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A MyLungCancerTeam Member asked a question 💭
Canaan, NH
January 13, 2025
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Answer Summary

Members connected over the surprising and frustrating experience of gaining weight during cancer treatment, despite expectations that... Read more

Members connected over the surprising and frustrating experience of gaining weight during cancer treatment, despite expectations that chemotherapy would cause weight loss. Several members identified specific culprits, including steroids that triggered intense carb cravings, immune checkpoint inhibitors like Keytruda damaging the thyroid and requiring medication, and altered metabolism from eating less frequently or relying on comfort foods like crackers and bread to manage nausea. A recurring theme was the emotional toll of watching the scale climb despite exercising, eating healthily, and managing severe side effects, with many members seeking understanding and practical solutions while trying to practice self-compassion through an already exhausting journey.

A MyLungCancerTeam Member

I actually gained weight on chemo even though I couldn't hold anything down for a couple of days. I would eat crackers and bread when felt nausea coming on. I had chemo every 3 weeks for 3 months. Taxol and carboplatin was my treatment.

January 13, 2025
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

I gained weight on chemo (pemetrexed carboplatin) and am still gaining on keytruda. Only lost weight after surgery.

January 13, 2025
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

I'm on Carboplatin and Abraxane. Have only had a little nausea. Fatigue did hit for a couple days after 3rd dose. But I have times I just want to eat everything.

January 13, 2025
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

Well just a few days ago I said I wasn't gaining weight yet. Well now I am lol. I eat often BUT i have been eating very well and healthily. Lots of fruits veggies whole grains etc. And I exercise daily. So i am surprised to gain 2 pounds since Tuesday. I looked it up and apparently wt gain is common with the chemo I am on. I'm not too distressed yet because I know I'm eating way better than before cancer.

January 19, 2025
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

I put on 35lbs hate it honestly.
Even when keytruda gave me ulcerative colitis and going 25xs a day never lost weight.
Not sure why or what causes the gain. I hate the scale.
I exercise, walk watch my diet but for me nothing helps .
If anyone has ideas let me know.

January 13, 2025

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