Effect of steroids on partner

Lizig 28 days ago

12 replies
17 subscribers
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Hi- new to this forum but feel I need some support.

my normally very loving partner is taking a big dose of dex as part of his chemo treatment. He takes it for 3 days then stops for 10 days. During the 3 days he is unnaturally high but distant. When he stops he becomes less high but angry, reactive and distant. He recognizes this but cant control it. To ight it has resulted in yet another row as I am first accused of being difficult then he apologizes and recognizes its the meds. We spoke to the consultant and they have been reduced but the effect is the same. Does anyone recognize this please? I am trying so hard to support and understand.

Gu1nn355 17 days ago

I have read this post with interest, my wife started chemo yesterday for breast cancer and had imunothrapy. She is to get chemo every week for 12 weeks interspersed with imuno therapy every three weeks. She took dexamethazone this morning as proscribed and as the day moves on her mood is increasingly aggressive and argumentative. Can I expect this every three weeks while she is taking the steroid. If I know I can expect it but been a bit of a shock today wasnt expecting it

Lizig 17 days ago in reply to Gu1nn355

Hi- Obviously I can only speak from my own and our experience. I do sympathize though. When you're doing your best to be supportive and sensitive it feels hard to be taken wrong so easily.

Since I posted this my husband is now into the second day of his third cycle. He takes 2 dex for 3 days following chemo (down from 3 per day which were horrendous) and is already having to apologise for snapping and shouting at me. We try to make a joke but it's not easy. I would expect this to peak on day 4 and then reduce as the effects wear off over the weekend. You may find a similar pattern?
As you say it was an unexpected shock especially since we were warned about so many other potential side effects. Do mention it at your wife's reviews though as it could be altered or reduced possibly. This cycle we were told unofficially that they have to prescribe them but can't force you to take them wink wink.

Good luck and know you have the support of others here :)