Steroids question?

Hi Karen, I know that steroids are well known for creating an appetite, but beyond that I know nothing… I can hear the rollercoaster you are on though and I know how hard that is. Are there any medics involved in your dads care that you can ask about this? I know that’s not always easy either, I haven’t managed to get hold of anyone yet for questions about my mums illness, but I really hope you can… All this stuff is so very tough. Sending you empathy and solidarity.

Hi TPK

Thanks for your reply.  He had the nurses out today as his feet are now beginning to blister as they have swollen so much! Honestly its just one thing after another.  They are starting him on morphine patches now I believe and I know its the beginning of the end! I'm trying to be positive and have hope but its so hard especially when  you see the bed in the living room!  He has an amazing team we cannot fault them.. hes under the hospice team and has a phone number to call. They are truly amazing! I hope you are OK as I feel like I'm living in a bonkers world atm lol 

Hi

steroids do seem to work miracles. My husband has a stage 4 brain tumour and was put onto a low dose of steroids at the end of Feb when he was moved under the care of the local palliative care team. They gave him a good boost that has lasted six months so far. He had an issue with focal seizures last month and the local hospice boosted the dose from 4 mg a day to 16 mg a day short term. Once things stabilised, they began to reduce the dose but after 2/3 weeks I noticed he was craving sugar. when I spoke to the hospice nurse she reckoned the extended use and higher dose has caused steroid induced diabetes. He's now back at 4mg a day and still eating everything in sight, especially sweet stuff.

We also noticed that the steroids made him bad tempered! 

We know our days are limited now but I do feel the steroids have helped to extend the quality of the time he has had lately. With him its always been about quality of life rather than quantity.

sending love and light and hugs. Stay strong.

love n hugs

Wee Me xx

Ahhh thankyou so much for your message. My dad is being reduced down from 2 tablets a day to 1 and we have definitely noticed he's more bad tempered! Good to know its the steroids tho. He's definitey eating more sugar but with all his other problems we are just relieved to see him eat. Your message definitely gives me hope. Thanks so much and really hope you are OK  it's a stressful and scary time. Sending you  xx️