I have finished my last FEC treatment 3 weeks ago and am about to start my radiotherapy. I am disgusted with myself that I have put 2 stone on in weight, firstly by comfort eating (since the surprise diagnosis in December last year) and then the gradual increase of weight during chemo. I started dieting a week ago but my upper stomach is still very swollen and hard to the touch. Is this water retention as I go to the toilet at least twice in the night, or is it the chemo leaving my body? Has anyone else experienced this? I can cope that I’ve lost a boob, hair etc but the weight gain is really bothering me. Lottie
Hi, Lottie1
I’m just started my chemo so I’ve no idea whether your swollen/hard belly is a side-effect of the treatment. But I can understand your annoyance about putting on weight, right at a time when you’re hoping to look your best again.
You’ve come through so much already, proven what a strong individual you are. I doubt very much you will let your weight gain continue. Be kind to yourself. You will lose the weight eventually.
Hugs
Cath
Hi Lottie, I finished my last FEC-T on June 26th so I’m still going through the side effects. Noticed this week that my feet/ankles and lower legs have swollen up something rotten even tho I drink at least 2.5 litres of water a day, I still wee normally tho. I noticed I’ve put on about a stone and a half since my diagnosis in February which has annoyed me coz I can’t really do much exercise coz I feel knackered quicker than normal. Did notice my tummy was hard after the first few days after chemo but it seemed to have gone back to semi normal. I think it must be the FEC-T - hoping it’s not going to be a permanent thing though. Sorry it’s not really what you were after tho. Did you have your mx before chemo or after? I’m due mine in aug 1st then start radiotherapy afterward, still need to find out when.
Hi Lottie, it’s like reading my own story, I’m in exactly the same position, I eat lots at the beginning cause it stopped me feeling sick, now after chemo I have put on 2 stone, my stomach is swollen and I have been left with a disgusting sweet taste in my mouth. I’ve recently joined a slimming group with the emphasis on healthy eating; not easy but I’m giving it a go. I think part of our issues might be down to lack off exercise? I know it is for me and its due to fatigue and neuropathy. Think about joining a slimming group as I fear doing nothing will only make it worse. Something else to consider is to ask for an appt with a dietician, I have, reason being I keep reading mixed reports about what I should and shouldn’t eat; cancer is hormone related and there is lots of mixed messages on line about what I can eat…soy or no soy? Anyway, don’t be hard on yourself, we have been and still are going through a difficult time and I’ve realised feeling down about it can lead to more eating. All the best.
Hi Lottie - I piled on the weight when I was having chemo (3 Fec & 3 Tax). I also comfort ate on my good days before and after chemo and also the steroids contributed. Good news is after I finished chemo about 4-5 weeks after my last dose, it started to drop. I also started walking - an hour a day and I saw it fall off in no time. I am now 7 months since my last chemo and I am back at the gym with a trainer and I feel more toned that I ever did before. I recommend gentle exercise such as walking first and then build yourself up x
I finished FEC-T just over 2 weeks ago and I’ve put on about 2 stone altho most of the last 4 months I have barely eaten.I also have edema in my legs and feel very bloated around my stomach.I know that some chemo does cause water retention.We all want to be well now…I hate this extra weight…but I think when I’m well enough that’s something to work on…Love Karen
Hi ladies,
same here…finished my chemo last week and overall gave put jyst over a stone on…lots of comfort eating for me throughout and also with the effects of the chemo i only enjoyed sweet things. As said below weveall geen through alot and its ok to give ourselves a break…as we recover from the chemo and our stamina improves and exercise tolerance the weight will come off. I was walking 5k each day or cycling with FEC…not done anythinb but shuffle about for past 2.5 months on Tax…i plan to gradually increase my walking and as soon as can am gonna get in the pool. Local authorities alongside sports centres run exercise programmes for folk who have had treatment for cancer…think Macmillan sponsor some programmes do it may be worth enquiring.IMy lical leisure centre has a guy who runs such courses…am gonna enrol as soon as can. Need to shuft abit of timber before surgery in Oct.
Re abdo discomfort…i too gave had distension and fluid retention…oedema, now peeing for Britain, esp at night…gentleexercise also helps to shift it. Apparently nettle tea is also a nstural diuretic…