Update

BonnieR
BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
Hi everyone, I am at the halfway mark for chemo. It seems the topotecan is working, at least my ca125 is dropping. I am having 2 units of blood today, hopefully after this the procrit will keep my rbc up. I have been on both the procrit and neulasta shots and yet my blood counts have a hard time coming back up. Tomorrow I get a ctscan and then see the Dr on Thursday. One thing I have been fighting is weight gain. I have been walking and on the rainy days using a walking video indoors. This is frustrating! I think I am going to have them check my thyroid on thursday or maybe it's from one of the drugs????

I told my hubby heart disease is in our family and I'll die of a heart attack and not have to worry about the cancer if I don't get some of this weight off. A friend gave me her WW books and have been counting everything but to no avail my weight just keeps creeping up.

Well just wanted to update you and there I go whining... Take Care everyone and God Bless

Bonnie Rose

PS Monica have you had any of your tests back yet?

Comments

  • groundeffect
    groundeffect Member Posts: 639 Member
    #2
    Hi Bonnie,

    I'm very glad to hear that the Topetecan is working for you, and to get such a positive report from you.

    I've been going to WW for a while now, and while I'm not having the loss I'd hoped for, I know I'm eating a lot better. I was having a serious relationship with chocolate when I was having chemo, and didn't lose an ounce during that time.

    Are you taking any steroids in your therapy? They usually "help" put on what I think of as puffy weight. Weight Watchers has a a new program to follow now - the Core Plan - that a number of my group's members are following successfully. It gives you a list of "core" foods you can eat within reason, and limits on some. I think I'm going to try it for a couple of weeks. I have nothing to lose but some weight!

    The importance of losing weight was brought up at a seminar I went to this past Fri. night. It was a geneticist speaking about the breast cancer genes and how they are passed on in families. She mentioned that excess weight is bad because fat will retain hormones, and hormones can help encourage the bad genes cause cancer. I know I've heard this before, but it didn't help me keep off the 50+ lbs. I lost 15 years ago with WW, so I'm back.
  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    #3
    So happy to hear about your results, Bonnie! Keep up the good work. But I know it's discouraging about the weight. I am fighting a weight issue again because in the last 3 months I haven't been able to work out like I usually do. Since finding out about my Mom's cancer it's been a constant merry-go-round.

    Anyway, there are so many reasons for the weight gain. Just the simple fact that your body is going through so much stress (cortisol increase) will put on the weight. Also, as far as exercise, try to get on a good weight training program. Aerobics is just too demanding on your system and it increases estrogen, which is a no-no for me. When you do some sort of weight bearing exercise, you still get a little cardiovascular workout as well. The last time I had gone to my doctor he was so surprised with the changes I had made. I will say, however, that people like us who have been through cancer and chemo may need to work a little harder at it.

    As far as diet, just make sure you are good on your protein, fiber, etc. Cutting carbs helps, but don't delete the good carbs like oats, some fruits, all veges, etc. I could go for chocolate anytime too! So, that's hard for me to resist. I just try not to keep it around. Try to eat 6 small meals a day. That in itself will also help you to lose weight. Nuts and seeds are great for protein and carbs. If you eliminate carbs too much, you'll have trouble sleeping, etc.

    Keep us informed. If you want more info, let me know. I'm trying to get back to my regimine too. So, maybe we can encourage each other. Don't forget REST is really important too!

    Monika
  • TealRibbon
    TealRibbon Member Posts: 44
    #4
    Bonnie,

    SO GOOD TO HEAR YOU ARE DOING BETTER!! Ah, the weight gain issue. I think Groundeffect has hit the nail on the head. I really think the steriods do a number on us. My fiends laugh that I am the only person they know who GAINS weight on chemo! :-)

    I have been feeling really tired and befuddled this time around. I can sleep until 1pm and by 3pm I am tired enough to take a long nap. SIGH...

    My numbers came down from 190 to 116 so that is an improvement.

    Anyway SO glad to hear your good news. Still praying for you and us all.

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