Weight Gain During Chemo?

I've read that women often gain weight, sometimes 20 or more pounds, during chemo. I could never understand why, until I realized that my finger & toenails almost stopped growing for a long time, and my hair, eyelashes & eyebrows took months to come back. When my hair came back, it first was like a crew-cut for quite a while, then suddenly, it was very full like before. Does the weight gain occur because the chemo slows your whole metabolism down? I'd like to hear from anyone who's experienced this. I had lost a total of 32 pounds from pre-diagnosis time till after surgery, but then slowly put some back on when my appetite returned after the surgery (I never had problems with nausea or vomiting from the chemo).

I gained weight during my chemo for breast cancer. Although I think my metabolism changed somewhat, I think my weight gain was due to the fear that I was going to lose weight during treatment. My boyfriend and family never missed an opportunity to feed me...and feed me well! I also started taking supplements (vitamins, grape seed, echinecea, etc) and I think that pumped up my apptetite. I started working out at a gym after gaining about 20 lbs. My metabolism cranked back up and I'm back to my original weight, feeling better than before I started this whole ordeal. It's been 5 years and now that I'm off my Tamoxifen, I can see even better results from the exercise. The weight gain will not come go away on it's on...you'll have to work at it..but then, exercise is good for your overall health anyway! Good luck!
Laura

I gained about 20 pounds while doing chemo for my breast cancer. My oncology nurse said that breast cancer treatment was one of the few that actually caused weight gain. I really think it had a lot to do with the anit-nausea medication that I was given as it contained steriods. I also think I did a bit of emotional eating. I am happy to report that most of the weight is now off --- thank goodness! A few extra pounds is worth it to be healthy :)

I have gone thru chemo 4 times over the past 5 years and weight gain seems to another 'wonderful' side affect. I think mine was more from eating the comfort foods to help with the nausea I had. Lots of pretzels, mac & Cheese, breads, basically, lots of carbs. I did drop it after a while. My Dr. would always tell me he didn't want me losing during treatment. I did hear that since estrogen is stored in fat cells, among many other areas, when you lose it the estrogen levels go up until its reabsorbed somewhere else. since I have estrogen dependent breast cancer, I guess I shouldn't stir up tht estrogen! I never was as concerned over the weight gain as just getting better. Hope you are doing well and hang in there!..Barb

My dad has Liver cancer, he lost about 20 lbs. alltold. But he never again gained any weight, we were hoping there's something he can do to gain weight. He did lose his hair. We are still looking for suggestions that will help shrink his swollen stomach and swollen (fluid) legs and thighs. Please reply, anybody who may have a solution to this deadly intruder (cancer).

My weight stayed the same during chemo (AC). But I really watched what I ate and was able to continue walking 4 miles a day. My husband was such a great helpmate; every morning he was there to go with me. I have since lost 30 lbs. Estrogen does live in fat, so the less fat, the better. Good luck and thank God we have these treatments available.

I gained weight during radiation therapy as I was unable to do any exercise
and all my well-meaning friends gave me lots of chocolate to cheer me up.
When I was on chemo I lost a lot of weight as I was stressed and unable to
eat. I was also able to exercise a bit more again which helped. I've heard that
many people gain weight because they eat more carbs to ease their nausea. I
put the weight on again after I finished chemo (I had lost 10kgs in about 3
weeks!) and it's slowly coming off again through lots of exercise, and not too
many treats. Fat and oestrogen are not a good combination for breast cancer,
so as soon as you are able, get back into action - it's the best way to make a
lasting difference to your weight.

All the best with your treatment. Just remember, going through chemo is not
much fun and you will probably feel pretty unattractive no matter what your
weight is, so just sit tight and focus on the finish line. It's not going to last
forever.

xxx
Holly

Hi! My husband is 46 and has been dx with pancreas cancer. He is going through chemo. Usually you lose lots of weight with pancreas cancer. but he has gained about 15 pounds. His ankles are swelled but that is all. The doctor has him on lasix. Also Donnie doesn't force himself to eat he just is hungry all the time. He gets real tired from the chemo, but he has never gotten sick. Has your dad tried to drink boost drinks? It makes a good milkshake.

While I was on chemo for lung cancer I gained over 30 pounds. I was told it was due to the dexamethasone that they had me take before my chemo treatments. After being sick from the treatments for a few days, all I wanted to do was eat. I was told that was normal also due to the dexamethasone. I am now just beginning to lose the weight that I had gain. I guess the stuff has finally worn off and I don't eat as much. It looks like it is different for everybody.

I too am struggling with weight gain and have posted a separate message for help.  The Dr. in charge of our entire Cancer Therapy Center told me that it is very normal for women to gain 20 lbs and upward.  I am exercising and eating better than ever before but cannot move the weight.  I even had my thyroid tested thinking that would be an easy answer.  No!  I ate sparingly during chemo but did not do hardly anything but the necessities.  The nurse said it's de-conditioning and just exercise!  Are there any secrets out there?  I think they gave my metabolism to someone in their 30's