Is this aa bad sign?

[Delaney]

Thank you all for your replies. Am glad to hear that the effects eventually wear off when you come off the steroids. I just hope I get to a good enough place to be able to do without them.
Coolbreeze, I have been told I am stage 4 incurable but when I asked how long doc said he couldnt say as I was responding to treatment. Some days I feel good and enjoy it , other days I wonder is this the beginning of the end, when I feel bad.
I have always been very slim so I hate how I look now but my family say they just want to have me around so I must stop moaning. Its amazing that one 2mg dose of steroid makes me crave food all the time, I have to stop myself giving into the craving, it really tests my willpower.

[michka]

Hi Delaney. I am sorry you have that side effect. I know that for some it sounds minor to be concerned about our look compared to our other problems but I understand so well. Then we also think that the changes are bad signs when they are only the usual side effects. Why are you taking steroids today? Is it a part of the brain treatment you had? I am asking because I had no steroids with Navelbine. Michka

[dchips1]

Hi When I was on 2mg of decadron it elevated my blood sugars to the 200-300 levels, the "looking like you pregnant" moon face, extra hair on face, fat pad behind neck, are signs of what is a form of Cushings syndrome.
I gained the weight above the hips but lost great amounts of lower leg muscle, I was so weak I could not get off the toilet by myself!!

after tapering down off the steroids over a period of time, I was able to go back to diet controlled blood sugar regime, and I eventually lost the swelling and went to lots of physical therapy to regain muscle strength. Steroids have their place, and can be life saving, to reduce swelling, yet it is tolerated differently, by each individual.

Some people will be up all night working puzzles(ME), cleaning house with bursts of chocolate and over abundance of energy, or be so body aching that it is hard to do much at all.

No one can tell you when it is your time to go, that is between you and God! Most of us have defied the "death sentence" that was in the past that came along with stage 4 cancer.

With more and more new treatments, treatments tailored to the individual versus " the standard protocol", Lots of women are living with what I tell others is a Chronic disease. I monitor my health with frequent (dr, lab, MRI, Pet/ct) Appointments. If there is a concern we address, plan and execute the next step. This board was my saving grace for support, genuine medical research and treatments that I can take to my dr and discuss, what others are doing treatment/ side effects. Lurking without posting, praying, weeping and loving on others to help them in their journey

For me the known is better than the unknown, so I can face it , fight it and move on with my my life as a child of God, daughter, wife, mother,grandma, friend, advocate, caregiver, and a just plain stubborn Nurse patient. (I am a NURSE). I will be 45 this year.

If you are not comfortable to communicate with your oncologist, go find someone else if you can. It is OK not to be tied to negativity. (AS long as insurance, travel etc) allows to to change.

Sorry so Long, Good wishes and prayers to you

Darita

[Jackie07]

Not sure if this is pertinent. But this AARP article emphasizes on the danger of 'belly' fat.

http://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-l...belly-fat.html