Steroids with Brain Radiation-Small Cell Lung Cancer

• By Hope4Pops
• Posted October 11, 2008 at 2:43 pm

Aubyn,

My dad was and still is on steroids throughout his radiation. He finished his brain radiation. He did have swelling around the brain which left his left side non resposive to what dad wanted it to do so walking, toilet duties, and even opening a piece of candy was extremely difficult or impossible. It was very hard to see. I called the doctor w/ concern because he was 2 wks into radiation and still no improvement so they increased his steroids. The doc said this works faster than radiation. I think that is what helped him because he went golfing yesterday! Woohoo!! My prayers were answered. I just wanted him to be able to golf and fish one more time before he started Chemo and possibly gets sicker which is inevitable w/ time I know. Anyway, they will be decreasing this week w/ his next appointment since the swelling is down. I believe that the doctor is taking him off since he doesn't have the swelling. Best of luck to you! I know it is very tuff! Trust your doctors. This is hard enough the way it is.

Hugs to you!

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• By dxarsene
• Posted October 15, 2008 at 9:40 am

Hi,

My father had brain radiation as well and prescribed steroids (Decadron). Our onc. said he REALLY needed to take the steroids especially during brain radiation as it prevents the brain from swelling so i'm puzzled that they had your father stop the steroid while receiving brain rad??? My father had 5 consecutive radiation treatment but was on Decadron for the following 6 weeks.
Good luck
Dan

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