Weight Management on Chemotherapy

It does I think depend on which chemo you are having, as some require more of the steriod drugs which can cause a bit of fluid retention. I only put on 3kg and that was when I changed to Docetaxel and could not exercise as much (due to side effects) and had to have more of the steriods. My first 3 chemos were Fec and I did not put on any weight. I ate sensibly (especially during the 2 weeks when I felt ok each 3 week cycle) and walked everyday. Once I could exercise again I quickly lost the 3 kg I had gained and then a further 6 kg. I have been on tamoxifen for 14 months and have not found that this has affected my ability to lose and maintain my weight either. There are a number of ladies on here who managed minimal or no weight gain. I even know one lady who lost 6 kg while on chemo. I think it is important to realise that if you comfort eat and do not exercise then that is probably why you will gain weight rather than some sort of unavoidable reaction from the drugs. In saying that though some people do suffer many more severe side effects that make eating well and exercising much more difficult. I was very fortunate to have great support from my family with providing healthy food when I struggled to do this for myself. I was also fortunate to be able to exercise as much as I did. If you are determined and have good support you can do it. There are lots of unavoidable effects from treatment but weight gain is something you CAN control. I hope this helps you feel more confident about chemo. Take care. Deanne xxx