Weight Gained after 15 Chemo treatments.

Hi Sue, I gained a ton of weight with my BC diagnosis as well.  I was 39 at intial diagnosis.  For me, I had a bunch of things happen at once that caused the weight gain.  First the awful diagnosis, surgery, chemo - which brought on the steroids.  And my oncologist told me to stop running, exercising, etc... I was very very active prior to diagnosis.  He said he wanted me to just love myself and give my body lots of TLC.  Thru chemo, I ate whatever tasted good - which happened to be Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream.  The steroids added water weight.  Then I started radiation - and I was told at the onset that I absolutely could not lose weight.  Not a pound!  It would mess up the treatment - AUGH!  Then I had to have a hysterectomy - I have the genetic mutation and needed to get my ovaries out.  Now I have ZERO hormones in my body.  It sort of freaked out on me!!  So here I sit, 17 months after initial diagnosis and still am not allowed to run!  In the midst of reconstruction and the PS asked that I not run.  AUGH!!!  So, I have had to radically change my diet - no more mint chocolate chip ice cream.    I lost some weight - about 10 pounds.  But the rest is going to be a slow go - if ever I lose it... blah   I can walk, the PS said I can ride my bike but I am finding that I cannot get the weight off.  I know this next sentence is going to be crazy to read, but I love myself just as I am.  Chubby and all!  I am so grateful for life!  And to feel better - my treatments were very very very hard!  I thought multiple times I was going to die!  Life is good!  Best wishes to you!

Curlyq - It is interesting how different Drs will say different things. I was told by Dr T. to keep doing all my physical activities (primarily riding my horses and bicycle) as it would help mentally and physically. He did warn me not to decide to go into training to run the Boston Marathon - I burst out laughing at that. I explained to him (when I could quit laughing) that there was no way I would do that - I gave up running when I got out of the Army unless something nasty was chasing me. He then told me he was glad we had a good laugh and he had no idea why he said it, never had before - it just popped into his head. Might not be funny to anyone else to relate to but it was/is to me.

suesener - This may not apply to you but have you had your potassium level checked? Also potassium, magnesium, zinc ratios? One or more of these low/not in balance, can effect pain in legs. During Taxol, my potassium level dropped drastically and had to go on mega doses of it to stay in 'normal' range. I still have to take it and do occasionally get leg/ankle pain when it slips low so have to increase for a few days. It is not something to just do without checking with Dr/blood work as too much potassium can also cause bad problems. Also possibly low on Vit D - many women are and also cancer women. As you are in Aust. heading into autumn/winter with less sunshine - S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder) is a possibility. It can cause depression/lack of energy because of lack of sunshine/Vit D. It's easy to handle with Vit D pills and a light box. Low Vit B can also effect energy level. Just some ideas to think about and ask your Dr about.