Hi ladies. Day 5 after 4th chemo and I’m all over the place. Feeling really weepy and sorry for myself and so hungry all of the time. I could just eat and eat all day. Craving bread and potatoes. I put on 8 pounds after my last chemo. I’m presuming it’s the steroids. Anyone else felt like this?
Gilly x
Hi Gilly sorry to hear you’re feeling so yucky. It probably is a combination of steroids, cabin fever and this miserable weather. I’m a week post chemo and I’ve been eating rubbish for the last couple of days so I empathise. I also spent most of Sunday crying (in between my steroid rage moments). Hopefully you will start to pick up soon, but in the meantime I’m sending you a cyber hug, Kerry xx
Thank you. I read your post about the steroids. Let’s hope it all calms down soon x
These are tough days, Gilly. The chemo drugs make you weak and unwell and the steroids make you hungry and (if you are like me) a bit aggressive and impatient with the world. We carry the weight of the disease and treatment with us always, trying to make things easier on those around us - and that weight feels even heavier when we are at our worst. None of it is "you" and fortunately it will pass.
Feed your hunger and/or emotion with whatever makes you happy - you can take off the weight again when treatment is over (I gained 12 lbs with chemo over 18 weeks - my weakness was ice cream - but it came off within 2 months thereafter as all the steroid induced face stuffing ended when chemo ended). In the meantime, perhaps you can distract yourself with something enjoyable and/or share your hunger with a friend over a nice meal. Watching comedians helped me when I was feeling down and when that didn't work, I went to the local shelter and played with the puppies and kittens (really...it was very therapeutic). I also yelled at the world a lot (inwardly, I'd never yell at anyone in person!), had little patience with anything out of place at home (poor husband who can't put anything where it belongs on a good day was walking around as if expecting to be berated at any moment) and generally avoided interactions with others for fear of what would come out of my mouth.
You are more than half way through and soon this will be behind you. If you still need a laugh, try to imagine what an army of women on chemo and steroids might do in this world if we banded together!!! That should put a smile on your face.
We're right here with you, teal sister. Hang in there.
Thank you so much for putting a smile on my face! You sound like a really lovely lady x
Do hope you feel better soon. If it's any comfort, Gilly, over the years, I've read of several doctors saying not to worry about your weight whilst on Chemo. They far sooner you put it on than lose weight and that people find they soon lose the weight when Chemo finishes. Hope you feel better and brighter soon. As Amalyffe says, the weather doesn't help. I'm not on Chemo at the moment but I've suddenly become obsessed with biscuits. Oh dear!!
Keep smiling. Your down days help you appreciate your good days.
Love, Solange 😊
How I chuckled reading this. You could have been describing me when on Chemo. Dreadful!! Lol. Love Solange 😊
Yep sounds familiar. I wont even tell you how much weight I have gained over the years after diagnosis, suffice to say whilst I am not happy about it at least I'm stilol here and my Onc is more concerned if I lose so much as a kg. Look after yourself xx Kathy xx
Oh dear! Yes it may be steroids but you have had a large dose of toxic chemicals... so the upset to your system is huge. I find that this diagnosis just gets to me sometimes and particularly if I am feeling a little under the weather. Maybe you need a duvet day with some comfort food (although it doesn’t have wall to wall carbs). It will pass and you will feel better xx
Hi Lockygill. I know where you coming from. Just finished cycle 4 and felt terrible emotionally as well as physically. Can’t stop eating. My clothes aren’t fitting me and that is depressing me also. However I’m feeling better today and trying to focus on the end of this treatment.
It’s just good to know that it’s not just my imagination. Thank you x
Sorry you are feeling so low. I hate these weepy days we get. You are not alone, I did not have a sweet tooth before and preferred savoury food but lately I have become addicted to certain raspberry buns that a good food store is selling (not sure I can name them!) and can easily eat several packets in a day. I have put on some weight but blame the chemo for everything. Eat what you like and enjoy it, we need some extra reserves to keep us warm in the winter!! We can jog or stroll in the spring!
