Decadron side effects

[Beckie]

I am on just Tykerb (no side effects) and Decadron while I am doing WBR, and I feel like I'm on speed (or what I imagine speed would feel like). I have cleaned 2 refrigerators, the pantry, the garden shed, weeded the garden, etc. Although I love being able to do things I haven't felt like doing, I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced this? I'm also wondering if it has all the cancer cells on overdrive? Do I just enjoy the ride, or should I check with the doctor? Thanks for any comments.

Beckie

[tousled1]

Beckie,

When I was getting Taxatore I received Decadron as a premed (day before, day of and day after). I felt the same as you do - all kind of energy for about 3 days and then WHAM like walking into a brick wall - tired beyond belief. I guess I was so tired from having too much enery and not being able to sleep. Also the Decadron gave me what's referred to as "moon face." It gets better so hang in there.

[Barbara H.]

Beckie,
Go to the search section and type in decadron. You will find a lot of posts about this drug. I had a terrible time with it, up all night and it made me crazy. It's important for your family to read about it so they can understand what you are going through. It is a necessary drug, but difficult when you have to be on it for brain mets.
Good luck! You will get through it.
Barbara H.

[SoCalGal]

I had it once without knowing it and it did make me crazy and crazed. Next treatment I did a reduced amount. Every one after I skipped the decadron. Starting carbo-gemzar on Monday - already reminded my onc that I cannot tolerate the decadron.

Some people have success using ativan to counteract the speediness. best wishes. Flori

[lu ann]

I have had the oposite experience with decadron. I'm so tired it is hard to function. I'm just lucky I don't have a job or small children to take care of. I also have the best husband who is carrying my slack. Today I did manage to clean up the kitchen, shower and go to the grocery store. My husband drives me as I havn't driven since I had double vision, which is gone. My legs feel like dead weight. I struggle to get off the toilet. When I was on chemo and taking decadron I was hyper. I don't know which is worse. Hang in there, Love Lu Ann.

[Beckie]

Thanks so much, everyone! Now that I know of your experiences, I will use it to my advantage, and enjoy the ride!

Beckie

[Christine]

Beckie,
Another side effect is weight gain (ugh). I joined a neighborhood walking group shortly after gettin off decodron. I was able to drop the 20 pounds that I gained in short order.

That was in 2002. I still continue to walk 5 km 3 mornings a week.

Hugs
Christine

[jones7676]

I had to take decadron for approximately two months due to a brain met. I was up most of the time for about 45 days straight. Although I enjoyed getting a lot of work done around the house initially, I became cranky etc. I think I should have gotten that t-shirt that reads "I'm talking and I can't shut up" during that period. I also gained a lot of weight and had a moon face. After I was weaned off of the decadron I experienced a couple of weeks of the total opposite - was tired and somewhat depressed. I have lost all the weight I gained during that period and my mood, sleep, etc. is back to normal. Good luck.