Decadron Side Effects And Alimpta Chemo

Just wondering if anyone has run into side effects from the Decadron that is given prior to the start of some chemo regimes???.Mom took if prior to first chemo of carboplantin and taxol and now has to take it, although a much lower dosage ,prior to Alimpta chemo. She seems to get sick to her stomach, have alot of chest pressure , increase in blood pressure (dramatic increase)and feel really crappy even before the chemo starts.

Anybody have any similar reactions? The chemo is toxic enough but this stuff makes it much worse. She has had her first Alimpta treatment this past Monday and felt ok till  Thursday and today even worse. They say this would be gentler than previous chemo but I don't know.

I don't know the answer to the question you posed regarding the medication taken prior to chemotherapy; however, I just wanted to share that my mom is also not tolerating Alimta well.  We were told the same thing about it being gentler than other types of chemo but this one is really taking its toll on her.  I'm just hoping that it is a sign that it's also having the same effect on her cancer.  Best of luck to your mom!

~Mandi : )

Mandi,

Thanks for your input.I too am hoping that the bad effects mean that it is killing the cancer cells as well but I honesty have to question the quality of life that is going to be left after . How many cycles has your Mom done? This is only my mom's first. She seems to be having alot of "strange" feeling and anxious too. We are thinking maybe it is the Alimpta since it works on the folic acid and thus lowers the B vitamins but I wonder. Her stomach is alos not great. Almost daily periods of nausea and absolutely no energy or interest in anything. The drepession here is sometimes overwhelming. Let me know what your Mom is going thru and how many cycles she has done. They want to do another on my Mom next week and then a PET scan 2 weeks after that ans review results. Mom goes to Sloane kettering in NYC. Will keep your Mom in my prayers. And you too.

Linda