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Weight gain

Jaqq
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This probably seems very vain in the circumstances but it's really bugging me. I have stage 4 ovarian cancer. Think I've had it for a couple of years before being diagnosed. Due to fluid in abdomen and very large tumours, my stomach was very large and I put on quite a bit of weight. I thought it was menapausal.

I've had my full hystorectimy and just had my 6th chemo last week. Initially I lost 8lbs after chemo 1 but then it all started to creep back on. My appetite didn't increase and I was still exercising. 

I had an 8 week  break between chemo 5 and 6 as that's when I had my op. Gradually my weight started to come back down. Now, 5 days after chemo, I've put 3.5 lbs back on. Certainly not down to calorie intake. Has anyone else experienced weight gain?  It's not making me restrict my food or healthy eating. It's just really frustrating.  I'd like to hope it will turn around soon. 

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    I have had bladder cancer and have had my bladder removed.  I didn’t have any chemotherapy/radiation but I too have gained weight despite eating less.  And it’s not a vanity issue it’s wanting to look better/how I used to look.  So I fully sympathise.  The majority of the weight gain is directly connected to lymph nodes having been removed from my groin.  So not only do I feel uncomfortable with the weight gain but I also have to wear compression hosiery.  Is it possible your struggle is connected to a fluid build up?

  • Offline in reply to WendyJ59

    Thanks Wendy. My ankles and hands don't feel like they have fluid build up but goodness knows where else fluid hides. I had a full hystorectomy and omemtectomy and my lymph nodes were removed too. Most friends and family think I'm being silly wanting to lose weight but, as you say, I just want to be back to me and wear stuff in my wardrobe. 

    The compression stocking must be awful in this weather. I had surgical stocking after my op but only for 4 weeks. I couldn't get them off fast enough last week. I had them rolled up off my feet, to my ankles, through the night too. 

    If you need help to keep cool, John Lewis have a fantastic wee fan which is about £12. It has 3 settings when not plugged in and is really powerful for a hand held fan. I've had mine for 3 or 4 years and use it constantly in the summer. 

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