From a round short friend!!
xxx
😂 thank you x
Oh Gilly I'm sorry but the steroids really give you the munchies. I'm on some at the moment and I've really given the galaxy a good seeing to. I know it doesn't seem possible at the moment but this will pass and your body will stop craving carbs. Just be nice to yourself, accept that you are bound to feel low at the moment and try to give yourself a break. You can worry about your weight when the chemo is over. Sending a big virtual hug xxxxx
Hi Gilly
Yes I felt like that 12 months ago too w hen I was on chemo all I wanted was comfort carbs like bread pasta sponge cake etc. I did put on weight too but at least I was not sick. It's horrible at the time with the steroids and the anti sickness tablets they really mess with your body. I felt lonely and sad but you do get past it but it's a horrible time I feel for you.
Luckily I’ve not been sick. Feeling nauseous most of the time but it hasn’t stopped me eating. Thank you for your support x
It seems forever the time on chemo as it basically destroys your body and certainly for me 4 and 5 were my worst treatments. I think also as I said earlier it was exactly a year ago so the change into winter is more change the body has to deal with. Chemo is a big assault on your body but i was certainly better with treatments 6 7and 8 so hang in there. Be strong. Sending you strength in virtual hug.
Oh my goodness ,are you my long lost twin ,I can so relate to this ,bring on the jam doughnuts ,sausage rolls ,well anything stodgy and fattening really ,as for the crying ,its awful at the time ,hits me for four days ,I can laugh about it now ,I get no sympathy at home ,daughter comes round and says 'oh god mother are you at it again ' husband ignores me ,they're not being horrible ,they are used to it and know it will pass , being nice makes me worse . You've ruined me for the day ,I'm off to get some sausage rolls and crusty bread ,I'm going to lather it with butter and tuck in , why not join me, we can always buy next size up in trousers , I hope you don't think I'm belittling how you feel ,because I could have written the same post five days ago, we all understand , take care and don't beat yourself up . xx
Your story has lifted me and made me smile 😃 Thank you. I’m into pies at the moment 🥧 I never used to eat pies 😱 💕
Oh stop ,I'd kill for pies ,got a wonderful butcher round the corner , I combine my daily walk with a visit .xx
Oh this rings true for me too. When I wasn’t able to drive ( due to my surgery) & husband was away on business, I used to text friends & ask if any of them would like to get me a take away pie & chips ( this happened several times). I also loved pizza & sausage rolls.
Went off tea ( which I can’t usually get enough of). Felt like my body was craving foods & drink ( summer fruit squash was mainly my go to for ages).
I also cried a lot & often.
Felt so miserable I wouldn’t have blamed friends/family if they’d rather not spent time with me - luckily they put up with it.
As someone else has said, watching tv comedy helps.
Take one day at a time.
Please be kind to yourself - it’s tough & you’re getting there.
Lynne xx
Oh fendweller I think we can all associate with our families ignoring us on those days but it does not help us but pies and cakes give us the comfort we seek on those dire four days with you sister.
Dear fendweller, what a great idea, sausage rolls and crusty bread, that will go very well with my raspberry buns! I am easily persuaded and bigger trousers will do no harm! I would nip out to the shops just now but it is the middle of the night/early morning. I can't stop thinking about food now, I wonder if the all night baker is still open!!
Keep as well as you can,
love
pat x
I think there should be a law that states at least one baker should stay open in every town , perhaps our local MP will add this to his / her election campaign. Happy eating .x
Do what your body tells you best wishes
I haven't had surgery recently but I can definitely relate to the massive hunger and weepiness after my regular treatment. Especially cheese and salt and crap food. I recently switched to a steroid pre med to combat the chemo s side effects and all I've craving is Mac and cheese-except, since I cannot have grains it has been chickpea macaroni and cheese. Not the best but better than nothing. I'm so sorry! In my opinion, not to spend too much energy on worrying about eating. If it brings you some enjoyment maybe you should take some while you can.
