Skin

BrittanyC
BrittanyC Member Posts: 100
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
I have noticed that my mom's skin gets very dry easily. So after she gets out of the showers, I put lotion on her body, because it absorbs better into the skin.

Is dry skin a side effect from the chemo?

Also, my mom has lost around 60 pounds and she hates looking into the mirror at herself. Her skin is saggy and thats a lot for her to see.

Is it because of the weight loss from the chemo or cancer?

Any suggestions on exercises for her to build muscle? Will the skin always be saggy?

Comments

  • LPack
    LPack Member Posts: 645
    #2
    Dry skin
    Chemo definitely causes us to have dry skin. I don't know how old your mom is, but so does aging!

    AND sagging comes from age too without adding chemo/cancer to the equation. If anyone lost 60 pounds they would have some sag to work with! I have friends who gained with chemo, so it is different for everyone. I do not gain, but maintain.

    If she is able, walking would be the best exercise. But again she should ask first what her limitations are.

    I have used video tapes at home some, but I have been far too tired to do much exercising during chemo. When I was NED I did more.

    In His Grip,
    Libby
  • jane65
    jane65 Member Posts: 277
    #3
    Brittany
    Hi Brittany,
    I'm sure Mom's weight loss is from her chemo. When I was on my first chemo, carbo/taxol I lost 40lbs. When chemo was over I gained 30 back. I'm sure Mom will regain some weight when she's off chemo, and enjoy doing it.

    Have you tried giving her Ensure to drink, it's got lots of nutrition and calories. My niece put me onto the dark chocolate flavor, which was very tasty.

    Regarding exercise, as Libby said, it's up to Mom and how she feels. I was so fatigued, that walking outside was out of the question. Your Mom knows her limitations, let her decide what she feels up to.

    I don't remember dry skin during chemo, but lotion is a great idea and feels good so keep up with it. It very well may be a side affect of her chemo, put it on the list to ask her doctor, he may recommend a special lotion for her.

    You're such an amazing daughter, Mom did a great job raising you and she must be so proud of you.
    I'm sure you have a wonderful relationship, please keep in mind that when she gets testy, it's the cancer and chemo behind it.
    I put my husband through some rough times, always apologizing afterward,and he'd say he understood where my frustration and anger was coming from.

    It's tough on our caregivers, and we truly appreciate everything you're all doing for us, even if we may not always express it.

    Take care of yourself Brittany, and remember to have some fun with your friends, away from Mom. She'll understand and not feel guilty that you give her so much of your time.

    Say Hi to Mom from us,
    Jane
  • jane65
    jane65 Member Posts: 277
    #4
    LPack said:

    Dry skin
    Chemo definitely causes us to have dry skin. I don't know how old your mom is, but so does aging!

    AND sagging comes from age too without adding chemo/cancer to the equation. If anyone lost 60 pounds they would have some sag to work with! I have friends who gained with chemo, so it is different for everyone. I do not gain, but maintain.

    If she is able, walking would be the best exercise. But again she should ask first what her limitations are.

    I have used video tapes at home some, but I have been far too tired to do much exercising during chemo. When I was NED I did more.

    In His Grip,
    Libby

    Libby
    Hi Libby,
    I love your line "In His Grip", I think about it when I see you posts. It makes me feel that God has me in his hand and is taking care of me, and I'm not so frightened or feeling alone.
    Jane
  • queenieb52
    queenieb52 Member Posts: 48 Member
    #5
    I know how she feels...
    Brittany, your Mom is so lucky that you are with her. My daughter is in NY and I am in Florida...I wish she were here. I AM 52... How old is your Mom? What stage was she? I am pretty new to all of this...have only had one chemo, with 2nd one to be next week. But I have noticed my skin just drinks in the moisturizer too, so I'm guessing it probly has to do with the chemo. I was 139 lbs when I had my surgery on 6/12(although a lot of that was the 'mass' I had-my normal weight is around 128), and I am now at 115 1/2. I totally know how ur Mom feels...I don't look at myself in the mirror because It seriously makes me very depressed. My muscles are flabby and skin is saggy. It is very disturbing to say the least. I have been trying to walk my dog 2x a day and I do curls & other lifts with my hand weights (only the 2 lb. size) just to try & offset some of this. But I realize that may dwindle as my chemo progresses. I would check with her Dr to see if she might be able to do some type of exercises to at least keep her muscles from completely wasting...if she can manage it. I will do whatever I can as long as I can. I hope she can benefit from anything I have given you. Please keep me updated on her progress....hugs to you....Beth
  • lnyeholt
    lnyeholt Member Posts: 59
    #6
    queenieb52 said:

    I know how she feels...
    Brittany, your Mom is so lucky that you are with her. My daughter is in NY and I am in Florida...I wish she were here. I AM 52... How old is your Mom? What stage was she? I am pretty new to all of this...have only had one chemo, with 2nd one to be next week. But I have noticed my skin just drinks in the moisturizer too, so I'm guessing it probly has to do with the chemo. I was 139 lbs when I had my surgery on 6/12(although a lot of that was the 'mass' I had-my normal weight is around 128), and I am now at 115 1/2. I totally know how ur Mom feels...I don't look at myself in the mirror because It seriously makes me very depressed. My muscles are flabby and skin is saggy. It is very disturbing to say the least. I have been trying to walk my dog 2x a day and I do curls & other lifts with my hand weights (only the 2 lb. size) just to try & offset some of this. But I realize that may dwindle as my chemo progresses. I would check with her Dr to see if she might be able to do some type of exercises to at least keep her muscles from completely wasting...if she can manage it. I will do whatever I can as long as I can. I hope she can benefit from anything I have given you. Please keep me updated on her progress....hugs to you....Beth

    Juvan
    Hi Brittany:

    I went to a nutritionist after starting chemo. She suggested Juvan as a supplement to keep my muscles from deteriorating since I'm having a hard time eating enough protein. It's not inexpensive - about $3 a package and she suggested I take it 2x daily.

