Chemo is playing havoc

My port was implanted this last Wednesday. Since I had been without fluids since midnight, I asked if I could be given hydration.  I got it as soon as I was taken into the surgery prep room.  At that momnent I weighed 180.  

My first chemo treatment was the very next day. My weight upon arrival was 186#.  I chalked it up to the hydration I was given when I got my port.  Chemo went fine for me.  

Yesterday I had to return to the cancer center for an injection of neulasta.  Just as they do every time a patient walks through the door, my weight was taken again.  I was no longer 186#.  Instead, I was 188#.  So a gain of 8 pounds in 2 days.  Ugh!  I know the gain is from the fluids, and maybe some from the steroid I was given.

It's so discouraging to work so hard since last August on my weight loss, then to see these pounds add back up.  In my mind I know it's from the chemo and hopefully after June 30th (my last chemo treatment), the weight gain(s) will reverse.

Here's hoping that not only do they reverse but the weight melts off again!!! 

I have never been through chemo so I do not know what you are going through, but I did watch my dad battle cancer for two years. You know this, but you have to focus on beating the cancer and do what you have to do to get through this. The chemo will most likely continue to wreak havoc on your weight loss but you can focus on that after the cancer is beat. You have come so far and will get to your finish line. It just may take longer. Hang in there!!

HI, 

A quick post of support!  Part of me thinks that it is nice that your brain has a hobby (WLS) to keep it somewhat occupied during this time.  But, please, PLEASE, don't focus on the scale!  Your fluid retention is going to be all over the place.     

Can you shift your thinking to actions?  Nutrition? Some sort of activity?  I'm not talking strenuous activity unless that is what you like.  You want to cocoon your body in as much positive lifestyle as possible at this time.  You won't always feel like doing it, and that's ok, too.  There are many ways to take care of yourself (listening to music?  audiobooks?  sitting in nature??)   

If you don't mind me asking, what is your chemo?   Yes, the steroids will definitely cause retention but are also likely needed to prevent nausea.  

Best wishes, 

Shel 

(spent 2009 and 2010 doing 6 mo chemo, mastectomy, radiation.  hormone positive, her2 neg)

The first 3 med chemo ****tail (for 3 treatments) is  FEC...Flurorouracil (5Fu), Epirubicin (Ellence), and Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan).  I don't yet know what my next 3 med ****tail will be.

Just as you suggest, my plan is to refocus my mind in other directions.  It just didn't go that way with this first treatment...chalk it up to the unknown.  Now that I've been there, done that, I can plan.

You can't gain 8  pounds in 2 days, at least not 8 pounds of fat. I just got out of surgery/discharged this morning. Haven't weight mysef, but given I can't get my rings on and I have gankles I am sure my weight is up a lot. I hope the remainder of your treatments go well. Hang in there!

You will be weighed everytime you are seen. It's important information for the team to have and for calculating dosages. Fluid shifts can be very severe. 3 pounds aint nothing in this world. Let the staff know if you have any new edema or shortness of breath.

Let go of that number and focus of getting though your chemo. 

Best of luck to you.

Deb T.