Weighty Issues and Food for Chemo

In the months leading up to Christmas I lost a lot of weight but this was deliberate weight loss and took a considerable amount of effort in the gym.

Of course, when I started visiting the hospital I was asked about weight loss and the issue was then clouded somewhat.

When you lose a lot of weight it does keep falling even after you stop training and when I hit my target of 11st 2lb I didn't worry at all when I went to about 10st 12lb.  However, after diagnosis I was told to put on weight because of weight loss surrounding the forth coming operation.  I was worried after initial gains that my weight went back to 11st but I shouldn't have been bothered. 

I have had a good appetite throughout chemotherapy.  Generally only the first few days have been challenging whilst in this cycle it has been easy so far.  My weight is currently 11st 8 pounds and, if anything, I am getting podgy again.  At this point it is worth mentioning that I feel one of the reasons I have dealt with the chemo qute well is because I feel that if you are able to eat well on it then it "masks" the feeling of the chemo.  I base this on the simple fact that on days when I haven't eaten as well (to do with schedule rather that feeling) the chemo hits back; even late in the cycle.  A few people I have talked to share this same experience but, of course, it doesn't work for everyone as some find it really difficult to sustain an appetite.

The hospital tell you to put on weight but there is good weight and bad weight.  When I have the operation there won't be much opportunity for me to exercise until the physical is overcome.  When I lose weight it won't be from where I want it (around the gut) it will be from the shoulders arms and back.  So I risk looking like someone from the Anthill mob(reference to my oesophagus being chopped apart and tied back together) combined with a portly stomach and skinny arms.

So after I have felt my way into this cycle I intend to increase the exercise, lose a bit around the belly and build the upper body up a little.  Nothing too heavy but perhaps some "gentle" weights and and aerobic combined.

This is a continuation of my strategy of managing each cycle of the illness as I see fit whilst taking guidance from the professionals around me and using or dismissing it (with due consideration) as I see fit based upon my experience.