My husband was very unwell and then gained some back. Lost more again after stem cell and then gained some. He is maybe slightly down from his normal weight of years ago. He exercises more now that he is retired.
April 9
How does myeloma treatment affect weight?
Weight changes are common with myeloma treatment, and you might experience either weight loss or gain depending on your specific treatments and how your body responds.
Weight Loss Causes:
* Chemotherapy and stem cell transplants can reduce appetite or alter taste
* Treatment side Show Full Answer
How does myeloma treatment affect weight?
Weight changes are common with myeloma treatment, and you might experience either weight loss or gain depending on your specific treatments and how your body responds.
Weight Loss Causes:
* Chemotherapy and stem cell transplants can reduce appetite or alter taste
* Treatment side effects like nausea, vomiting, and mouth sores make eating difficult
* Some people develop "metal mouth" - a metallic taste that makes food unappealing
* Cachexia, a syndrome affecting 50-80% of people with cancer, causes the body to burn muscle and fat
Weight Gain Causes:
* Corticosteroids (steroids) are the most common cause - they increase appetite significantly and cause water retention
* Stem cell transplants may lead to water retention
* Reduced physical activity due to bone pain
* Some medications like Revlimid can affect thyroid function Managing Weight Loss:
* Ask about appetite-stimulating medications
* Use "magic mouthwash" for mouth sores
* Try meal-replacement shakes and protein bars
* Use plastic utensils if experiencing metallic taste
* Eat even when not hungry
* Avoid favorite foods right before chemo to prevent negative associations
Managing Weight Gain:
* Monitor carbohydrate and sugar intake
* Maintain a regular meal schedule
* Stay hydrated
* Try gentle exercises like walking or swimming
* Eat diuretic foods like cucumbers
* Watch salt intake
Talk with your oncologist about any weight changes - they can help identify the cause and refer you to a dietitian for personalized guidance.
AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to
diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.
Weight Changes and Myeloma
March 29
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