Dealing With a New Body After Cancer
- Country music singer Toby Keith, 61, shared rare photo of himself that showed his apparent weight loss amid his stomach cancer battle.
- Keith was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2021. He underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy to help treat the cancer. It’s unclear if he’s still receiving treatment.
- A major health challenge can impact your body physically and emotionally, causing noticeable changes to your appearance.
- Dr. Marianna Strongin encourages cancer warriors to take ownership of the part (or parts) of their bodies mostly impacted by cancer treatment.
- She says although they may represent "fear and pain” they may also represent "strength and courage."
- Cancer.net recommends letting others support you and provide help when needed, as loved ones can help not feel so alone in your journey with your new body.
Singer Toby Keith, 61, often lends his voice and platform for good causes, just as he did in a new social media post raising awareness for the non-profit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. It was a rare photo of the country music star since he began treatment for stomach cancer in 2021, showing his changed physical appearance and apparent weight loss – something so many other cancer warriors can relate to.
In the photo, Keith is wearing a "Change Kids' Health" t-shirt and appears noticeably thinner than we're used to seeing the benevolent star.
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A fan asked, "What happened to Toby?" noting his different look.
Another Keith fan responded by saying, "He has been fighting cancer," which garnered nearly 300 likes.
The last time the public saw Keith was in November 2022 when he received the BMI Icon Award at the 2022 BMI Country Awards .
Keith announced in June 2022 that he was diagnosed with stomach cancer in the fall of 2021. Stomach cancer or gastric cancer happens when cancer cells begin in the inner lining of the stomach, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Keith said he underwent chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery in a Twitter post last summer. The cancer and its subsequent treatment have caused Keith to slow down his schedule a bit. He previously told Country Music Television he planned to "rest up and heal up."
He canceled several planned concerts so he could focus on his recovery. Over the last year, he's made few public appearances while he focused on his health.
It’s unclear if Keith is still receiving treatment for his cancer.
Keith has not revealed too many details on his ongoing cancer journey, and it’s unclear if he’s still receiving treatment.
Despite what the country music singer may be going through in his personal life, his generous heart is on full display and it’s clear he’s finding joy in giving back.
How Cancer Can Change Your Body
Like Toby Keith, a major health challenge can impact your body physically.
"Changes to your body may be temporary or permanent. They include changes that can be seen by others, such as hair loss or weight gain," MacMillan Cancer Support says noting physical changes.
"Changes that are not obviously visible to others…such as infertility can also affect your body image and make you feel vulnerable about your body," MacMillian Cancer Support added.
One way you can prepare yourself for possible body changes during cancer treatment is to understand changes are possible but also temporary. It also helps to build up your self-confidence. Your support group filled with loved ones can help you during this stage of your journey.
WATCH: Dealing with body image during cancer treatment.
Mayo Clinic explains that changes your body experiences while battling cancer are a side effect of the cancer and subsequent treatment.
"Surgery, chemotherapy or radiation…can cause dramatic and rapid physical changes," Mayo Clinic explains.
Other treatments that may spur more subtle or nonvisible changes may include "endocrine or hormone therapy." Hormone therapy "slows or stops the growth of hormone-sensitive tumors by blocking the body's ability to produce hormones" according to the National Cancer Institute.
While specific side effects depend on the drug you take, general symptoms related to hormone therapy can include low sex drive, hot flashes, weight gain, weakening of the bones, fatigue, and others, according to Cancer.net.
"If you have visible changes to your appearance, you may find that some people look at you for longer. Usually, this is because they are curious and not because they want to upset you," MacMillan Cancer Support explains.
"Learning how to cope in advance with social situations will build up your confidence. This will help you gradually get back to things you did before, such as work, sports or hobbies."
How to Cope with Your New Body After Cancer
Psychologist Dr. Marianna Strongin shares with SurvivorNet some additional tips cancer warriors can explore to help manage the emotional toll body changes can have during treatment.
Dr. Strongin encourages cancer warriors to take ownership of the part (or parts) of their body mostly impacted by cancer treatment. She says although they may represent "fear and pain," they also represent "strength and courage."
Expert Advice for Coping With Cancer
- Accepting Your New Body After a Cancer Diagnosis: Dr. Marianna Strongin Addresses This and More In 'Strong In Cancer'
- Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects
- Constipation and Diarrhea: Possible Side Effects from Chemotherapy
- Chemotherapy Side Effects – Neuropathy
- A Licensed Oncology Acupuncturist’s Guide to Acupuncture During Treatment
"Research has found that when looking in the mirror we are more likely to focus on the parts of our body we are dissatisfied with which causes us to have a negative self-view and lower self-esteem. Therefore, I would like for you to first spend time gazing at the parts of your body you love give them time, honor them, and then thank them," Dr. Strongin said.
Dr. Strongin then suggests looking at the part or parts of your body impacted by the cancer or cancer treatment. She recommends creating a regular practice of accepting your body image, because it helps you accept your cancer journey emotionally and physically.
"As you allow yourself to spend more time looking at all of you, you will begin having a new relationship with your body. It may not happen immediately, but with time you can begin honoring and thanking your new body.
Cancer.net recommends letting others support you and provide help when needed. Having people like family, friends, support groups, or caregivers by your side during a difficult time can help prevent you from feeling alone, as well as offer you hope.
Seeking advice from your healthcare team can also help prepare you for what you should expect following your cancer treatments, allowing you to understand what is normal or not.
Other ways Cancer.net says may help you cope include:
- Working with a mental health professional
- Maintaining physical fitness
- Allow yourself time to adjust
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.