brain tumor---confused

[KG1993]

Mom had MRI last week. No new progression of tumors. So why is her right leg not wanting to "walk". She is on dexadrone steroid 4 times/day.

Any thoughts? Radiologist did not comment on swelling and did not see bleeding.


This has been going on for abt a week.
Kim

[Jackie07]

Kim,

Sounds like your Mom is on steroids to reduce the swelling. The brain has limited space in a confined area, so the swelling could very well have contributed to the problem she's having with her roght leg. Hopefully the steroids will help improve the situation.

Sending both of you good vibes.

http://www.uwhealth.org/healthfacts/B_EXTRANET_HEALTH_INFORMATION-FlexMember-Show_Public_HFFY_1126650980242.html

[KG1993]

Thanks Jacki,
Last time......in Nov she improved with steroid use. This time no improvement. That is the confusion. Mayo Clinic is supposed to view the MRI this week. Local hospital took MRI and didn' tsee anything but we will see what Mayo says.
KG

[dearjilly]

This is my experience.
Last time I went on dex, I had numbness and tingling in my legs, ankles, feet, jaw, arms. It was awful. I call dex the devil. It makes me think insane thoughts, makes me sad, moody, and I even think, since I've been on the dex, my vision and dizziness is bad. Not worse, bad. I was completely fine before I went on the dex. I just had a few headaches, and that's it. I went on the dex, because I was going away on a trip and didn't want any issues while I was away. I'm back from my trip, and I'm getting off of the steroid, slowly. I'm on to 4mg, then I'll be on 2mg per day for a few days, then I go off. My "spot" is bigger after radiation, but they don't know if it's because of necrosis or progression. I wait to get another MRI in 4 weeks to see what's happening in there. I saw my MRI, and there doesn't seem to be too much swelling, so I'm going with my gut here and going off of the drug. The drug is supposed to reduce swelling, but I feel that it has done the opposite for me. It does cause swelling, in the face, joints, eyeballs (thus screwing up my vision even more). My brain just feels weird since going on the steroid.
I don't know if any of this helps you, but this is what I have found. I need to be me again, so see ya decadron!
Jill
oh and one more thing, when I was on high dose dex in October, my ankle hurt so much, that I couldn't even take a step up the stairs. messed up!

[KG1993]

Thanks for that info. I agree, heard back from mayo clinic and they do not see any reason for her to be on steroid. It is so CRAZY how many body functions can be effected/affected by meds!

I appreciate your personal story!

KG

[KsGal]

Could just be a delayed side effect from the whole brain radiation? If so, it should improve I was told. Big hugs to you and your mom. Sending lots of prayers.