The Colon Club

I am wondering what side effects to expect from the steroid-- will this lead to weight gain, moodiness, sleeplessness? Not sure how long it takes to infuse. If you had this procedure, please share your experience.

Thanks

Jane

Hey Jane, personally I had no issues with the pump chemo FUDR, none. The Folfiri infusion on the the other hand SUCKED! Good luck with your treatment

Al

I second Al's report, I had no side effects that I could tell. Over the long term, the FUDR and steroid/decadron can cause damage though.

Hi Al and Gfpiv.
So you both are saying that you had decadron specifically and had no ill effects? Very reassuring?

Gfpiv, how long is long-term for the FUDR and steroids and what kind of damage?

Thanks as always!

Yes, FUDR and decadron. I should give the caveat that a rare few people DO feel an effect from decadron - though it seems most common when given systemically. Maybe your body gets used to it because of the 2-week on 2-week off schedule in the HAI pump.

As for long-term, I've been getting it for two weeks on two weeks off for approaching 3 years now, with no real ill effects that I know of. But now that I fixed my recent liver count issue with a bile duct stent, my onc preferred to take me off of decadron recently "just in case"...because (a) I probably don't need it anymore since I'm on a chemo break, and (b) slim possibility of some liver damage if taken long term. (then again, they say that for Prilosec too, and I was on that for 2 yrs).

Bottom line is that there's a small amount of evidence that decadron may help improve efficacy of chemo, or more likely help you deal with side effects. If you don't like how you react to decadron, you can always ask them to take you off.

Anyway, best wishes!
-Chip

Thank you! Best to you as well!

Jane