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Suggest Remedy For Weightloss And Anorexia When Suffering From Leukemia

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Posted on Sat, 6 Jun 2015
Question: My Wife (81+yrs of age) was diagnosed with leukemia about 2 yrs. ago. She is and has been in remission for the past year.

She weighed about 125 lbs. prior to the leukemia, but her weight has dropped to 76 lbs.

Her Physician can't seem to recommend a medical procedure to stop the weight loss and begin increase it.

Her brain tells her that she is not hungry and to not eat.

Her body is telling her that she is starving herself to death.

Do you have recommendations?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Hardik Sanghvi (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Anorexia and weight loss is common in leukemia.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, dear
I have gone through your question. I can understand your concern.
Anorexia and weight loss is common in leukemia.
Please tell me which type of leukemia she had and what is her current blood counts.
She may have relapse of leukemia or some other conditions. So please send me her complete blood count reports. So that I can help you further.
I will wait for her reports.
Thanks for using health care magic.
Wish you a very good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Hardik Sanghvi (3 hours later)
My Wife visited her Oncologist 3 days ago.
She was informed that she remains in remission.
White & Red blood cells, along with her platlets are within the normal range.

So, she has not had a relapse.

I don't remember what type of leukemia she was reported to have.

XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Hardik Sanghvi (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:
She may have unintentional weight loss.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, Mr. XXXX
I can understand your concern.
She may have untensional weight loss.
There are many causes of weight loss. Depression, cancer, gastrointestinal disease, medication causing anorexia are the common cause. In 25% of cases no cause found.

Moreover she may also have physiological anorexia due to age.

A detailed history and physical examination is needed to search the cause.
Complete blood count, fecal occult blood test, chemistry panel, TSH test and urine analysis can be done according to need to search the cause.

Management is directed at treating underlying cause & providing nutritional support. Consideration should be given to the patients environment & interest in ability to eat the food, the amelioration of symptoms & the provision of adequate nutrition.

Hope I have answered your question, if you have doubt then I will be happy to answer. Thanks for using health care magic. Wish you a very good health.
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Hardik Sanghvi

Hematologist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 7043 Questions

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Suggest Remedy For Weightloss And Anorexia When Suffering From Leukemia

Brief Answer: Anorexia and weight loss is common in leukemia. Detailed Answer: Hi, dear I have gone through your question. I can understand your concern. Anorexia and weight loss is common in leukemia. Please tell me which type of leukemia she had and what is her current blood counts. She may have relapse of leukemia or some other conditions. So please send me her complete blood count reports. So that I can help you further. I will wait for her reports. Thanks for using health care magic. Wish you a very good health.