HELP! Dad still having trouble with chemo.

lv2scrap

I've written in the past that my Dad has been having problems with his chemo. The doctor has tried to challenge him 3 time and each time it produces severe pain in his bone that is totally unbareable. He has a very high pain tolerance, so I know it is really bad. They end up having to give him an iv push of morphine and demeral. He also gets short of breath. Has anyone had this problem? We thought it was the chemo. Then we thought it was the Zofran. Now we are wondering if it is the decadron. Has anyone had problems with that? Have you ever had chemo without decadron as a premed? Please help. He has been on all the chemos and is stage iv. The doctor is stopping his chemo and said he has exhausted all options. He is going to try and get a second opinion at a teaching hospital. Please help with any advice or experience you may have.

Thanks,
Susana

sladich

Susana,

I have not experienced this pain with chemo. I was on Folfox and Camptosar. I've always had the Decadron during chemo. I don't know what to say. I think you are doing the right thing by getting a second opinion. Best of luck.

Debbie

shmurciakova

Hi Susana,
I had a problem with Decadron. I became very light headed and almost passed out and was sweating like no other and was extremely nauseated. So, after the first time (on FOLFIRI), they stopped using Decadron. I continued my other 5 treatments without it and did not have any more problems.
As for Zofran, that made my legs go crazy! It was like "restless leg syndrome" that they show on TV x100! Anyway, I only took it once and then said forget that! I used Ativan mostly for my nausea. I would just pop a couple of them during my chemo and it really helped me. I think they also used Kytril (pre-med for nausea), instead.
I hope that helps. Maybe your Dad could try no Decadron and see what happens. It is a steroid, so I don't know what all the side effects are, but it is pretty strong stuff.
Best of luck,
Susan

pink05

Susana,

I definitely think that your dad should get a second opinion. Maybe another doctor can shed some light on what may be going on with your dad. I am keeping you both in my prayers.

-Lee-

oneagleswings

Oh Suzanna: My husband was blessed with no pain but there are alots of options..your best source for control of pain is with hospice Dr's...give them a call...
Bev