weight loss

Hi T2N3CHPV16 

The weight loss is normal  if you don’t keep piling in the calories. For the first 18 months after treatment I could eat like a horse and not put on weight. If I had a bad eating day I could drop a kg in a day. Similarly my hair got thin. I’m sure it’s the treatment. 

This is incredibly helpful Dani. This kind of reply is what makes this group so great! I suspected it was the treatment but it is helpful to get your own experience about what is expected. Thanks millions!

Kathy

Kathy, the RT puts our metabolism into overdrive. They tell us to get 3000 Calories in during treatment and we still lose weight. Imagine eating 3000 Calories if you weren’t ill! 
Hang on you’ll be fine in no time xx

HinKathy I like Dani could  eat like a horse I’m only5   foot and was regularly eating   up to 2500 calories every day all high calorie stuff and didn’t put any weight on. My body shape alternated as well bye bye little tummy then at 15  months the lbs starting to creep up so it was bye bye cream cakes custard slices and hello again healthy food I was eaging high protein  foods to get my muscle tone back that/took time. For a good few years if I had a bad eating day the weight could drop quickly. Our metabolism b seems to change. 

Hair mine went like rats tails so around  4 months I had a really good cut ,kept away until ( 6 months  from any highlights on my hair. )It grew back as good as before. I’m luck6 I’ve a decent head of hair. 

You'll get there well done in treatment. 
Hazel x

Thanks Hazel! This is also very helpful for me. I feel like I now know more what to expect. Even my dietician seemed not to understand that the RT is still at work in my body although she did come up with more high calorie foods. For a while I just imagined it was my age and that some women just shrink the older they get while others have another experience. Because so many people have commented on my size, I finally went to a second hand store and bought clothing more my current size which feels better. But my hair is another issue and like you, I am considering getting a shorter haircut so I can quit stressing. I have gotten rid of most of the clothing that was too large even though I wondered if I'd ever gain back the wieght I'd lost. One thing I can say is I still purely love the custards and other treats I can eat now- always had a sweet tooth but also crave saltier fare at times. And I've completely lost my taste for alcohol althtough friends say that is OK so not really a problem. I always get a hot chocolate when we go out. Thanks again for your quick supportive reply. It means the world to me!

Kathy

Hi Kathy.  No problem happy to help.
My mouth doesn’t tolerate alcohol so I’ve not had a drink since treatment started   I didnt  really  drink befire for years  so no loss. I didn't throw  ny old clothes away just bought a few choice pieces usually from Matalan. Am back in ost  if my older stuff now. lol. But body shapes altered. Our bodies take a pounding so don’t stress just enjoy the custard tarts. I’ve definitely got a sweeter tooth than before. Word of warning make sure you brush your teeth 30 mins after sweet stuff. Our lack of decent saliva can cause tooth decay. Oh the joys. I see dentist every 3  months  and have a fluoride varnish every time plus use duraphat toothpaste plus bioxtra mouthwash. 
Re hair I went from it touching shoulder to cropped Bob best thing I did it got rid of the straggly look  

hugs Hazel 

Yes well the dental issue is another one! I'm supposed to give myself a fluoride treatment every day ( which I don't do but I know I should etc). I do it several times per week.  I wondered if our salivary glands ever grow back? Mine were totally destroyed by the RT and I expect they don't regenerate since my prescription for the fluoride is for the rest of my life!! But are there exceptions? I see  both a regular dentist and what I call my cancer dentist in early March. Never been a fan of dentists but so far have good dental healthy although like you, I get an extra special fluoride treatment when I go..

Hi I’ve regained almost 100% saliva  words I never thought I would type. I no longer drink water constantly I still use sugar free gum. Night time mouth does go dry but I use 1.2 a xyimelt . The last 3 years I’ve had improvement d so never say never. . It happens when you least expect it. 
Duraphat is my regular toothpaste. 
hazel 

Hi Kathy. 
I found I could get my salivary glands working a bit better by chewing gum and a course of acupuncture. I have a couple of posts about it in my blog. My saliva is pretty good, not  as it was but perfectly ok. I do sometimes get dry at night and have to sip water.  
I also use high fluoride toothpaste and  have a fluoride varnish every three months. Why don’t you ask about that. It would save you having to use fluoride trays. 

Thanks I'll ask about this!