Steroids

Hi sassy. I've had 3 out of 6 chemo sessions. They always give me LOADS of tablets to take before they start. I think at least some are steroids. I then get 4 ( I think)  to take at home 12 hours later. Then 4 the next morning then 2 the morning after that. No more. I've been lucky and haven't had any noticeable side effects. Best wishes to you.

Thanks for your response.  I'm not sure if the reason I'm feeling rough today cos' I'm 3 days post chemotherapy session no:3.

Could be my feeling awful as I have done before in week 1 post session, however I'm blaming my sleep disturbance on the steroids.  Yesterday I was as high as a kite, and today feel completely floored. Just waiting for week 3 and a bit of normality if there is such a thing!

Hi Sassy

I recommend talking to your CNS/Oncologist at your review about whether a tapering dose of steroids would help you. i found that the steroids really affected me and once the level dropped off at day 3 I would feel really rough. My consultant gave me the same dose but instead of stopping abruptly she tapered the dose- so day 3- from memory I had 5 tablets in the am and 5 in the pm. Then on day for I just had 5. It made a big difference. I felt much better with the second chemo cycle. 

Jane

I don’t sleep well at best of times, so I was prescribed sleeping tablets to use for the first few days to combat the effect from steroids.  My worse days were days 4 and 5 when I was no longer on the steroids.

Thanks for responding Jane. I did ask for a tapered dose cos it made more sense, however,  it was explained that as it was a short  course of a low potency my request was declined. So I just have to accept I guess. I'll feel better I'm sure in a few days and heading into weeks 2 & 3. I can remember feeling like this after chemo  1&2 but this feels worse after round 3.

Thanks for that waidh.

It's important to be able to sleep during chemotherapy . I have found an antihistamine at night( the browsy types) can help with the steroids effects on sleep. 

The effects of chemo can start to accumulate with each cycle unfortunately. With each cycle the body begins to recover between chemos however does not completely get back to where it was-so there is a sort of downwards trend. My bloods definitely got worse after cycle 3. 

I tended to feel worse during the first week and then start to pick up by the second one- hopefully you will feel a lot better in a few days- until then let your body rest and heal