin
    Msklapkin Member Posts: 208
    edited November 2008

    I have started Nutrisystem- goes slow but steady and you can eat lots of food- desserts are good too

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  • swimangel72
    swimangel72 Member Posts: 1,989
    edited November 2008
    I'm also a life-time member of Weight Watchers, but haven't been there for over a year......I just don't feel the inspiration to join yet again. I'm thinking about Jenny Craig - but deep inside I know the best thing is to avoid the frozen processed food and learn to cook more healthy natural foods. How to change a life-time of shopping/cooking/eating habits and the yo-yo dieting that probably contributed to my BC dx - I need a total immersion program preferably at a wonderfully expensive spa where I wouldn't have to worry about working and taking care of my family! Money mouth
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  • enjoylife
    enjoylife Member Posts: 578
    edited November 2008

    I am lucky in the way that when I have a problem with personal life stuff I loose weight but i havent had that happen for sure but I did get a treadmill and I plan to start walking on it since its got cold and dark early here in MO. I am not sure what a A/I is can you please tell me. This week is my last rad. on Wednsday its my birthday and I will be a young 57 and done with RAD I am so happy but where will everyone be after that I am so afraid the chemo will be out of me and they will find something but that is another thread I am sure. I am still on herceptin every 3 weeks until May. thanks for listening ...

    Maura

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  • mistikal
    mistikal Member Posts: 14
    edited November 2008

    Maura: A/I stands for aromatose inhibitor. Well done on getting through your treatment and happy birthday!  I walked everyday to/from radiation 30 mins each way. I felt puffy during radiation and gained 15 pounds. I had Neulasta injections (white cell booster) to prevent infections during chemo. It gave me the munchies also an excuse for me to get rid of metal mouth. I finished radiation in June 08 and since then I have only lost a few pounds. A couple of weeks ago, I joined a gym - mostly for the weight bearing exercises to increase bone strength/density, burn fat and increase muscle tone. I started off slow by only doing one circuit and am building up to doing two circuits. Its going to take time.

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  • enjoylife
    enjoylife Member Posts: 578
    edited November 2008

    mistikal thanks for your comment I feel alone at times being single and all and my sons are men so they aren't much help they are just glad mom is here and feeling good which I am happy for too but I do miss me. I have a man I use to date that wants me to go out with him again but I am not near ready to date and I don't think I want to put the energy or the time into it, its hard enough to work full time and keep up with doctor appt. and Herceptin. I also make trips back and forth to Boston my family lives there and that is where I had my surgery and my plastic surgery will be done there. I am thinking of having the other one done too to match so I will see... Thanks so much and I hope you and your family have a very nice Thanksgiving I am trying the treadmill its boring but its all we have in the winter.. If you don't mind me asking is it Curves you have joined I have thought of it for the winter anyway but haven't gone to see them yet they do have short hours here only until 6 or 7 pm but it might be worth looking into its really too bad with all our medical bills that we don't have some place who give cancer survivors a break on rates or length of contracts you sign.

    Take care and I will keep trying the hair is definitely coming in fuzzy ha I go without a wig after 6 months of having it shaved in front of my son...ha

    Maura trying to enjoylife....

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  • bee5467
    bee5467 Member Posts: 112
    edited November 2008

    Maura --

    There is a Wellness Community center in St. Louis.  I don't know if that's near you, or not.  But they often have exercise and yoga classes for free.

    Wellness Community:   Greater St. Louis

    1058 Old Des Peres Road 
    St. Louis, MO 63131
    Ph: 314.238.2000
    Fax: 314.909.9900
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