A few weeks ago, at the end of my sixth round, my neuropathy (sensitivity to cold) mysteriously lifted for three days. Naturally, I ate everything frozen within a five mile radius of my deprived mouth – ice cream, milk shakes, and 2 ½ satisfyingly rich Dove bars. Mmm. My stomach was in a state of bliss.
So then I see the oncologist the next day, at the beginning of my seventh round. He studies my chart and says, “Mmm, you’ve gained five pounds. I’m going to put a diuretic in your IV today.”
I knew that water weight had nothing to do with it. It was those Dove bars and all the other cold, ice-creamery concoctions I had cheerily consumed within the past three days. It’s amazing how fast my body can say, “Yum, pack it on, baby. We’re not going to see this kind for food for a while!”
Well, I’m losing the weight again (the neuropathy is back, unfortunately) and am still about five pounds under the weight I began with before my lung surgery, so not to worry. In fact, my attitude is “Forget the diuretic. Step away from the IV, doc, and let me eat!”