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48 years
Stage 4 Lung cancer patient is undergoing chemotherapy combined with radiation therapy...having disturbing abdominal spasms, rundown feeling and daily weight loss of approx 1 Kg daily, pls advice ...
Nov 21, 2014

Dr. Zakia Dimassi Pediatrics
These are side effects of the chemotherapy and radiotherapy; chemotherapy may induce disturbances in the blood electrolytes, mainly potassium, which causes the intestines to not function properly with bloating and constipation, in addition to abdominal cramps and generalized muscle aches. Weight loss is also inevitable with chemotherapy as the medications used increase the metabolism and the body goes into what we call a catabolic state (burns a lot of calories), not to mention that the nausea and vomiting and poor appetite further worsen this complication. You are advised to discuss all these adverse effects with the treating physician, and the best ways to minimize them.
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