30 lb weight loss

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Melgirl
Melgirl Member Posts: 165
edited November 2021 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

Hi All. I am somewhat worried about some weight loss and would like to have some input. I have been on and off diets most of my life. It’s very difficult for me to lose weight and maintain the loss. Maybe 10-15 years ago I was on a diet where they had me take metformin due to insulin resistance. It did make things a little easier but the weight came back. Fast forward to fall of 2020 and I’m diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. But at the appointment I have also lost almost 20 pounds. My diabetes improves quickly and I am still on metformin. Lately I feel like my body looks like it is wasting. So today I get on the scale and I’m down another 12 pounds at least. I have not weighed this since my early twenties. It scares me because I have always had to fight hard to lose minimal weight. I do zero exercise and I eat pretty much whatever I want. My habits are not much different. I saw my onc in October but I wasn’t as concerned then. And now she has retired so I don’t have anyone really. None of my labs were concerning. But she doesn’t do any markers and no scans. I’m thinking I will contact my primary tomorrow.
Also I always have pain in my liver/gallbladder area but I know I have a fatty liver. I’ve lost 30-35 pounds total. Any advice on what labs or scans I may need?? Or do I just enjoy the weight loss?

Thanks, Melissa

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  • MountainMia
    MountainMia Member Posts: 1,307
    edited November 2021

    Oh Melissa, please contact your primary or your endocrinologist, whoever helps you manage the diabetes. Be sure to tell them about the gut pain. (And remind them that you are a cancer patient, just in case that isn't top of mind for them.) They might start with an upper right quadrant ultra sound to take a look at your gallbladder, liver, pancreas, and spleen. That will give some good direction. The radiologist reading that will point to other issues (oncology) if that comes up. But don't give up pushing for information until you get good answers. Good luck.

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  • wallycat
    wallycat Member Posts: 3,227
    edited November 2021

    Diabetes can most definitely cause weight loss since your body cannot absorb nutrients well with very high sugar numbers. You mentioned that your diabetes is under control, so that should help, though as you mentioned, metformin can help with weight loss. Have you had your thyroid checked?

    Sending you the best.

    Make a list, carry it with you to the doc and don't forget to mention everything on it. Early in the exam.

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  • MountainMia
    MountainMia Member Posts: 1,307
    edited November 2021

    Oh yes, wallycat, good catch on the thyroid. That is an easy blood test to run and thyroid problems can lead to weight changes.

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  • AliceBastable
    AliceBastable Member Posts: 3,461
    edited November 2021

    I learned something at my recent MO appointment. They worry about weight loss and cheer weight gain. At my primary doc's, it's just the opposite; if I lose weight she's happy and I have to tell her loudly if it's been for no reason. So sometimes different doctors will look at a symptom in an opposite way.

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  • Melgirl
    Melgirl Member Posts: 165
    edited November 2021

    Thanks everyone. My last thyroid check was normal in March of this year. I’m still debating on which dr I will call but I will call someone later today.

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  • barbara4
    barbara4 Member Posts: 61
    edited November 2021

    Are you taking any other medication for your diabetes beside the Metformin ?

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  • KBL
    KBL Member Posts: 2,521
    edited November 2021

    Hi. Are you able to eat normal? When I lost my 17 pounds, one of the reasons was because I felt full after just a few bites. If you’re able to eat normal, that would be good. If not, then an endoscopy might be in order. It sounds like you’ve been okay and able to eat, so endoscopy is probably not necessary at this point

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  • Melgirl
    Melgirl Member Posts: 165
    edited November 2021

    No I’m not taking any other meds for diabetes.

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  • Melgirl
    Melgirl Member Posts: 165
    edited November 2021

    I feel like I have been eating normally. I was sick for a week and probably lost a few pounds because of that. Maybe I’m just looking a gift horse in the mouth! Lol I have been trying not to react as quickly every time I think I have mets. Maybe I need to give it a couple more weeks? See if I put the weight back over the holidays? I hate this!! Stupid cancer!

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  • MountainMia
    MountainMia Member Posts: 1,307
    edited November 2021

    I would go ahead and check in with the doctor (again, whoever is helping you with the diabetes.) Tell them your concerns. Ask if they want to schedule something now. I am guessing they'll want to see you sooner than whatever your next checkup would be.

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