Weight gain during chemotherapy?

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Dallas105
Dallas105 Member Posts: 12
edited July 2019 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment

One of my side effects is weight gain during chemotherapy. Has anyone had this side effect and what did you do to control it? I am very nervous about this side effect because I am over weight now and don't need to add anymore pounds on. Any suggestions? 


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  • Yndorian
    Yndorian Member Posts: 263
    edited April 2019

    I think the great amount of steroids they give us with chemo causes edema. A low carb diet can help to loss fluids. Are you in taxol? Because somebody are more hungry during taxol. I'm dealing with run! Good luck

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  • CBK
    CBK Member Posts: 611
    edited April 2019

    I gained almost ten lbs on taxol.  I lost it PFC and I do believe the steroids contributed towards it. 

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  • Krissy37
    Krissy37 Member Posts: 291
    edited April 2019

    hello

    I gained 25 pounds on Taxol and Xeloda chemotherapy. I'm still on Xeloda until May. My suggestion to you is Walk, walk, walk. And drink plenty of water! I wish I had , but did not because I have relentless fatigue. If I could have a re-do - I would have exercised since day one regardless.

    I figured now I'll concentrate on losing the weight gained from chemo after I complete treatment

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  • Ingerp
    Ingerp Member Posts: 2,624
    edited April 2019

    I think a lot of us gain weight during chemo, partially because of the steroids but also because sweets are one of the few things that still taste good. I craved ice cream like crazy and ate it every day. I also really pushed protein (my blood counts stayed really good throughout), which meant red meat 5-6 times a week plus a protein shake every day. You need to be gentle to yourself in chemo--try not to worry about your weight until you're finished with treatment.

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  • Dallas105
    Dallas105 Member Posts: 12
    edited April 2019

    Hi Ingerp, Thanks for the good advise. I will focus on getting cancer free then I will work on my weight.

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  • Dallas105
    Dallas105 Member Posts: 12
    edited April 2019

    Hi Krissy37, Thanks for the advice. I will do my best to drink and walk as much as I can.

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  • Paintersdream
    Paintersdream Member Posts: 12
    edited April 2019

    I gained 25 lbs on Taxol. My last day of chemo was 1/29/19. I have managed to take off 15 lbs by doing a low carb diet. (No sugar not even fruit) I did not diet during treatment. I also did exercise during treatment and after no matter how I felt. I exercised and still do. Drink lots of water!!! I’m trying to lose another 10 to be better than my precancer weight. I have finished radiation as of April 4. I have put off starting Femara for fear of gaining the weight back but I will do it starting May 1. I was hoping to be at my goal weight before starting Femara which I’m to take for 10 years. We are beautiful no matter what we weigh. We know this because Jesus tells us this.🙏✝️ Be healthy. Be beautiful.

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  • Dm39
    Dm39 Member Posts: 32
    edited July 2019

    I have gained weight since chemo. Yes, definitely the meds and edema. Also craving sweets during treatment. But now that it’s done, I am starting menopause. Which I am really having a hard time with mentally. I agree. One thing at a time

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