weight gain

[harrie]

Has anyone noticed weight gain during chemo? I am wondering if it is from the decadron I am taking.

[Kathy S in Tokyo]

It could be the decadron. I gained about 15 lbs over my 7 months of chemo. I knew some of it was from fluid retention, some from the steroids and a lot from the lower level of excercise that I was getting because of the chemo schedule and general tiredness.

http://www.chemocare.com/managing/weight_changes.asp may have some useful advice for you.

[Jean]

I was on TCH like you (6 treatment)...I gained 20 pds. during treatment.
For me it was fluid and the slow down that occurs during the down days
(as I called them). But I will share with you that I have lost all 20 pds.
I finished TC portion of trt in Sept. and the weight began to come off
the herceptin portion is much easier. If you can maintain some form of
exercise, it will not only help your body but will do wonders for your mind.
I found that taking short walks outside (the sunshine is helpful for that
great Vit. D that we need and for our minds).

Hang in I promise it gets better.....

All good wishes,
Jean

[harrie]

I am hoping to keep it down. I am not tired and am doing yoga, wt training, cardio, and a day of turbo kickboxing. I love working out and it seems the chemo is not prohibiting me from doing the excercising I love. I presume a lot of the wt gain is from the corticoidsteroid. I am thinking of cutting back. How much do you need to take during treatments?
harrie

[carlsoj]

If you have had several weeks with no problems, you can ask the doctor if the decadron can be reduced. I told my doctor I was concerned about weight grain...I asked for less steriods, and my doctor said he was willing to try, so I only received half the inital amount. I had no problems. It never hurts to ask. Be proactive.

Carlsoj