Why am i gaining weight???

Sorry they still haven't dealt with your haematoma - surely they would treat this as urgent??? - and also that you are distressed about putting on weight. I too was amazed that I did not lose any weight at all with my chemo - thought at least I'd go back to a lovely size 10!

I'm afraid self-image is one of the big things we have to tackle, and for younger people it really must be so hard and feel so unfair. I know people (who haven't had to deal with cancer) say, "But you look just like you always did!" or "But you look so well!" (although I found out later that the people who told me that whilst I was on chemo were thinking the opposite but wanting to be kind!).

I think our bodies possibly react to any trauma by trying to build up again - hence your extra few pounds. It must also be very hard to be as active immediately after your op as before. Hope that this resolves itself as you get more movement back. Also sincerely hope that the hospital sorts out your haematoma! Very best wishes xxxx Penny

i reread my entry this morning and it sounds a little like a child having a tantrum! Thank you for your reply.

The docs are waiting until my results tomorrow before acting on the haematoma. There is a chance they need to go back in if they havn't got all the cancer and they can then get rid of the haematoma then. They said they didnt want to put me under general yesterday if they will possibly have to do it again next week.

This mornings outburst was only fear about tomorrows results. I'm just so glad the olympics are on, i will sit like a zombie and watch that this afternoon!

Hi,

Painful. It is soo awkward trying to get dressed! I had my lumpectomy 4 weeks ago and was surprised how long it was tender. I also had a haematoma so it can happen!Re the weight.. I have also put some on, but am not too worried because I am told the chemo diet will take it off again! I will be a little dissapointed if it doesn't happen.We are so lucky the Olympics are on, you are not the only one vegging out watching it. Good luck with your results and really try not to worry about the weight, I think it is quite nice to take some time to slob and eat the odd cream cake!

I don't think you sound at all like a sulky child, Louise: I think you deserve huge gold medal for what you are going through - the haematoma sounds really unnerving to me, and as you say, you are under incredible stress waiting to hear what's going to happen next. You are DEFINITELY allowed to have a whinge or two - that's what the site is for, and it means that you can shout and scream here instead of upsetting family and friends. Very very good luck for those results tomorrow!!
Joanne - glad you are enjoying the Olympics - yes, we definitely need stuff like this for escapism and to make it feel just like you are having hol from work to watch the sport. Sorry to hear about the extra pounds - it seems so unfair, doesn't it, on top of everything else, but I'm sure it's a healthy sign. xxx Penny

Hi Louise,

I had a haematoma too! It became infected so had to have antibiotics to clear infection before having a further WLE (which had been planned anyway due to results showing lump was bigger than expected). After the second op I had no problems. Maybe you are retaining water all over because of the h, and that's making you a bit bigger.

BTW - don't rely on losing weight with chemo. I'm struggling not to put on weight as the steroid they inject on the day makes me want to eat eat eat. Better than be sick I know but I'm having lots of bad clothes days like you when nothing seems to fit! Retail therapy is to be recommended ...

Best wishes,

Shelagh

Just realised it was a seroma I had ... not a haematoma. Ergo not as serious as yours, but still uncomfortable and itchy and painful!

Shelagh x

I havent the same cancer as you so I cannot comment on whether that is effecting your weight but just to share my experiance.Prior to my cancer diagnosis I was over 10 stone. After a hysterectomy ,10 days in hospital and immediate start on chemo I weighed 8 stone,the lowest I can ever remember being.As I went through 6months of chemo(including steroids) the weight started to come back.I was soon 11 stone and have remained that weight for over 2 and a half years( with another 6 months of chemo included).I dont like being this weight but have got used to having `havent got anything to fit` days.I have got to the stage now where ,when i go on the scales I am actually glad I havent lost anything as I would take it to be a bad sign.You will adapt and the important thing is that your treatment goes well. Good luck for that. Lesleyxx

I understand how down you are about putting on weight. Through by womb cancer (hysterectomy and oopherectomy, followed by my breast cancer I've put on a stone and a half!!! Gone up between two and three dress sizes!!!! Had loads of steroids when having my chemotherapy ..... gone into a very early menopause ........ gone middle aged!!!!

Trying to come to terms with my new shape and throwing out my size 8 and 10 clothes .......

Like you, family and friends all say I look much better for the extra weight, but I feel so unattractive ......... so fat ........

No matter what I do, I can't lose it .......... think I'm just going to have to come to terms with the new shape and get on with life .....

Just thought I'd mention the skin and bone clan of which I am one! I was a size 14 and had great muscle tone and was very fit ( a female bouncer has to be) since I've had a major op to remove alot of cancer and 5, coming into 6th chemo on Monday I have dissapeared and cannot gain weight for love nor money. Resting can be a nightmare when you have to lay on bones and can be painful. I understand that it can't be nice for you guys that have put on the weight and seeing your bodies changing, but I wish I could put weight on which would help me alot and I am never going on a diet again,(The Kate Moss look doesn't do me any favours at all!) Just stay strong and be as happy as you can..........Love and hugs from Carol x

I too have gained weight...in fact managed to put on a whole stone during my chemo. (How you can put weight on when you can't eat one week in three is amazing!) The oncologist said it was the steroids and it would "even out" in the next 6 months but I've taken the bull by the horns and just emptied my wardrobe and bought lots of great new clothes. Every cloud has a silver lining...although I must admit I cried my eyes out as I threw out my lovely size 8s and started hanging up size 12s! I too have always been slight,like you, and have found the weight gain harder than the loss of my right breast and all my lovely hair....I think it's 'cus your size defines you as a person and I can't put a wig or a "falsee" on my new "Buddah belly". Don't be too hard on yourself you're allowed to get upset sometimes and it's often the small things that get you down. Concentrate on getting better and then perhaps we can go on a diet together when the worst is over!
Bev

Yes, you've got things in proportion here. As distressing as it is to all of our vanities to pile on the pounds courtesy of steroids/early menopause, fatigue - it's far more worrying to LOSE a lot of weight and not be able to put it back on. As Kezzerbird points out, bones are sharp things when NOT covered by a nice cushion. Great to hear from you Carole but not that you are still struggling and suffering from nausea and lack of appetite. As you say, what I regretted most was the drop in my fitness levels and the enforced inactivity. Here's to you getting those, and a few pounds back - as an 8-stone weakling, I don't think you're going to be taken seriously with the bad boys on the door. xxx Penny