Just wondering

Hi,

I think at 3 weeks post treatment it is still pretty normal for most people. Your body is using extra energy (burning calories) to recover. Try to eat healthy protiens like yogurt to aid in recovery but also maybe an extra snack like a peanut butter sandwich or enjoy that extra helping of potatoes and gravy for now. If you continue to lose I would surely let your doctor know, but don't see this as urgent just yet since you are seeing him soon anyway.

Hoping recovery continues  with little or no problems, as you move forward.

katheryn

mp327 said:

lab guy

I have this same issue with weight.  Well, not exactly losing any more but I do not gain weight and have been tipping the scales at a whopping 95 pounds for a few years now.  I obviously cannot tell you why you continue to lose weight, but I can share with you why I think I can't gain weight, and the same reason could possibly be affecting both of us. 

The radiation treatment not only zaps our tumor away, but it also can cause great damage to the intestinal tract.  Some people obviously experience more damage than others and can experience radiation proctitis or radiation enteritis.  The treatment can make it hard for our intestines to absorb fats and nutrients, which is what I believe is happening in my case.  Because of my size, people think that I do not eat very much.  However, I consume enough calories daily that, in a normal situation, I should be gaining weight.  I believe what I have is malabsorption syndrome.  I am certain that my body does not absorb fats, as I will explain below, if you'll bear with me and don't mind hearing some TMI!

When one has malabsorption syndrome and cannot absorb fats from foods, several telltale symptoms occur, as in my case.  Bowel movements are hardly ever formed, will be very pale in color (about the color of peanut butter--sorry!), and will be "greasy."  Bowel control can be an issue as well.  Obviously, fat contains a lot of calories and is one reason people normally gain weight--they eat too much of it!  However, if the body does not absorb fat, gaining weight can be a struggle, and losing weight can happen without effort.

Now, if what I have described to you sounds familiar, then this could be why you are losing weight.  Monitor what you eat and how your bowels react.  If you have any of the symptoms I have mentioned above, then this may be the cause.  I'm not a doctor, so I could be way off base.  I'm just sharing what is happening to me and letting you know that this syndrome can occur, especially after radiation to the intestinal tract.  If you are concerned enough about this, please see your doctor.

It could be as simple as your body taking time to heal.  Make sure you are getting a good balance of protein, carbs and fats (preferably the good ones).  I wish you all the best and hope you will keep us posted.

Martha 

That makes so much sense. I eat what seems to be alot and yet never gain a pound. I am taking alot of vitamin supplements and juicing so, hopefully, that will help if there is a malabsorption issue.   Thanks for sharing that information. 

I hope this helps - my oncologist told me that radiology speeds up your metabolism and it takes about a year before it gets back to normal and you have to keep eating extra food until then. It worked that way for me! Why don't you ask your radiologist next time you see him or her.

Good Luck

Jackie