Help for coming off steriods (Decadron) with TCH

kcherub · 06-12-2007, 06:59 PM

Hi, there! I post a while back, and got some wonderful responses that really helped. You are all so wonderful, and I hope that all women with HER2+ BC can find us!

I started TCH on 5/25--it wasn't a picnic, but it was NOWHERE near as bad as I imagined! Day 1, 2, 3, and 4 were asymtomatic (just "foggy" feeling), but Day 5 was a nightmare. It was the first day without the steriods and I literally thought I was going crazy!!!

Did anyone experience this on the first day without steriods, and if so--how was it resolved on the next cycle? The nurse said they would dose me down next cycle (this Friday, 6/15), but I am still worried. I was having severe hallucinations and was scared for myself.

I was so sad to read about Sandy. I have read a lot of older posts on the site, and she was always so upbeat and supportive. Although I never "spoke" with her, I just cried and cried when I thought about the loss of the cute little woman with the impish grin and pink sweater! I am going to put this on her remembrance page as well.

Thanks so much!
Krista

Melinda · 06-12-2007, 08:02 PM

Krista,
I had the problem with the decadron on the first three days especially after my 1st round. I just did not sleep and as for being wired.... OMG! When i went in for the second round I had already read some of the suggestions from this board and asked for ativan. I have found that for the first 5 days, it gives me the sleep I NEED, and feel much better for taking it. My decadron dose was so high the 2nd and 3rd times I needed to increase the the ativan the day of treatment. I was taking 8mg the day before, and the day after, but had 36mg the day of... no wonder I was wired. Days one, three, four and five... I just took one. It really made all the difference in the world. I am not sure if they decreased the dose on 4 and 5... I will ask when I go for #6 and may I add my LAST one YAHOOOOOO!
Keep a positive attitude and get plenty of fluids, and make sure you eat. Rest of course as needed.
I am sending you "experienced" positive energy.... Keep the faith!
Melinda

harrie · 06-15-2007, 04:15 PM

Krista,
I had TCH also and had decadron the day before tx, day of, and day after. That's it. Each day had a total of 16 mg of decadron per day. I had a bit of a hard time sleeping but an over the counter tab of like Sominex was all I needed. I didn't notice any changes coming off the decadron other then sleeping ok.

Did you gain any weight from the decadron as the treatments progressed?

Maryanne