Back on the evil dex

Or I could subtitle it: A Dex on you.

As I expected, the doc is going to try me on a lose dose (4mg/day) if decadron to see if it relieves the numbness and tingling in my hand and foot. Took it immediately, and immediately it subsided. Good news that it'll prevent further paralysis until we can get that new mri on the 25th, but not so good news as it points to my suspicions--new tumor growth. I'm pretty sure it's their suspicions, too, by their body language--I've known them a long time--but they won't commit without mri confirmation. So, we wait. We all spend a lot of time waiting, don't we? But at least I'm assured of not falling down the stairs over the weekend. That wouldn't be pretty.

Dex is a blessing and a curse, for sure. Sounds like you might have peripheral neuropathy, with which I am familiar because my mother has it in fingers and toes due to type 2 diabetes plus carpal tunnel plus chemo for multiple myeloma. They warned her that the chemo would make it happen and it did. Pain, tingling, then just numbmess. It really gets in the way for her... hard to get dressed (nothing with buttons is possible), hold a pen, etc. So hopefully yours will get better and you can taper off again.

Sarah

As Sarah says -- it's a blessing and a curse.  My husband recently went back on 1mg/daily (doc wanted more but husband won't do it) for some pain he was having in his head.  All of us are continually told to get off dec as soon as possible which we all know is very difficult and then we're told to go back on which negates all of the efforts of coming off.  Unfortunately it is a necessary evil that does help.

I'm sure you must be extremely anxious for the 25th to arrive so you knew what was going on.  The unknown isn't a comfortable place.

Prayers to you!

Jennifer

I a;ready have [eripheral neuoropathy...have for about 18 months. . They always attributed the onset of it to chemo for my previous breast cancer. ALike a chemo recall.I take 2700 mgsof neurontin a day, which helps. This symptom, unfortunately, is new. Havw they tried neurontin for your mom? They told me next step would be lyrica or cymbalte--as you know, with insurance companies, it has to be progressive, Docs have told me neuropathy is one of the hardest pain conditions to treat, It;s hunt and peck.

I had to start back on it also about a month ago, 12mg/day currently. I was having seizures & problems with my right leg. No seizures now, but wearing a foot brace, or I would fall & have. Tumor progression. New MRI on the 18th.

I am waiting right along with you.