How long can dexamethasone help with lung cancer

[Colonsay]

My Dad has lung cancer tumour top of left lung and lymph involvement at windpipe. Was unwell 8 weeks ago looked like he would die. Put onto dexamethasone 8 mgs daily and oxygen therapy. Last 3 weeks breathing / talking normal, now off his oxygen and apart from not being able to do much himself as weak he is okay. GP thinks it has reduced inflammation which is what has helped. Has anyone had experience with dexamethasone as to how long it may help him. Been on it for 8 weeks now Thank you

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Dear Colonsay

Welcome to the forum and sorry to hear about your Dad. It is good he is feeling much better with the steroids.

It is not uncommon to use steroids with cancer as it can be very beneficial on reducing inflammation and improving symptoms.

This link from Macmillan support provides some good information on this:

macmillan.org.uk/cancer-inf...

We make natural steroids in our body, and when steroids are stopped , after a few days the body starts making them naturally. It may be your Dad will be on them for awhile or have them in courses as needed. You could discuss this with either his lung cancer nurse specialist or oncologist.

If you wish to discuss anything you can either email us at [e-mail] or call our freephone nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200

Kind regards

The Roy Castle Support Team

[Colonsay in reply to RoyCastleHelpline]

Thank you for your reply