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Dear ?,
You know, I did a search here and got 209 hits of posts re: decadron. Unfortunately, it was not the main topic in many of the posts...
It has been discussed so much because of the truly horrible sides, I believe.
I had nearly all of the below side effects, including cataracts that I had removed nearly a year ago. I don't see flushing of face and neck listed, ie: HOT/RED, but I had that, too. Yes, loss of muscle in lower legs, but eventually I recovered from all sides except the cataracts.
On your focalized tx: If you are in the SF bay area, they should be well equipped and very experienced with the different forms of SRS. I had 3 Linear Accelerator types with the 'screwed on' headframe, but I MUCH preferred the two CyberKnife tx's I was able to do when that technology became available to me.
I think you have the time to do your investigating as well as referrals, unless your upcoming scans show progression.
ok, here's the dec info:
What are the common (occur in 30% or more of patients) side effects of treatment with dexamethasone?
• Increase in appetite
• Impaired or delayed wound healing
• Increased risk of infection
• Swelling of feet or ankles
• Fluid retention, weight gain
• Weakness of muscles
• Increased levels of sugar in the blood
• Insomnia
• Heartburn
• Irritability, nervousness
What are the less common (occur in 10% to 29% of patients) side effects of treatment with dexamethasone?
• Mood swings
• Dizziness
• Headache?
• (long-term use) – cataracts, reduction in bone density
What are the possible late side effects of treatment with dexamethasone? Patients may be an increased risk of developing cataracts or a reduction in bone density if they are treated with dexamethasone for a long period of time.
This is not a complete list of side effects. Some patients may experience other side effects that are not listed here. Patients may wish to discuss with their physician the other less common side effects of this drug, some of which may be serious.
Some side effects may require medical attention. Other side effects do not require medical attention and may go away during treatment. Patients should check with their physician about any side effects that continue or are bothersome.
When should patients notify their physician?
• Fever, chills, persistent cough, sore throat, signs of infection
• Shortness of breath
• Chest or jaw pain, difficulty breathing, a noticeable change in heart rate or rhythm?
• Extreme or prolonged fatigue
• Unexplained bleeding or bruising (bloody nose, blood in the urine, black tarry stools)
• Persistent or severe nausea or vomiting
• Severe or persistent headache
• Extreme thirst and frequent urination (signs of high blood sugar)
• Changes in vision
• Discharge from eye
• Eye pain
• Changes in pupil size
• Rash or skin abnormalities
• Wound that will not heal
• Sudden weight gain
• Swelling of feet or ankles
• Swelling, redness, tenderness or pain in one extremity and not the other
• Joint pain
• Muscle weakness, cramps, or pain
• Extreme mood swings or depression
• Confusion or hallucinations
• Abdominal pain, stomach pain or burning
• Increased in body hair or facial hair
( hugs to you,
pattyz )
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