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StephN · 04-29-2006, 10:35 AM

Hi -
I am also a brain mets survivor.
Had to take a course of Decadron last Jan/Feb and it really affected me big time. Siince I had Gamma Knife and did not have too much diffuse inflammation, was able to wean off fairly quickly.

To combat the symptoms of this awful drug you may try avoiding caffeine, simple sugars and other things that give a quick buzz. Drink some Camomile tea or other soothing herb teas. Listen to relaxing music to help you sleep.

For the constipation that most of us have on Decadron, I used Senna herbal tea. This, high fiber cereal and a few dried prunes a day got me back to normal pretty quickly.

I also increased my intake of plain water by almost double. This also seemed to alleviate some symptomes.

Hope your balance and other symptoms get better soon - but you will need the Decadron to help with the inflammation. Ask to see your scan and see for yourself where the tumors are located and how much inflammation you have if you have not done this. The docs can tell you how each tumor is affecting you.

04-29-2006, 10:35 AM	#10
StephN Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Misty woods of WA State Posts: 4,128	Avoid caffeine Hi - I am also a brain mets survivor. Had to take a course of Decadron last Jan/Feb and it really affected me big time. Siince I had Gamma Knife and did not have too much diffuse inflammation, was able to wean off fairly quickly. To combat the symptoms of this awful drug you may try avoiding caffeine, simple sugars and other things that give a quick buzz. Drink some Camomile tea or other soothing herb teas. Listen to relaxing music to help you sleep. For the constipation that most of us have on Decadron, I used Senna herbal tea. This, high fiber cereal and a few dried prunes a day got me back to normal pretty quickly. I also increased my intake of plain water by almost double. This also seemed to alleviate some symptomes. Hope your balance and other symptoms get better soon - but you will need the Decadron to help with the inflammation. Ask to see your scan and see for yourself where the tumors are located and how much inflammation you have if you have not done this. The docs can tell you how each tumor is affecting you.