SBeth Posted November 20, 2004 Share Posted November 20, 2004 Dr. Joe, In a previous post you wrote "True cancer weight loss is due to chemicals released by cancer cells. A chemical called cachexin (most likely tumor necrosis factor) causes the body to start breaking down its tissues, go into negative protein balance and results in weight loss." So, if my husband is two weeks out from his final (14th) WBR treatment, and for the past week he has been needing 16-20 hours of sleep per day and will eat NOTHING except one Boost per day if I'm lucky and he is obviously loosing weight....then would this be an example of the cachexin in his system. Does this cachexin also cause a loss of appetite, or are we just experiencing yet another side effect of the WBR along with the introduction to a new chemo (Gemzar) drug? I haven't been able to find any information about how the necrosis from the WBR may (or may not) effect appetite. Thank you for any help, and just to mention, I am going along on Monday for Bill's next scheduled chemo and onco appt, and will be asking a laundry list of questions, but that seems a long way off right now! Regards, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimblanchard Posted November 23, 2004 Share Posted November 23, 2004 Beth, loss of appetite after brain radiation along with weight loss are very common side effects and are different to cancer weight loss in people with advanced and progressing cancer. His weight loss should reverse once the effects of the radiation resolve - which can take some time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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