update

Hi everyone:
I finished whole brain radiation friday(5 lesions revealed on CT scan in dec.), and told my husband the morning of the last treatment that I was feeling better since I wasn't having bad headaches anymore. I also told the nurse that I was encouraged by that, and she said they were encouraged too. Friday night I had a terrible headache, took medicine and went to sleep. I woke up at 6 a.m. with a throbbing headache. Took 2 mg. of decadron (which was supposed to be my last dose--weaning off the steroids), and ibruprofen. It eventually subsided. But by late afternoon it was back and got worse as the evening wore on. I eventually took another 2mg. of decadron and more pain relievers. I went to sleep and slept with my head elevated all night. I woke up this morning feeling great. No headache.
I'm not sure if I should stay on the decadron awhile longer. The dr. told me that if I had a headache, and I could control it with pain relievers, that is preferable to the steroid. But as my headache got worse last night, I was worried about swelling. A brain can only tolerate so much swelling.
Also, this last week is the only full week I had of radiation--5 treatments in a row. All other weeks were partial weeks b/c of the holidays. Could that have had something to do with the onset of headaches friday night? My husband and I got so discouraged and have tried not to think about the worst, but it is very hard. Also, I'm supposed to start teaching on thurs.--I'm signed up for 3 classes--and though I had confidence last week, after this weekend,I'm seriously doubting my ability to manage all three, mainly b/c if I have to stay on the decadron, I will continue to get weaker--mainly my legs and energy level, which is pretty low. Anyway, I just wanted to put this out there and hear your (most informative and appreciated) opinions.
Thanks for listening and God bless-
Carla