Hi Jilly,I remember it well and it is so depressing on chemo. When I was about 4chemos in I with a drs letter went for some body massage and facials.I found that having some relaxation and pamper time made me feel happier.some aromatherapists specialise in cancer massage and create oils to suit.When I went back to work I lost weight quite quickly so don’t worry about it now.You have enough going on. We do understand just hang on in there xxx
Hello, I did also feel like that. After my first chemo I ate a lot of bad stuff (frozen yogurt as well). The following day I felt sick. Other days I would eat a bowl of strawberries and 3-5 tangerines which helped me feel pretty good. I drank 2-3 liters of high alkaline water daily which made all the difference. I did fast the day before chemo and the day of chemo to reduce the side effects and put my body in a protective state when the chemo was going in. It worked. There is a fantastic documentary called the Science of Fasting that features Dr. Valter Longo's study. Worth watching. On Youtube free. Also on Amazon Prime. For neuropathy I used a red light lamp and would hold my hands underneath it for 10-20 minutes, even my feet and my bald head. It worked. Helped me regenerate nerves and grow hair faster. I am almost 7 months post chemo and my neuropathy in my hands and feet are gone. I bought my red light and lamp on Amazon. There are salons that offer red light therapy. Some gyms offer full body red light therapy beds like Planet Fitness. This cancer journey beat me up pretty bad in so many ways, but my family and friends would tell me that I would make it to the other side. Go day by day. Go for walks. Sit outside on your bad days and look at the trees and flowers, the sky. Breathe deeply, slowly, literally take it one breath at a time. I listened to meditation music at night while sweating buckets from my body releasing toxins and suffering from chemical menopause. I wish you the best on this journey. You will make it to the other side. Be as stubborn as can be. Fight. You'll get there. Blessings.
Sounds interesting. Thank you x
Hi, I took your advice and got red lamp, it is very soothing. I am glad you are doing well. You write lovely poetic posts, thank you for sharing. Love pat x
Hello, that is great news! My sister convinced me to get one when she said, "I spent 10 minutes under the red lamps at the salon and feel like I rested for 2 weeks on vacation." She could try it free since she worked at the salon. But she wanted to have something portable for home use. When she tried it at home and had positive results, I decided to get one. It's great to use in the winter when it is cold, feels like being out at the beach, warming, healing. It is so soothing and such a treat. I am so happy you bought one. All the best to you. Blessings.
Hi Gill
Yes sounds like steroids, I use to go off my food for about 4 days after steroids , try snacking on lighter things as well it's hard when you crave the other I know.
Love Ann xx
Drink a full glass of water. If still hungry then eat a small portion. You are probably more dehydrated. ❤❤Liz
After a crap day I am currently lying in bed watching Saturday Kitchen on iPlayer whilst eating a box of gingerbread matchmakers ( which are lovely by the way.) So I may not be the best person to give advice just now!
Juliax
I’m eating like a horse lately, I’m ashamed to say I ate a whole family size bag of chips the other day as I crave savoury food. I’m having chemo at the moment, carboplatin.
I have to say I’m glad it’s not just me feeling so hungry all the time. My partner eats small helpings and I feel like such a pig. However at this stage I don’t really care what ever makes me happy.
I’m having Carboplatin as well. A bag of 6 packs marmite crisps only lasted 2 days 😱 Thanks for your support x
On the bright side I haven’t lost my hair this time and I’m only having 4 treatments 3 weeks apart. A total doddle compared with the first time 18 weeks in a row of Paxeltaxel with 6 doses of carboplatin. That was really hell. Though I must admit I’m taking longer to recover from each dose this time. Thank goodness only 2 left and my naturopath has me coping as well. I don’t look sick at all and my bloods are normal and healthy so I can’t complain.
I automatically assumed I would lose weight on my second chemo because I had lost so much during my first. Turns out, I had lost all that weight because of the surgery. I really wasn't paying attention when swallowing all the pre chemo pills...some were steroids! Not only did I crave all kinds of salty stuff like mac and cheese, but, grilled cheese, peanut butter and jelly with bananas and then coffee gelato...with caramel sauce! Then, I couldn't sleep and went on an online shopping spree....amazon loves me. I didn't even remember ordering half of the items and several were duplicates! After chemo ended I decided to go on a detox which worked.
Someone above gave some great advice...to drink water. I was dehydrated but it manifested as hunger.
Eat anything you want...plenty of time to diet later. Best to you!
XOX
Marisa
I'm right there with you, Lockygill!
Steroids will most definitely make you emotional and hungry. I've been on Dexamethasone since September (along with taxotere) and no bread or chocolate is safe! Just try to get some healthy stuff in when you can.
Getting out for walks and exercising helps me with the emotions.
Hang in there!
Kim
Married & starting the Rotterdam regime
Going through chemo alone
CA125 dropped after 1st chemo
Update on fasting mimicking diet
Recovery after debulking surgery 
