Significant weight loss is something worth bringing up with an oncologist right away. There are several important things to cover in that conversation.
Here are some key topics to discuss:
- What's causing the weight loss — is it the myeloma itself, a treatment side effect, or something like cachexia (where the body Show Full Answer
Significant weight loss is something worth bringing up with an oncologist right away. There are several important things to cover in that conversation.
Here are some key topics to discuss:
- What's causing the weight loss — is it the myeloma itself, a treatment side effect, or something like cachexia (where the body starts burning muscle and fat unintentionally)?
- Appetite loss — ask whether high calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia from bone breakdown) could be contributing
- Treatment side effects — chemotherapy, stem cell transplants, and targeted medicines can all reduce appetite or cause nausea
- Mouth issues — mention any mouth sores, difficulty swallowing, or metallic taste ("metal mouth") that may be making eating harder
- Nutritional support — ask for a referral to a dietitian or nutritionist
- Appetite-stimulating medications — ask whether any medications could help bring back appetite
- Supplements — discuss whether vitamin D, calcium, or other supplements would be appropriate MyMyelomaTeam members have also shared some practical tips for managing weight loss:
- Try meal-replacement shakes or protein bars to keep calories up
- Use plastic silverware if metallic taste is an issue
- Ask about "magic mouthwash" for mouth sores
- Keep eating even when appetite is low — small amounts still help
- Avoid eating favorite foods right before chemotherapy, as nausea can create negative associations with those foods
It's always best to loop in the oncology team early so they can help find the safest and most effective approach for the specific situation.
July 9
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