I was gone a while.... and how to gain weight??

Susan523
Susan523 Member Posts: 231 Member
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
Hello everyone,

I had to be hospitalized due to dehydration. My abdomen filled w/fluid which put pressure on my organs, and I couldn't keep any food down. Once in the hospital they did a parasenthesis
(drained 4 litres of fluid out). I went home, and a week later went back with the same thing.
This time they got 3 litres, and also immediately started chemo to get rid of the developing
fluid.

My problem is that I am 5'4" and now only weigh 100lbs. That is simply not enough. I'm eating just about everything I can think of to gain weight.....

oh~ on top of all this, I have some type of bacterial-intestinal infection which I'm on anti-biotics for, and is causing chronic diarrhea and fluid loss/weight loss. They said "no more
chemo until the infection is gone".

How can I gain weight? Any ideas? I see the Dr. tomorrow.

Also, I am trying Taxol/Carbol w/Avistin this time around. Sure hope it gives me a decent
remission. This is #4 chemo in 3 years.

Comments

  • LPack
    LPack Member Posts: 645
    #2
    weight gain
    Susan,

    When my father-in-law had cancer he weighted 103 pounds. I would give him carnation instant breakfast, with ice cream and ensure. He started putting on weight. I did this 3 times a day at least as nothing else tasted good to him. It's worth a try.

    Sorry about your weight loss, most women want to lose weight. Sure is a different story dealing with cancer isn't it? I am only 5'1" and the steriods and zofran help me to keep some weight on.

    But when I get bouts of diarrhea with all that is going on, there goes my weight too. Always something.................hopefully the infection clears up.

    In His Grip,
    Libby
  • Lisa 00
    Lisa 00 Member Posts: 134 Member
    #3
    ice cream
    I too was going to suggest shakes made with fatty ice cream. You could experiment with bananas, peanut butter and chocolate syrup for extra flavor.
  • saundra
    saundra Member Posts: 1,370 Member
    #4
    Lisa 00 said:

    ice cream
    I too was going to suggest shakes made with fatty ice cream. You could experiment with bananas, peanut butter and chocolate syrup for extra flavor.

    Ditto for me
    yes, I just added lots of high calorie things...alvacado in salad and on and on. Saundra
  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    #5
    WEIGHT GAIN
    Susan:

    Sorry to hear you're going through so much. Quite frankly, I don't think gaining weight will be possible as long as you continue to have the diarrhea. Hopefully, the antibiotic will take care of that.

    In the meantime, seems like most everything will just pass right through you. I would normally suggest protein drinks with a good protein powder (EAS Myoplex Delux is perfect), milk. But because of the intestinal infection, I would add something solid but mild like bananas, strawberries, etc. Once you've gotten rid of the infection, then you can slowly start adding whole foods. At least with the drinks you will get some substantial nutrition without over-taxing your digestive system.

    I wish you the best, Susan. Keep us informed!

    HUGS & PRAYERS!
    Monika
  • Susan523
    Susan523 Member Posts: 231 Member
    #6
    mopar said:

    WEIGHT GAIN
    Susan:

    Sorry to hear you're going through so much. Quite frankly, I don't think gaining weight will be possible as long as you continue to have the diarrhea. Hopefully, the antibiotic will take care of that.

    In the meantime, seems like most everything will just pass right through you. I would normally suggest protein drinks with a good protein powder (EAS Myoplex Delux is perfect), milk. But because of the intestinal infection, I would add something solid but mild like bananas, strawberries, etc. Once you've gotten rid of the infection, then you can slowly start adding whole foods. At least with the drinks you will get some substantial nutrition without over-taxing your digestive system.

    I wish you the best, Susan. Keep us informed!

    HUGS & PRAYERS!
    Monika

    Thanks everyone for the great advice!
    It sounds like ice cream is the way to go... (my nurse had also mentioned Instant Breakfast).

    I sure appreciate the feedback. Hopefully I'll gain some weight and get treatment #2 next week (Carbo/Taxol + Avista).

    xoxo
  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    #7
    Welcome Back
    Hi Susan, welcome home, sending prayers for a decent remission also. About gaining weight, ask to see a nutritionist for help and I agree with monica that once the diarrhea clears up it well help. Make sure you have the good yogurt for bacteria or a probiotic to help the antibiotics. sending lots of prayers n hugs Bonnie
  • kayandok
    kayandok Member Posts: 1,202 Member
    #8
    Susan,
    Please disregard my post above, some how I had missed your update. I noticed you hadn't checked in since July and were looking into a PARP trial and was curious....
    Sorry to hear about your weight loss. Hopefully the anti b's will nix the infection, which should help you. I would say eat whatever tastes good and has high calories. I think the protein drinks along with bananas, eggs, cream of wheat, yogurt, stuff that is easily digested. Do you have an appetite?
    Your chemo regine sounds aggressive.
    Praying for you today,
    Kathleen:)
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #9
    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • Artielange
    Artielange Member Posts: 2
    #10
    Maintaining Lean Body Mass
    Hi Susan. Just read up on your situation. I've had friends in the same boat so i'll advice you as I advised them. You'll want to drink some Kombucha tea, as it is a fermented tea that will replenish the proper flora in the intestines. You'll also want to find some good quality digestive enzymes that will help your body to synthesize the macronutients you're taking in. Last but not least, look into creatine. Creatine helps maintain muscle mass without unwanted side effects.

    http://www.mcnewsletters.com
  • saundra
    saundra Member Posts: 1,370 Member
    #11
    Artielange said:

    Maintaining Lean Body Mass
    Hi Susan. Just read up on your situation. I've had friends in the same boat so i'll advice you as I advised them. You'll want to drink some Kombucha tea, as it is a fermented tea that will replenish the proper flora in the intestines. You'll also want to find some good quality digestive enzymes that will help your body to synthesize the macronutients you're taking in. Last but not least, look into creatine. Creatine helps maintain muscle mass without unwanted side effects.

    http://www.mcnewsletters.com

    Probiotics
    I have to take probiotics after each attack of diverticulitis to restore my bowel natural flora. I order mine from Klaire Labs. They were recommended by a gyn/onc that I was referred to after the first attack. They have high live bacteria counts which work in a couple of days. Saundra

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