weight gain

[sue2428]

my husband has just had his 3rd cycle of chemo,no side effects touch wood only feeling very tired,the oncologist has put him on steroids for this to see if it helps. he has only been on them for a week and seems to be putting weight on, is this normal for somone only being on steroids for only a short time.

[Jackie46]

They pile on the weight! I'm on chemo at the moment and after the few days of sickness wear off I'm eating like a horse. Balances out for me loose weight for a few days and then it goes back on. The other thing with steroids is they can affect your mood. Sometimes people can be low but I tend to feel more happier on them. Worth being aware though.

[sue2428 in reply to Jackie46]

thanks jackie for your reply, will watch out for the mood swings .

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Hello sue2428, as jackie46 has said increased appetite and weight gain can be a common side effect of steroids, they can also cause water retention causing swollen hands or feet this can lead to a feeling of heaviness or bloating. I have added a link below to the cancer research website which gives a very good explanation on how steroids effect the body and what side effects are most common

cancerresearchuk.org/about-...

I am pleased to hear that other than tiredness he has experienced few other side effects.

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