Question For Colleen - Steroids

Hi Colleen,
I read your reply to Robert concerning the numbness and tingling he was experiencing. In your reply you mentioned the neuropathy could be caused by the use of steroids. I am currently receiving treatment for colon cancer. I am on Oxalplatin which is notorious for causing numbness and tingling in the feet,and a weird sensitivity to cold. I was curious about the steroid usage though. My oncologist has always said that the anti-nausea benefits outweigh the side effects from these meds. I am given Decadron,and Aloxi for nausea. I have read that these drugs cause weight gain,and that the steroids raise glucose levels in the blood. I had gestational diabetes during my last pregnancy,and although that was 20 years ago, I am at risk for developing diabetes. My doctor just dismisses my concerns about weight gain,he thinks it's just vanity on my part. I have gained weight on chemo,and he says that the dosages are too small to cause problems. Just out of curiosity has your husband been given any info on steroids from his doc? I think patients aren't told about steroids. I had my doc cut my dosage. You would think that this is something that doctors would inform patients about. I'd appreciate any information. Thanks Julie

Hi! My heart and prayers are with you! My husband was on dexamethazone 40mg for four days every other week for over a year. He had swelling and weight gain and the eating binges and yes, developed diabetes. He now takes a long acting insulin every day and pills.
Numbness could come from ther swelling that one gets steroids for sure. The two main reasons for his neuropathy (fancy name for numbness) is Thalidomide and the new diabetes. The numbness may go away after awhile if he goes off Thalidomide and then again it may not. The diabetes seems to be the tricky one. If the doctors have no answer for his nerve problems they say " well, diabetes is the major cause of neuropathy" . I and my husband feel comfortable with his use of Thalidomide. Even, I as a occasional patient with asthma did not realize the effects of long high dose steroids. I think the "dex" caused alot of his early side effects and now his diabetes.
If, I can help further, let me know. Knowledge is good. I am on the computer looking and reaching all the time.
Fondly,
Colleen