but what CAUSES the weight gain?

[jessica]

Hi Sandy,
Thanks for posting your response, but I'm still wondering...Your specialist said that "20 pounds is the average gain for anyone who has been on chemo", but WHY? How does s/he explain gradual,consistent weight gain? Does chemo have chronic suppressive effect on our metabolism?For those of us on Herceptin, does residual drug in our system cause us to retain exessive water weight?Is that something we should expect for the duration we're on treatment?
I'm just looking for some logical answers! Hypothyroidism is the first that was mentioned.
I'm soo tired of my docs & nurses asking me inane questions like "Are you eating more" & "Are you exercising?" By that logic, in order to continue to gain 1-2 lbs each & ever week (as many of us have reported),we would have to consistently eat more and more each week & exercise less and less.If that is not the case, and believe me it's NOT, then there has to be some reason, right?
If I'm going to continue to gain weight week after week, I would atleast hope that I would be doing it the fun way...eating bon-bons & being a couch potato!
Take good care!
Jessica

[Sandy]

Hi Jessica: It can be different with each person. For some its chemo drugs interfering with the metabolism, steriods, eating habits change because of taste in mouth from the chemo, making it difficult to eat healthy. If they are hormonal drugs they cause weight gain. With some its fatigue making exercising difficult. Can be lots of reasons. She simply said in talking and treating patients with lymphedema the weight gain is an average of 20 pounds and its put on gradually. I don't think there is any one answer that fits everyone. I will keep asking and see what others have to say. For those that loose weight they are not able to eat or they are throwing up. I have heard patients say while I am getting my treatments that they are never hungry and the nurse gives them supplemental drinks to take home. These people are very thin and say they have not been fat! They really look sick. I don't know which is worse fat or thin. Hugs, Sandy

[lauren]

I am pissed off about the inconvenience of the weight gain but thankful that I gained rather than lost.