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Real members of MyMyelomaTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Has anyone with MM been gaining weight?

A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Martinsville, VA

This week is my 3rd week for treatment. No one in my family has had MM but they have had other types of cancer. Been having migraines for years, I feel like a weather forecaster at times. Since I found out a month ago that I have MM I been having more heads. At times I go to sleep with a headache and wake up with one. This is all so new to me, I'm just trying to figure out things.

June 21
 · 
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MyMyelomaTeam

First of all, a month in is still very early days — it's completely understandable to feel like you're trying to solve a puzzle while the pieces keep moving. You're not alone in this.

Yes, weight gain during myeloma treatment is actually quite common, and many MyMyelomaTeam members have experienced it. The most frequent Show Full Answer

First of all, a month in is still very early days — it's completely understandable to feel like you're trying to solve a puzzle while the pieces keep moving. You're not alone in this.

Yes, weight gain during myeloma treatment is actually quite common, and many MyMyelomaTeam members have experienced it. The most frequent culprit is steroids, which are often part of myeloma treatment. They can:

- Significantly increase your appetite (one MyMyelomaTeam member described it as their appetite being "through the roof")
- Cause your body to retain water, adding to the number on the scale
- Affect your sleep, which is also linked to weight changes

Stem cell transplants can also sometimes cause water retention and weight gain. Here are some tips from MyMyelomaTeam members for managing weight gain:

- Watch carbs, especially sweets
- Eat healthy snacks to curb cravings
- Find a meal schedule that works and stick to it
- Try diuretic foods like cucumbers to help with water retention
- Drink plenty of water
- Watch your salt intake
- Ask your care team about suitable exercises like walking or swimming Regarding the increased headaches since your diagnosis — stress and anxiety from a new diagnosis can genuinely intensify existing symptoms. It's worth mentioning the increase in headaches to your oncologist, as they can help identify whether it's related to your treatment, stress, or something else worth checking out.

Be kind to yourself — you're navigating a lot right now.

June 21

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