Dexamesthasone - Stretchmarks Is Making Blisters

Hello

My son has a GBM.  He is on 24mg of Decadron a day.He is on Decadron now for 10 months. We have tried to lower the dosis but then it seems that he is going in a coma.

His skin is very thin and at some places is has already burst open.

Some stretch marks looks like it is forming blisters.  

When we read the negative effects of decadron it seems to me that he has about all of it. He has a terrible back ache.

We apply Epizone LPC on him.  (Coal Tar cream with Cetomacrogol to control Psoriasis and Eczema) We live in south Africa and do not have all the medicine you have, please tell me the ingredients of the medicine you suggest I can use.     

Thanks

"IN THE FACE OF UNCERTAINTY,THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH HOPE"

so true

On 7/25/2008 Christa0803 wrote:

Hello

My son has a GBM.  He is on 24mg of Decadron a day.He is on Decadron now for 10 months. We have tried to lower the dosis but then it seems that he is going in a coma.

His skin is very thin and at some places is has already burst open.

Some stretch marks looks like it is forming blisters.  

When we read the negative effects of decadron it seems to me that he has about all of it. He has a terrible back ache.

We apply Epizone LPC on him.  (Coal Tar cream with Cetomacrogol to control Psoriasis and Eczema) We live in south Africa and do not have all the medicine you have, please tell me the ingredients of the medicine you suggest I can use.     

Thanks

"IN THE FACE OF UNCERTAINTY,THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH HOPE"

so true

Why did his doctor put him on this with Glioblastoma GBM ( brain cancer) it usually use to  treats secondary adrenal cortex insufficiency (lack of sufficient adrenal hormone) or non functioning  adrenal gland the usual dose is 0.5 mg a day can you ask the doctor can he take ever second day as this will lessen the side effects there are other druges he can use to treat GBM hopes this helps

I am not sure what medication the last post referred to.  If it is decadron, it is very commonly used here in the U.S. to treat swelling in the brain after surgery or swelling from cancer growth.

The side effects from decadron can be horrible.  It breaks down bone tissue as well as the connective tissues and muscles.  My husband has been on a very high dose for almost a year, and he has horrible stretchmarks as well.  We have not found a good solution to the stretchmark issue.

Although decadron helps keep brain swelling down, it truly is very wasting on the body.  Thankfully, we have been able to reduce my husband's dose down to 3 mg but it still has not eliminated all the side effects yet.  One thing the doctor suggested is going on a medication to increase calcium absorption to counteract the decadron's effects.  A very common result from longterm use is spinal fractures.  Would drugs like fosamax, actonel, or boniva be available to you?  Also, has your son had a bone density test to see if that is the cause of his back pain?  Is your son able to get the necessary chemo to treat his cancer?

I don't feel like my answer is very helpful.  I wish I could tell you more.

Jackiekay