dexamethasone

[Casper438]

My Dad had been having stroke like symptoms with slurred speech and right arm paralysis. He was sent home with diagnosis of stroke with blood thinners and statin following an MRI. However 6 weeks later he was deteriorating rather than improving and re-admitted to hospital. Following an MRI with contrast they diagnosed primary brain tumour likely lymphoma. 3 full months have now passed and he is still waiting to see a neuro specialist. As he now feels his leg strange and limp when walking they discharged him with dexamethasone 16mg for 5 days and 8mg for 10 days. It will be another 2 weeks before his consultant appointment when they will repeat his MRI with contrast. He had a CT of thorax, abdomen and pelvis which was clear, an MRI of spine which was clear and still awaiting lumbar puncture results.

My question is if anyone has had dexamethasone whilst awaiting biopsy and cancer treatment to start and was it effective for symptoms. Thank you for any advice.

[Hammers67]

Hey Casper, Without wanting to state the obvious, 3 months is a mighty long wait when you're in your Dad's condition, my friend, and if he's has limited movement that can't be helping his mental health!

Having had dozens of MRI's with contrast over the years you should be invited back to see the consultant within 2 weeks to review the results and map out a plan of action. Whenever I've been concerned with what may be about show up from the scan I've requested a swift recall to have the results presented to me by the consultant and they've (Royal Surrey, Guildford) have always accommodated me, which of course I've been thankful for. So to try and answer your question. My brain tumour stayed benign for 14 years before turning cancerous. As it was graded 2/3 they operated on me to 'de-bulk' it, 5 years ago. That was my 3rd op over 20 years. In that time until now I've had regular seizures, roughly on average one every 2 years. Since the Op 5 years ago I've been taking 5mg of Dex every day. Primarily this is to prevent the scarring from swelling and to ensure no unnecessay pressure occurs within my head as to minimise the chance of a fit. It's important to point out whilst I hail Dex, I do take anti seizure medicine as part of my daily routine I've been 'fit-free' for the 5 years. I've become aware that Dexamethasone is used for a number of different ailments, but it certainly has played it's part for me.

That's it from me for now and I do hope you have found this of use.I hope your Dad has a successful scan and diagnosis. Good luck and best wishes, James.

[Casper438 in reply to Hammers67]

Many thanks James, glad you are well but it seems to me that many brain tumours are like being on a merry go round that you can’t get off! Unfortunately my dad had his biopsy results and has glioblastoma which they cannot resect/debulk due to it being in his speech and movement centres. He has now started daily radiotherapy and Chemo (TMZ) in the hope it may by him a bit more time with us. Devastated! The more funding and research into this awful disease the better to try and find some hope for people. Keep well James.