Hey everyone,
ive seen this topic before so just looking for suggestions With anyone that’s had similar issues
44yrs old BC June ‘19 … The chemo I was on had steroids which caused me to gain weight… 30lbs to be exact I’ve always been active and never over weight until now. It’s so discouraging especially with everything you already face…on top of that I’ve been on herceptin which has caused water retention and more weight gain. I’ve tried every diet n exercise 6 days a week and no weight loss. I don’t understand . I’m done herceptin in 6 weeks?
how long did it take to lose weight or am I just stuck any suggestions please help
Hi chemobaby
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Sending our love
Bernard
Hi @chemobaby, I too was always a steady weight/fit and healthy until treatment - TCH. I put on 2 stone during chemo and thought the weight would fall off when it was finished. Unfortunately as the Herceptin is for a year, I am still struggling to loose the weight. I have managed to loose a stone but it has taken about 6 months of being strict, not eating sugary foods or eating between meals and trying not to eat processed foods. I was unable to do as much physical exercise as I Used to as I am still suffering with fatigue but try and do a walk each day of around 20 mins. Some days are easier than others and some days I just can’t be bothered, but I try not to worry on the days I fall off the wagon. I have 3 more Herceptin sessions to go and wonder if it will be easier to get back to my pre diagnosis weight after they are completed. I totally understand how frustrating it is, and some days I just want to give up and eat loads of cake and chocolate, but I know I would regret it afterwards. I do think that I underestimated how “unfit” I became after the cancer treatment And how difficult it would be to get over. I try not to worry on the days I don’t feel motivated. So, I am sorry that I can’t give you an answer as to how long it will take, but in my case, it’s not going to be any time soon. Good luck to you!
Hi chemobaby
Thought I would tell you what happened with my weight during chemo and Herceptin, as we sound similar. I finished chemo in February 2019 and Herceptin February 2020.
I’ve always been on the lower side of BMI but during chemo managed to put on a stone, it was a shock as I’ve always struggled to put on weight, I’m small framed and quite active. Oh how easy it was with the chemo munchies!
It took about 6 weeks to lose half a stone after chemo finished, the extra half a stone hung around a lot longer as I have bloating and digestion damage from treatment. After finishing Herceptin 8 months ago I am finally down to my treatment start weight again. I’m a different shape due to bloating still, but it feels better to be able to get into old clothes again. I didn’t diet, just ate sensibly and didn’t snack. Because of my new digestive issues, I often have the munchies now so have to ignore that feeling to eat, it’s new to me not to feed my face when I feel hungry but I have to remember it’s not hunger!
Good luck with your weight loss xx