Weight loss

In 2020 I was diagnosed with TNBC. I had a mastectomy and then chemo. During the chemo I developed neuropathy in my fingers and toes and also lost a lot of weight. Two years on I still have neuropathy  and can't put on any weight despite eating all the fattening food imaginable. It sounds trivial in the grand scheme of things but I struggle to replace my trousers with ones that fit and my son and grandchildren worry about me. Any suggestions 

  • Hi Naggingannie,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I am so sorry to hearabout your neuropathy and weight loss following treatment for TNBC.  I had treatment for a bouts of mucinouss breast cancer 13 years ago and had a lumpectomy. I had a second bout the following year and had a double mastectomy. I still have neuropathy 13 years on. I have tried various medications, but nothing has helped. Have you mentioned your concern to your breast nurse? They are usually good at coming up with suggestions. In respect of the weight loss, it might be worth trying build up drinks, which can be prescribed for you. Please discuss this with your care team, to ensure that there is nothing untoward going on. I sincerely hope that you can find a solution.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on.

    We are always here for you.

    KInd regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Thanks Jolamine,

    it sounds as if I might just have to live with the neuropathy. With it being in my feet as well as fingers I feel as if I walk like a duck but at 78 who cares.

    I was given build up drinks when I lost my appetite and they did help but with my doctor's agreement I stopped them as they really did fill me up and I got my appetite back for real food. It could be worse as originally my trousers fell off me but now they don't so I am safe to go out in public.

    13 years on, you certainly give me hope for a lot of years to embarrass my son, especially since the chemo was adjunct.

    thank you, Carol 

  •  

    HI Carol,

    Are you by any chance a Diabetic, as this can lead to neuropathy at our age too? Nobody really cars if you walk like a duck. The main thing is that you can still walk!

    I am glad to hear that you now enjoy real food, instead of build up drinks, as they're not the tastiest. We're never happy. I put on a lot of weight due to hormone treatment. I have now lost 6 stones, but still have more to lose.

    Have you mentioned the neuropathy and weight loss to your care team at the cancer clinic - perhaps they might have some other suggestions? I hope that you are coping well with the TNBC.

    Kind regards,
    Jolamine xx

  • Hi Jolamine,

    Never been diagnosed with diabetes thankfully as I do have a sweet tooth. Both the care team and my gp know about both issues but can't come up with anything that helps. Ce la vie! 
    TNBC was all removed with the mastectomy and node clearance. What annoys me about it now as the only follow up is annual mammogram on remaining boob. Considering this was never picked up to start with on mammogram, ultrasound or CT scan but only on MRI doesn't give me much faith in the annual checks. Two so far and both clear. Guess I'm just an awkward so and so 

    xx

  • Well done on your weight loss. This illness seems to have opposite effects on some of us. Good for you xx

  • THe trouble is that we're never happy, whichever way it goes!

    xx