Appetite increase

I have terminal cancer which started with a Sarcoma on my kidney. These were removed surgically. I now have mets in my liver and one in my abdominal wall. I have been given a life expectancy of six months. I have some pain from the abdominal tumour but otherwise feel quite well. I have noticed an increase in my appetite and feel hungry again soon after eating a meal. Is this normal? I have lost about two kilos in weight i but it has levelled out now. I was on chemo until last October which was when I lost the weight. I have heard about cachexia but it says with hat you lose appetite. Can you throw any light on this?

  • Hello Ruffabug and thanks for the post

    I am sorry to hear about your situation and imagine this recent news is difficult to take in.

    Try not to worry about having a good appetite or feeling hungry soon after eating, this is a good thing so please don't worry about this.

    Not everyone who has advanced cancer goes on to develop cachexia here but as you say lack of appetite and excessive weight loss is usually symptoms of this condition.

    If your weight has now stabilised since your chemo then again this is a positive and it may have been the chemotherapy and it's side effects that caused the weight loss itself.

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Best wishes

    Naomi