HELP which is worse...

tana007
tana007 Member Posts: 4
in Uterine/Endometrial Cancer #1

Radiation or chemo??? How can I maintain or GAIN weight while doing treatments?

Comments

  • jazzy1
    jazzy1 Member Posts: 1,379
    #2
    Tana

    I feel this is something you need to discuss with your doctor as we're not next to you.  Docs have seen many patients which have a lower weight and surely have some guided suggestions to get you thru any of the treatments you endure.  Have you brought this up to your doctor...your concerns and what are his suggestions?

    What stage and grade is youir cancer?

    We're not doctors and can't really make a qualified recommendation for which treatment plan .....

    Best to you,

    Jan

     

     

     

  • tana007
    tana007 Member Posts: 4
    #3
    jazzy1 said:

    Tana

    I feel this is something you need to discuss with your doctor as we're not next to you.  Docs have seen many patients which have a lower weight and surely have some guided suggestions to get you thru any of the treatments you endure.  Have you brought this up to your doctor...your concerns and what are his suggestions?

    What stage and grade is youir cancer?

    We're not doctors and can't really make a qualified recommendation for which treatment plan .....

    Best to you,

    Jan

     

     

     

    I had a hysterectomy and have

    I had a hysterectomy and have grade 3b endometrial cancer. Supposedly they got it all. There is just microscopic traces in the blood. (that could be normal for anyone)  I AM very bloated after the surgery.. which is discouraging. Plus got an in fection in incision from the hospital.

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,488 Member
    #4
    Take a breath

    tana007, it sounds like this is all new to you, so it is all scary and IT'S OK!!!!  (all of us here know)

    There are dieticians who specialize in helping cancer patients.  Your doctors should be able to put you in touch with one of these individuals.  I was told to "Push the protein" when I was going through all my treatment and asked my dietician "What does that mean?"  she had a very good hand out to help me through it all.

    During chemo I did lose my appetite, so I really did have to force myself to eat.  (Oh yeah, and then they said chemo can constipate you?!)   Radiation had completely different side effects and "pushing protien" and protecting your gut had a different approach.

    As if it wasn't bad enough we have cancer, no one told us all the other CRAP we were going to have to deal with :) 

    Just remember, you are not alone.  There are lots of women who are here to help you.  I didn't know of this board until after I completed all my treatment.  Fortunately you found it ahead of time, so just come and ask.  The women here are amazing.

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,488 Member
    #5
    Found a link!

    I was looking back through old emails and found one from my CSO!  Here is what she sent me:

    FYI for cancer patients I actually suggest seeking out an experienced oncology dietitian..if possible a board certified specialist in oncology (CSO).  There are about 500 in the US and Canada.  This link will help:

    http://oncologynutrition.org in the upper right corner "find an oncology dietitian" will direct one to enter zip code or click on state.

  • jazzy1
    jazzy1 Member Posts: 1,379
    #6
    NoTimeForCancer said:

    Found a link!

    I was looking back through old emails and found one from my CSO!  Here is what she sent me:

    FYI for cancer patients I actually suggest seeking out an experienced oncology dietitian..if possible a board certified specialist in oncology (CSO).  There are about 500 in the US and Canada.  This link will help:

    http://oncologynutrition.org in the upper right corner "find an oncology dietitian" will direct one to enter zip code or click on state.

    Low weight

    Yes dietician or some specialist who can get your body up and running fast.  Great suggestion for link.

    When I think of the comment about deciding on your own number of treatments, sorta in lines of thinking you have control.  Darn it, sure wished I had an option for treatments, as I did my resarch and was told we had to go AGGRESSIVE since my cancer is AGGRESSIVE.  Tana you're a stage 3, as I am so one would think 6 chemo sessions.  If you have time before start of treatments, get some good calories in your body -- protein shakes, organice type meats, etc.  Definitely a specialized doc such as dietician will really be a great asset to your team.  On other hand, if one doesn't do treatments it could be worse then at least giving a good shot.  If you can't keep the treatment program going as your oncologist suggested, he will slow or stop them.  In no way would any qualified doc put your health on the line to continue treatments.  

    What treatment plan is your doc suggesting?   

    Think more in terms of getting your body up and running, vs. cutting out treatments.  In my case I truly didn't have any choice on number of treatments so knew I had to keep my weight on and as mentioned I gained a good 10 lbs.  

     

    Best to you,

    Jan

  • FourBee
    FourBee Member Posts: 52 Member
    #7
    Chemo and Radiation

    Each person experiences "treatment" differently so there is no telling which is worse for you. Often during chemo people gain weight because of the steroids but I have never heard of anyone gaining weight with radiation. Best wishes.

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