The Farmer's Daughter USA

Hi, I'm Amanda! My family farms corn and soybeans in Southwest Michigan. I'm also a practicing attorney.

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What Does A Cancer Patient Look Like?

October 14, 2020

My favorite, though ostentatious, turban. Me in late August.

As a little girl, I remember a family friend going through chemotherapy. We didn’t see him often. But when we ran into him at a store the difference was a bit shocking. He was bald and had obviously gained some weight. It’s the only time I can recall seeing someone else go through this process.

By the time I was older, my perception of cancer patients on chemo was different. I assumed they were rail thin and frail looking. Emaciated. That’s what they showed in the movies anyway. That’s how clients on their deathbeds look.

And that was the message I got when I started chemotherapy. My first oncology nurse told me she wasn’t running a weight-loss clinic and my job during chemo was to eat. The social worker gave me tips for combating the inevitable metallic taste I would develop, and how to treat mouth sores.

So you can imagine my shock when I stepped on the scale after cycle one and I had actually gained weight. How was that possible?! It turns out it isn’t totally uncommon. I take steroids on certain days during the cycle. I’m less physically active because I wear out so quickly. I’m trying to drink more to stay hydrated. And I regularly receive IV hydration.

At my niece’s christening in October

It isn’t a lot. Just over 10 pounds. The doctor isn’t concerned. But it feels like it might as well be 50 pounds. My clothes are a little tighter. My face looks fuller (especially without hair!). I’m sure my female readers understand.

Don’t get me wrong: I’m so happy that I’m not having a hard time keeping weight on. I’m so happy I don’t have mouth sores. I’m so happy I don’t have trouble eating. I’m so happy I’m not throwing up. I’m so happy I don’t have a metallic taste in my mouth.

But I think it’s not what people expect. It’s not what I expected, at least. It’s so frustrating to see the scale bounce around and not have much control over it. I walk Mischa daily, but I can’t do a lot more to burn calories. I’m definitely eating healthier than before, but that’s not going to combat a bag of saline. And I’m not really supposed to lose weight right now anyway.

So what does a cancer patient look like? Some lose weight. Some gain weight. Some stay the same. Some lose their hair. Some don’t. We all look a little different.

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Filed Under: Cancer

Comments

  1. Brenda Melnyk says

    October 14, 2020 at 9:12 pm

    You’re still very beautiful Amanda!❤️ You really rock that bow turban girl! I’m so happy to hear you are NOT experiencing some of the awful chemo side effects. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
    Warm and Healing thoughts being sent your way!❤️??❤️
    Brenda Melnyk
    Lamont, AB Canada

  2. valarie Quick says

    October 15, 2020 at 1:33 pm

    Well, Jesus and I think you look just spiffy. I’m asking Him to brush-hog that cancer crap out of you. You’re a strong girl in the Lord, and you’re winning.
    Love, Valarie

  3. Becky Sexton says

    October 18, 2020 at 1:47 pm

    You are doing awesome! Don’t worry about a thing!

Hi, I'm Amanda. My family farms corn and soybeans in Southwest Michigan. I'm an attorney and I'm passionate about agriculture!

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thefarmersdaughterusa

I'm Amanda. My family farms corn and soybeans in Southwest Michigan. I'm an attorney by day, and "agvocate" at night.

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