    If possible, perhaps your mother could consult with a nutritionist who would evaluate her diet and give suggestions to prevent further weight loss. My consult cost $125 and was covered entirely by insurance but even if I had to pay it out of pocket it would definitely have been worth it.

    Lyn
  • BrittanyC
    BrittanyC Member Posts: 100
    #7
    queenieb52 said:

    I know how she feels...
    Brittany, your Mom is so lucky that you are with her. My daughter is in NY and I am in Florida...I wish she were here. I AM 52... How old is your Mom? What stage was she? I am pretty new to all of this...have only had one chemo, with 2nd one to be next week. But I have noticed my skin just drinks in the moisturizer too, so I'm guessing it probly has to do with the chemo. I was 139 lbs when I had my surgery on 6/12(although a lot of that was the 'mass' I had-my normal weight is around 128), and I am now at 115 1/2. I totally know how ur Mom feels...I don't look at myself in the mirror because It seriously makes me very depressed. My muscles are flabby and skin is saggy. It is very disturbing to say the least. I have been trying to walk my dog 2x a day and I do curls & other lifts with my hand weights (only the 2 lb. size) just to try & offset some of this. But I realize that may dwindle as my chemo progresses. I would check with her Dr to see if she might be able to do some type of exercises to at least keep her muscles from completely wasting...if she can manage it. I will do whatever I can as long as I can. I hope she can benefit from anything I have given you. Please keep me updated on her progress....hugs to you....Beth

    Thank you everyone
    Thank you everyone :)

    queenie - My mom is 51 years old. She is always mistaken for being younger than she is, but the cancer has definitaly aged her. But she is still the same person inside. My mom is a Stage 4. The cancer is in her abdomen area, lymph nodes and bones. She had a hysterectomy in 2003 and assumed that the ovaries were taken out. That was not the case. The doctor had left one in because it was tangled up.

    I will definitaly ask her doctor about this. I suggested to my mom that we play WII SPORTS together.

    I am taking care of myself. I just caught a cold, so I can't be around my mom for a while. I was going to visit her today, and she was okay with it. She said,"I wish I could be at home to take care of you."
  • queenieb52
    queenieb52 Member Posts: 48 Member
    #8
    BrittanyC said:

    Thank you everyone
    Thank you everyone :)

    queenie - My mom is 51 years old. She is always mistaken for being younger than she is, but the cancer has definitaly aged her. But she is still the same person inside. My mom is a Stage 4. The cancer is in her abdomen area, lymph nodes and bones. She had a hysterectomy in 2003 and assumed that the ovaries were taken out. That was not the case. The doctor had left one in because it was tangled up.

    I will definitaly ask her doctor about this. I suggested to my mom that we play WII SPORTS together.

    I am taking care of myself. I just caught a cold, so I can't be around my mom for a while. I was going to visit her today, and she was okay with it. She said,"I wish I could be at home to take care of you."

    WII is fun!!
    Brittany...if your Mom hasn't played WII...its fun! I have played with all 3 of my kids...ok...I'm not as hand eye coordinated as them, but WE!! You are a great daughter to be there for your Mom-my daughter wishes she could be here, but her life is in Buffalo.But like someone else pointed out...make time to do your own stuff. It is SO important. I was my husbands caregiver from 2003-2007 when he passed, and it takes its toll. I didn't take time for me a lot...which is probly why I missed signs of my own illness. I had a complete hysterectomy on June 12...I told the DR..get it all out...I'm done with the kids!! LOL...its my kids turn now! I have been fortunate that my youngest son moved back in with me. I'm sure its not where he REALLY wants to be...he will 22 in a few weeks. But he has been my rock these past few weeks, and he pisses me off just enough to keep me going!! LOL !! Take care of your cold and give your Mom a hug(when its safe!!). You guys will be in my prayers....hugs...Beth
  • special123
    special123 Member Posts: 22
    #9
    dry skin
    Hey,
    I am very new at all this. I have had one chemo treatment so far. This is the first time I have posted back to anyone, so I hope it is helpful.

    My oncologist said that my skin will ger very dry and to use a mositurizer without alot of fragrance, something that would be gentle on the skin. He said my nails may split also. I have always used baby oil gel when I get out of the shower- - - before I dry off. That helps your skin hold in the moisture.

    special123
  • BrittanyC
    BrittanyC Member Posts: 100
    #10
    My mom likes using Aveeno
    My mom likes using Aveeno for extra dry skin. The lotion has no scent to it. Not only does she like it, I like it as well! I don't like to smell like a medicine cabinet at work or when I see my mom. Her sense of smell has definitaly become more aware!

    I am slowly taking care of myself. Before my mom got into the hospital for surgery in May, she told me that she wants me to continue doing what I normally do. Which is work, spending time with my friends and my boyfriend. It was tough in the beginning, as I did not want to leave her side. But it is better to listen to what your mom says LOL.

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