Proposed Increase in Dexamethasone Dosage for a Brain Tumour

[Beatless]

I'm currently on four 2 mg tablets per day, they are planning to increase this to aid my walking and mobility .

What are the likely impacts/short or long term & what is the maximum dose?

Should I go for the increased dose?

Any comments/advise would be very welcome

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Dear Beatless,

I am sorry to hear that you are having problems with your walking and mobility, this can be caused by swelling around the lesion in your brain. Steroids are used as an anti-inflammatory and help to reduce any swelling which is present, the team whose care you are under are the best people to advise on dosage and what they think will be the best dose that will improve these symptoms.

MacMillan have advice on steroids and what to expect as side effects, I have added a link below

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

If there is anything else you would like to discuss you can email ask the nurse at [e-mail] or call our free phone nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200 Monday to Thursday 0900-1700 and Friday 0900-1600

Kind regards

The Roy Castle Support Team

[Beatless in reply to RoyCastleHelpline]

Thanks, but has anybody first knowledge information?

Especially about maximum & long term use?

[Tike3]

Hi

Steroids are the only medication that greatly improved the use my left leg and also improved my diverticulitis. I'm not on them at the moment and can certainly tell a difference. I'm also worried I'm not on them because I've go brain mets and they reduced inflammation in the brain don't they. My Consultant says she's reluctant for it to be a permanent solution as it would do more harm than good, that's what I've been told, something to do with your body producing Steroids naturally.

I'm upset that something could improve my quality of life and I'm not on it

How you doing, sending best wishes

[Beatless in reply to Tike3]

Thanks for your reply, very helpful

John C