How much steroid for brain met?

[Velva]

Have been on 4mg-2xday Dexamethazone daily 2 wks, was on up to 24mg day in hosp. 4days., gained 17# fluid.
My legs have been weak for 2 days. Difficulty getting in truck & standing from reg. comode. Is this normal or still too much steroid? Thanks in advance. Positive thoughts, Velva

[Annemarie]

The average dose is 1 mg to 9 mg per day for Decadron. At first I was given 4mg four times a day and then it was tapered carefully down and then given every other day until I came off. It actually made me hyper, ate and did not get weight because it was if I was on speed. I talked alot, could not sleep and ate huge amounts of food. You should definate give your oncologist and neurosurgeon a call.

[Lindsey]

Velva,
Good to hear from you, and thought I would give you a little insight on the Dec dosage. Mom had the surgery 6 weeks ago and they did a fast taper, which is not good news. Good taper is 4mg 3x for 5 days, 2mg 3x for 5 days, 2mg 2x for 5 days, and 1mg 3x for 5days, going to 1 mg 2x for a few days to get off of it completely. If it is tapered too quickly, pressure and fluid can increase too quickly, and complicate the situation. The step-down I've given above is from the Mayo Clinic and we pushed to have it adhered to as much as possible. I've met a lot of patients over the past couple of weeks that talk about the weakness you've experienced. Keep pushing forward, and as they taper the drug, you will move forward in LEAPS! :) My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!

Lindsey