Good morning Ruby. It is always an honor for me to walk alongside anyone who reaches out for help. And if I can be a beacon of hope, then I join a wonderful class of all cancer survivors.
I actually asked not to be given any steroids and I absolutely despise Decadron. I change into a species not yet recognized by the medical or psychiatric field when I have to take anything like it. I'm not sure that I could get away with that request now.
I wish that I had a magic piece of wisdom that could help you with the side effects of steroids. As you probably know it's very important to be very strict with taking it at the same time every day. Don't take over-the-counter NSAIDS and keep your doctor apprised of any change that you think needs some medical attention.
Do anything and everything that helps make you feel comfortable. Eat what you want, when you want unless there are medical restrictions. If you have someone close to you ask for massages if you can handle being touched. I don't really know much about acupuncture but that might help! And if you can, walk every day. I drank 8 glasses of water every single day to help flush out the toxins. I timed myself at 1 1/2 hr intervals. I rested every day. And I also had a glass of wine every night. But check with your doctor on this one, teehee.
It's my feeling that when you have cancer and are under treatment, you are the #1 person in the world and should be treated as such.
Have you asked if they can give you another type of steroid? Or ask for help with side effects?
Amen! Decadron is the devil drug and there must be other options. He increased my dose to 10 mg when I started this new regimen, I was on 6 mg iv previously. I'm definitely going to discuss this with him today.
This group has been invaluable to me. I live by myself and my daughter is 3 hours away. My big fear is not being able to take care of myself. So far, so good but I'm afraid for that day if I can't take care of my basic needs. I'm probably getting ahead of myself but it is a concern.
Than you again.