Dexamethasone

FormerMember over 5 years ago

2 replies
124 subscribers
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I have stage 4 colon cancer, with mets in the liver, lung and bones. One of the effects is a painful inflammation of the liver which sometimes travels to the shoulder. I have been prescribed dexamethasone at various times, the last was five weeks ago when I was taking 2mg a day. It has brought me great relief from pain in the liver area but not sure Ibshould stay on it - my face is getting puffy and I’m putting on weight round my middle aside from muscle wasting. The problem is it is very painful without it even using paracetamol and co codamol. They don’t seem to control the very unpleasant pain.

I have heard that cutting down on fat, sugar and processed food can reduce the puffiness but I’ve also lost weight and have been advised to drink full fat milk, butter etc. I don’t think I would get far on lean chicken and salad. Please advise someone - I’ve just spent two days in miserable pain having stopped the dexamethasone.

court over 5 years ago

Sorry to hear you are in pain . If you have a contact number for your oncologist / chemo helpline I would give them a call or phone our helpline 0808 808 0000 and they may be able to advise you how to get help today . Two days in that kind of pain is too long and there is help out there it’s just knowing the best way to access it in your area . I once just phone the Cancer unit my mum was under and they helped her out .

Regarding pain management if you were my relative I would be asking for a referral to a pain clinic . They are ran by anaesthetists and look at break through pain and the best way to make sure you are pain free through out the day . I believe there is a lot more combinations than what you have mentioned . They would also be able to balance out side effects .

However you need something done today so please give them a call and get the help you need .

take care ,

Court

ps remember to tell them you are in lots of pain .

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

FormerMember over 5 years ago in reply to court

Hi Cherry. Please carry taking the dexamethasone if you can as they are a steroid tablet designed to reduce inflammation, unfortunately one if the side effects is weight gain, I know when I was on them it was a little depressing gaining some extra weight but it also helped my keep strong. Hope this helps.