Facial swelling on TC - will lowering Decadron help?

anoncub

I'm halfway through my 6 rounds of TCHP and the cancer "moonface" seems to have gotten more stubborn with the 2nd and 3rd rounds.

I'm aware that Taxotere has edema-related side effects, as does Decadron, the steroid they give me during the pre-meds (and the day before and after infusions).

On the 3rd round, I didn't take my Decadron the day before and after the infusion, and it seems like my face has lost all of its contours. I'm wondering if Decadron actually helps counter some of the swelling that Taxotere elicits?

Then again, I've gained 6 lbs since I started treatment (ugh), so I can't tell whether this is water retention or just my inability to digest anything but simple carbs and comfort foods, bleah!

But back to the real questions... does anyone know whether taking the Decadron will actually help reduce face swelling due to the Taxotere? If I'm just doomed to have a moonface through treatment, does anyone have an idea of how long it will take for this swelling to go down? I'm throwing the best cosmetic contouring tricks I can think of at the problem, but it really just looks like 1980's style makeup at this point.

Thanks everyone!

Meadow

Anon, Congrats on the halfway mark, keep up the good work! I did cut back on my steriods during treatment, as I was having angina, or chest pain. But I did not do it myself, my oncology team made the call. Please do not make changes without their input. I puffed up too, and gained 10 pounds during treatment that took 2 years to come off...my body was just different for a while after treatment. But, I am happy to say I feel like myself..I mean, I do have chemo induced neuropathy in my feet, but a fair trade for my life, in my opinion. Hang in there! The side effects won't always be there, and good health will be yours again.

SpecialK

anoncub - I had some pretty serious swelling on TCH and ended up going on a prescription diuretic that my MO gave me during chemo that was easy on the kidneys and non potassium leaching. This was a big help as my swelling was body-wide, not just my face. It is unlikely that you are gaining actual weight, most likely it is from fluids. You would have to eat an additional 3,500 calories - and not burn them off - to gain just one pound. I gained about 10 lbs during chemo and I know I did not eat enough for that to be the case. Decadron is a double edged sword - it may help with swelling from the chemo, but also cause swelling itself - eeesh! Hang In there!

anoncub

Thanks Meadow and SpecialK! I have been taking my Decadron... you are right, it is a double-edged sword. I have swelling in my entire body, since I can feel and see it in my limbs and gut... everywhere. I know I just have to suck it up, but man, it's a long way to the finish line with chemo and then waiting for the SE to go away. I feel like everyone thinks it's immediate, but I know I have to be in it for the long haul. Thanks again, beautiful ladies!

Meadow

You are so welcome. Make sure you report all concerns to your medical team

NotVeryBrave

I just wanted to add that I was bummed that I didn't feel as excited as I had hoped to be at the halfway mark. It seemed like there was just too much more to go! However - I felt much better once number 4 was behind me. Something about being on the downhill slide! Hang in there.

Meadow

Yes NotVB! You are kicking it! Keep up the good work

denisepeter98

Good going. Keep up the work dear!! Don't take any decision by yourself. It's better to seek the help of your medical team. I'm in partial remission and my doctor advised to take a break from treatment as long as cancer doesn't begin to grow. I have lost the facial volume and body weight after the chemo. I hate to see myself in the mirror as I looked very weak and tired, so I underwent skin care treatment from a cosmetic clinic in Mississauga. I regained the lost facial volume by non-surgical method. Now I'm trying my best to put on some weight. I should be healthy enough to fight against the cancer virus if it comes back.