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

I had docetaxel,and for me it was possible not to gain weight.I started chemo at 62 kg and I'm still the same,one year later.As Deanne said,if you eat anything,and don't exercise,you will put on weight,but it's not always possible to eat the right foods during chemo,because your taste preferences change dramatically.Also,not everyone can exercise during chemo.I definitely age differently,but I tried hard not to OVEREAT.I walked EVERY day during chemo and there were days that I only walked because my daughter wouldn't let me stay at home!!! We used to walk around a fitness track near our house,and I recall a few times when she had to walk with her hand on my back,actually pushing me! I wouldn't have walked every day if she hadn't of come with me !! So try to find a person,who can push you that bit extra,when you don't really want to do it.However,there will always be people who are far too unwell on chemo,to do any of these things.All the best,and try not to worry too much.When chemo is over,you can start on a brand new fitness regime!!!!

Thank you both for the information. I've been told my first three months will be Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide, then the last three months will be Doxetaxel and Trastuzumab, plus Herceptin for 12 months. I am going to have to try very hard. I am a shortish, pear-shaped person who has always had to work very hard to keep weight off. I decided to get started yesterday and go for a walk. Forty minutes of fairly slow walking exhausted me so I'm going to have to build it up gradually. I am fortunate that I have a supportive husband who will come along with me.

We all have different reactions to Chemotherapy. I also tried to do some exercise during this time...but sometimes to be honest it was too hard. I ate what I felt like ...drank lots of water and rested as needed. I lost 8kgs whilst on Chemo ..as I said we are all unique and will experience different side effects. You will know what you need at the time..don't put too much pressure on yourself. You will get through this! I am finished Chemo and Radiation am now on hormone therapy and feel well and positive ...looking ahead to a great New Year. All Good Wishes. Chris.xx

Great to hear you are through Chris. I hope I am like you. I will be happy to just survive and hopefully not gain too much. Losing weight seems to be a lot harder for some people than for others. I've never been able to eat what I like. I also hope you have a wonderful 2015!

Weight Management on Chemotherapy

13 Replies

Sharon_Leigh
Member
11 years ago
Hi Natasha. I had the exact same chemo drugs as you from Feb. 2013 to July 2013 then Herceptin with Tamoxifen. In 7 months I increased my weight by 15kg and put it down, largely due to treatment which then brought on menopause. I was miserable with the excess weight and just couldn't shake it off until I went on a program called Food Patrol. Over 90 days, I lost all 15kg, by Nov., 2014, using sensible eating (carbs & protein), smaller portions, drinking water only and cutting out fast foods, sugar, sweets & chocolates (but occasional reward treat). I gradually increased my exercise to walking more, then treadmill/ cycle machine, rower & cross trainer. I also have intentionally come off Tamoxifen. I may have to go on another drug as now post menopausal. I found during chemo, it was better to know all the side effects and how to cope with medical appointments, treatment and best advice (BCNA highly useful). It can seem like a long time, but it's like a season. Then you finish, your hair grows back and you manage the next stage and hopefully help others along the way. Sharon
Natasha
Member
11 years ago
Thank you. I will try and get this book.

Karen, I admire your approach. I hope I can adjust to things so well.
Natasha
Member
11 years ago
Thank you. I will try and get this book.

Karen, I admire your approach. I hope I can adjust to things so well.
Cook65
Member
11 years ago
Hi Natasha I have given up worrying about my weight. It goes up and down like a yoyo. I lost 12.5 kgs in my first 6 weeks of chemo as I was so ill. They upped my cortisone dramatically ( I'm on cortisone permanently for another health issue and it always impacts my weight substantially when the dose is raised significantly) and I gain 16 kgs in a couple of weeks. It seems that I can lose or gain 3 kgs in a matter of days. I just try to make good decisions about my food choices and walk when I feel up to it. Sometimes I manage walking every day, sometimes only a couple of times a week. You just have to do the best you can. I just figure I've lost weight before and I can do it again if needs be but for now it is just what it is. Hope all goes well for you. Take care Karen xox
Cook65
Member
11 years ago
Hi Natasha I have given up worrying about my weight. It goes up and down like a yoyo. I lost 12.5 kgs in my first 6 weeks of chemo as I was so ill. They upped my cortisone dramatically ( I'm on cortisone permanently for another health issue and it always impacts my weight substantially when the dose is raised significantly) and I gain 16 kgs in a couple of weeks. It seems that I can lose or gain 3 kgs in a matter of days. I just try to make good decisions about my food choices and walk when I feel up to it. Sometimes I manage walking every day, sometimes only a couple of times a week. You just have to do the best you can. I just figure I've lost weight before and I can do it again if needs be but for now it is just what it is. Hope all goes well for you. Take care Karen xox
Deanne
Member
11 years ago
Thought this might be of interest to you Natasha and to everyone, really. I have just found a book called Healthy Living After Breast Cancer by Dr Susan Hart. (I just found it on iBooks for $8.99). Susan is an Australian Dietitian who was diagnosed with Early Breast Cancer herself. While the book has lots of info about nutrition to stay healthy after treatment, there is also a whole section on nutritional advice during Chemotherapy including the weight gain issue. It is recommended by Prof John Boyages the author of Breast Cancer:Taking Control which is also an excellent book which is well worth reading. :) Deanne xxx
Rosanna
Member
11 years ago
Hi Natasha... How are YOU?

Sorry to hear that you are going to have chemo. Mine finished JUNE last year.

It's good that you have control your diet before. It should be easy to maintain. I usually 57, and maximise to 59 during chemo, and now 55 in average. So I turn out 2 kg less. I am not tall just reach 160cm. So don't worry about the weight, or keep exercise and healthy diet during chemo. It is anyway, very important during that period. Not just weight control but the overall treatment and keeping you feel better as well.

Take care

Rosanna
Natasha
Member
11 years ago
Great to hear you are through Chris. I hope I am like you. I will be happy to just survive and hopefully not gain too much. Losing weight seems to be a lot harder for some people than for others. I've never been able to eat what I like.

I also hope you have a wonderful 2015!
Chixon
Member
11 years ago
We all have different reactions to Chemotherapy. I also tried to do some exercise during this time...but sometimes to be honest it was too hard. I ate what I felt like ...drank lots of water and rested as needed. I lost 8kgs whilst on Chemo ..as I said we are all unique and will experience different side effects. You will know what you need at the time..don't put too much pressure on yourself. You will get through this! I am finished Chemo and Radiation am now on hormone therapy and feel well and positive ...looking ahead to a great New Year. All Good Wishes. Chris.xx