Steroids

I’ve had steroids on my first round of chemo (take the first 3 days) and I’ve not got bloated face or weight gain. But I’m only on first cycle so it could change x

Hi

I had 7 days of steroids with each of my 3 EC cycles, and 3 days with my 3 docetaxel. They do strange things. I definitely craved carbs when on them and did put on weight throughout treatment. Nobody prepared me for the crash after finishing the 7 day courses, I really felt strange. My face went red for a few days after coming off them, but that went back to normal. They are a necessary evil I think.

Hi,

I had steroids with my weekly Paclitaxel. It was like adding insult to injury when they told me that I’d actually put weight on rather than losing it!

However, the chemo team are really keen you don’t lose weight - they think of someone staying the same or putting a bit on as being healthy.

I’ve probably put on about 7-8lb over the 12 weeks and will gradually aim to take it off.

For me the worst side effect of the steroids was the lack of sleep. I did well to get 3 hours sleep the night after treatment. The day after treatment I was a bit manic trying to get all sorts done - and then I crashed on the evening of the second day.

I think they’re a necessary evil, but it’s the bit of the treatment I’ll miss least!

Good luck