Serious weight gain palbociclib and letrozole

[KateBush]

Hi all, I’m probably gaining lbs while I am writing this post. I am nearly 82kg from 67 in a year . Is it this medication that’s doing it??? I also have an under active thyroid which I think is stable and have been taking levothyroxcine 150mcg for years. Is anybody going through this or has been and can suggest any solutions??

[mudakurag]

Yes I've been on the same dosage for 13 months and I've gained almost 20 lb. I was very heavy to begin with so this is not a good thing!

[Maludagui]

Ohhhh this hasn't happened to me. I am in cycle 13 and I have not gained any weight. I have remained the same in 70 kilos. Ask your onc

[Thrifty51]

Same thing is happening to me. I have added about 10 pounds in 8 cycles. Doc says it is related to the medicine eliminating the estrogen which causes us to not have any energy so we are more sedentary! I try to add more exercise and eat a balanced diet. I have to do more or get a new wardrobe!

I also have the thyroid issue and I take synthroid also.

Audrey

[Barbteeth]

Hi Kate

I’m the opposite...lost about 10 pounds since I started treatments

However I think being in pain and taking strong painkillers...make me feel a bit queasy so not hungry

It could be your thyroid problem that’s responsible for your weight gain...it’s easy to blame the cancer medication but other factors may be responsible

Barb xx

[Hidden]

Hi Kate,

Gaining 15kg in a year is a lot, so I would definitely have a word with your oncologist about this. I am not a medical professional so cannot say what has caused your weight gain. It may or may not be related to your cancer treatment. I have actually lost weight since I started treatment, but that could be because I have changed my diet and am exercising regularly. When I told my oncologist I had lost a few kilograms she said "was that deliberate?" and then went on to tell her about my exercise and diet.

If you have the strength and ability I would recommend some exercise, but only after you have spoken to your GP or oncologist for advice. You would not want to overdo things or injure yourself. What I did was consult my GP about safe exercises that would not be hard on my body, and she recommended cycling or swimming. I thought about it, and decided to go to the gym instead as I knew I would not stick with something I did not enjoy or feel safe doing. I love cycling, but I don't really fancy being mowed down by an angry motorist on the roads! They are not patient with cyclists around here. I started off with 15 minute sessions at the gym and then gradually built up the time. Now I aim to work out for 30 minutes five days a week. It's less if I have an appointment, treatment or something else going on. Or if you have home gym equipment, like an exercise bike, could you use that while watching TV or listening to music? Another thing I do is not beat myself up if I do not reach my weekly workout goal. I tell myself that I had other things going on. It's counterproductive to be hard on yourself when there is so much else going on.

Sophie

[mariootsi]

I gained weight on letrozole and I'm gaining on Ibrance!

Not good! I have been thin my whole life. They used to call me string bean. When we lived in California and did TV shows, I was a size 4 and I'm 5' 8" tall! It's very weird to have gotten heavier.

[kearnan in reply to mariootsi]

Still better than the alternative. When first diagnosed with stage iv, I asked the onco if I would be losing alot of weight. She said no and truthfully, you may gain weight on these drugs. I said to her Damn...I was just trying to find one silver lining in all this. I guess we just can't have it all.

[hopenowandtomorrow]

Hi Kate: Yes, I have gain 15 lbs since my April 2019 Stage 4 Dx and being on IBrance/Faslodex/Xgeva. I also have a broken pelvis bone from a bone met so I can’t walk without a walker/cane/wheelchair. I had graduated from the YMCA Livestrong 12 week fitness program in early April & enjoyed playing tennis. It has been very depressing for me as I don’t like the way I look. I started seated workouts with exercise bands in June. That has helped with muscle toning. I am trying to eat more veggies & only lean proteins. I feel once my bone heals I will be able to walk 30 min a day in addition to weight or resistance workouts.

I have had to adjust to a whole new life since April. I take 200mg of Thyroid meds as well. One of the hardest adjustments is the inability to move freely & the weight gain. I’m sure it’s from no estrogen too.

I feel for all of us who have had weight gain. I’ve always heard that a little bit of weight gain is better than being underweight from the cancer Specialists. I know that a healthy weight is best for me physically, emotionally & mentally.

Once the pain subsides from my bone met, my onc is going to prescribe Physical Therapy for me.

Praying we find a solution. ❤️🙏❤️

[hdhonda]

Hi Kate, I too have gained weight since being on Ibrance. The docs are glad. They say it is better to gain than lose weight. Blessings Hannah

[KateBush]

Oh your onc is quite sweet

[kearnan in reply to KateBush]

I was told by my onco while first on Ibrance with falsodex that weight gain is expected. I have a stage ii friend that had chemo, radiation and mastectomies and now has to take anastrozole for the next 10 years to keep it from coming back. Her face is still bloated from the medication but she is fine with that if it keeps her alive and seeing her children get married. Since my mine spread to my lungs, I struggle with getting out of breath easily. I do realize that I do need to be more active and adapt.

[Hidden]

I have put on a ton of weight also. I blame the letrozole. Plus I had to have hip replacement surgery which has really cut back my ability to do anything.

[Formersnowbird]

I have also gained weight even though I eat less than before. Doctor says it’s caused mainly by letrozole.

[morty87 in reply to Formersnowbird]

Same for me. I have gained nearly 20 pounds since April 2019. I've asked the onc about it and they don't seem to be as alarmed as I am. The Letrozole/Ibrance combo seems to be the culprit. Anyone have any ideas on losing the weight other than basic nutrition and exercise? I have joined the gym and I think I eat less than I did before.

[KateBush]

Thanks all. I do like the comfort of knowing that having a little extra is better with cancer but I feel I am now heading toward the other extreme where my weight cause me issues . So defo I’m gonna get my thyroid checked and speak to the onc about some exercise and diet recommendations. Loadsa Love to all of you x

[Teddielottie]

I too have gained weight ...about a stone in the past 2 years since starting on Letrozole/ Ibrance , but my onc also said I was too low weight before ! I blame it mainly on letrozole , less activity and resting than before , and also I try and nibble on healthy fats ( eg ., avocado , nuts and humus and dark chocolate ) which are higher in calories too ! But they seem to have done the job for me as I have had good wbc and neutrophyls and bloods generally throughout . I would like to lose a few pounds , with more exercise , but don’t want to cut back on nutritious food /snacks ...just the occasional cake !!!

[Mets1]

I was on Letrozole, Ibrance, Xgeva and Synthroid 100 from November-August I’ve lost 40 pounds. I have had progression and hoping my weight is stable on Xeloda! I start my new treatment on Friday!!!

[KateBush in reply to Mets1]

I sincerely hope everything starts improving for you . God bless and good luck

[Ps103-BTLOMS]

Maybe that's like what I've read that having people w/ extra lbs. have the advantage in a famine.

[Ps103-BTLOMS]

I haven't gained weight so much but developed a middle which I never had before. I assume it is the letrozole & menopause syndrome.