Weight Gain

[newlifegal]

How many of you are having struggles with weight?  When I was first dx'd in 2005 and was taking Taxol/Carbo I was so sick from the chemo that I lost 30 pounds.   Now I'm on Gemzar and Carbo and have gained 30 pounds.   I'm also on a steroid taper after being on them for a year.  I believe some of the weight is due to ascites which has been drained from my abdomen and right lung several times but I'm wondering if there is anything I can do to try to control this.  I've had to go up 2 dress sizes and am finding this is getting to be expensive in trying to find something that fits.  Is it realistic to expect that the weight will eventually come off?  There is nothing wrong with my appetite and I am trying to do the portion control thing.  I am thankful that I'm not dealing with nausea this time.  My onc doesn't seem concerned but I guess it's just my own vanity.  Anybody have any thoughts?

[freshair]

I hear you loud and clear. Same thing has happened to me. But some of it I blame on myself because I am not working and am around the house (and it has a kitchen!). Sometimes with our dispair we reach out for comfort food. And also when my stomach is not feeling good from chemo, I find that food in there is better than no food. I am 15 lbs over my normal weight.
Menopause, Gemzar and all the chemos mess with metabolism. Also these steroids certainly don't help. As Becky says the only way is to really start moving if we can.

And vegas2cr I know about that insulin. My mother deals with that.

I guess we have to walk more miles every day. It's been on my mind also. And be choosy about the food we eat.

[newlifegal]

I have always been thin so this is a new experience.  Hoping that as I taper off the steroids that it may settle down.  I remember being ravenously hungry when I first started on them but the weight gain didn't start in earnest until I was on a steady dose.

I have some exercises from the physical therapist, mainly for strengthening but decided to start using the treadmill.  Not such an easy task since I have no feeling on my left side from my brain tumors.  But I'm going to give it a try.

Best of luck to you both.  Keep in touch if you discover the "magic bullet"!

[vegas2cr]

Good Grief is it catching LOL... my weight has always been the same as I am a type 1 skinny diabetic.. I was through with menopause before my surgery in September but holy cow.. I have now gained 9 pounds which I am on no drugs at all except my insulin... My regular doctor said it was the hysterectomy... hog wash... he was trying to be nice... more weight for me equals more insulin.. not a good thing... I am walking every day buts thats all.. if you come up with the way to lose it let me know... for no matter how much I cut down... its still coming... Ronni

[Tybear]

Oh boy, do I hear you!! I have put on 50 pounds in the last two years...yes, 50!! I figure it's a combination of steroids (which gave me a huge appetite), going from 12 hours a day on my feet to nothing (not working at all) and just losing energy and not doing a whole lot. It's so frustrating, especially when you factor in the fatc I'm now in menopause. I've noticed that my appetite has gone down greatly now that I'm not taking the steroids, yet I haven't lost a pound. I think at this point, if I want to lose any weight, I have to get moving. Good luck!!
Becky