low weight

hi there
due to extensive radiation i had previously, i am left with a low  body weight.
i am a 47yr female who is 5' '7" & my average weight is 112. lbs.  Due to radiation to the head, my eating habits have changed significantly, cant eat what i use to.  i walk on the treadmill nightly to release dailly stress, walking 4-6 miles on the average. In March 09, I have some blood test run by my doc., the CBC & CMP & Vit blood test indicate all is mostly normal, except for the vit d, in which i had to take mega doses of vit d to bring it up (vitd d was 18.4, PTH was 131) all ok now. Should I be taking oher daily supplements beides the usual daily vit pill & calcium that i take now.
I feel OK, but people tell me i look unhealthy and I should put some weight on.
I get various suggestions from runners who know me, that I should be adding more protein to my diet since I am on the treadmill walking so much.
I guess the questions is..is taking a daily vitamin adequate enough??

thnx for any input
jen      

    
  

[James G Beckerman, M.D.]

Hi Jen,

Generally, other supplements are not typically recommended.  It may be worthwhile to discuss the topic of nutrition specifically with your doctor.  Radiation therapy can definitely cause difficulties swallowing, etc. that can result in poor nutrition in addition to being underweight.  Thyroid abnormalities are also worth ruling out.  Take care!

[jlw0606]

thnx so much for for your comments Dr. .
also in regards to the thyroid,  i am on 200 mcg of synthroid, due to the radiation blowing out the thyroid.  i am schedule to see my onocologist in Aug., i will bring up my (bad) eating habits at that time. :-(

thnx again
jen    

[Jaquta]

I just finished radiotherapy recently for breast cancer however while I was staying at the cancer lodge I did meet others who had radiation to their faces.
Besides swelling, loss of taste was another common side-effect.
Many patients had their food processed so they could swallow.  Many others were also taking a nutrient/ energy rich supplement to keep up their energy intake.

I don't know if that helps but definitely discuss nutrition with your doctor.
August is a long way away if you're still losing weight or having trouble maintaining your current weight.  Be careful, but do what you need to in order to stay well.

J

[judylawson]

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