Steroid ?

Ok I need some suggestions, ideas etc. The decadron is driving me bonkers
now. They have doubled my dosage and I am a raging idiot at times. I have
been taking an occasional Xanax to try to settle down. I am finding myself
very short tempered with people, I mean badly tempered to the point of
shouting at times, losing my patience etc etc. This is not in my character.
Then I melt down and cry because I feel so dang bad and keep trying to
apologize. They want to increase a bit more because the headaches are still
there along with the stiff necks. I am just waiting for a date and time
with the radiation oncologist consult before they can get on with the
Leskell Gamma Knife procedure to the two brain tumors.

I have started doing some beading work making bracelets and anklets that I
take to the chemo lab/oncologists office to let the ladies have and it seems
to calm me down a bit. I feel like I am going 90 mph and waiting for the
rest of me to catch up. I still go to work every day and even that is a
diaster at times because it is a stressful job. I am Co-owner with my ma
and even as close as we are we are clashing, Other than that I pee all the
dang time LOL.

I think a lot of the mood stuff is from the steroids and I find myself
getting stressed because I cannot control the emotions. Anyone else edure
this and if so, what do you or have you done to help?

Also, I think I am feeling some stress because I am going from a group of
physcians I have been comfortable with and confident with in my medical care
to a new group and new phase of this part of the disease. Combined I feel
ready for the white jacket and the men who bring it............I know that
my physcians are putting me in the best care they know and trust in, I just
need to get to that level too.........

Thanks for letting me babble on.

Angie

Angie wrote:

> Ok I need some suggestions, ideas etc. The decadron is driving me bonkers
> now. They have doubled my dosage and I am a raging idiot at times. I have
> been taking an occasional Xanax to try to settle down. I am finding myself
> very short tempered with people, I mean badly tempered to the point of
> shouting at times, losing my patience etc etc. This is not in my character.
> Then I melt down and cry because I feel so dang bad and keep trying to
> apologize. They want to increase a bit more because the headaches are still
> there along with the stiff necks. I am just waiting for a date and time
> with the radiation oncologist consult before they can get on with the
> Leskell Gamma Knife procedure to the two brain tumors.
>
> I have started doing some beading work making bracelets and anklets that I
> take to the chemo lab/oncologists office to let the ladies have and it seems
> to calm me down a bit. I feel like I am going 90 mph and waiting for the
> rest of me to catch up. I still go to work every day and even that is a
> diaster at times because it is a stressful job. I am Co-owner with my ma
> and even as close as we are we are clashing, Other than that I pee all the
> dang time LOL.
>
> I think a lot of the mood stuff is from the steroids and I find myself
> getting stressed because I cannot control the emotions. Anyone else edure
> this and if so, what do you or have you done to help?
>
> Also, I think I am feeling some stress because I am going from a group of
> physcians I have been comfortable with and confident with in my medical care
> to a new group and new phase of this part of the disease. Combined I feel
> ready for the white jacket and the men who bring it............I know that
> my physcians are putting me in the best care they know and trust in, I just
> need to get to that level too.........
>
> Thanks for letting me babble on.
>
> Angie

Aw hon, I wish I was there to give you a hug but you might throw a book at me.
<smile>
I know it's not funny, because many friends have to go on steroids for their
illness, so for years, I've heard about these mood issues. You're sure a brave
and strong person to be going to work under these circumstances. It's good to
hear the beadwork calms you down.

Have you received dietary advice for when you're on the steroid?
It can cause increased appetite, and thirst and urination.
You're probably better avoiding sugary drinks and foods and eat more frequent
small meals? until the steroid can be stopped.

Angie, if there's just you and your ma, it's perhaps better to start training a
third person, who can "get to know the ropes" and then start to fill in on a
part-time basis. This could give you (or your ma) a chance at some breaks, even
if it's both of you being there, but one wanting to take a break and go for a
walk, or shopping or into a back area to snooze for a bit on a reclining chair
and/or punch a soft pillow when stress/conflict gets too much. Think about it
and talk with your ma.
Neither of you are getting younger and if biz is as usual, it's no shame to need
extra help.

Hang in there; hopefully the RT comes through for you soon.
J

"J" <nexsw@nvalid,anon> wrote in message
news:45E56EDF.AE469235@execulink.com...
> Angie wrote:
>
>> Ok I need some suggestions, ideas etc. The decadron is driving me
>> bonkers
>> now. They have doubled my dosage and I am a raging idiot at times. I
>> have
>> been taking an occasional Xanax to try to settle down. I am finding
>> myself
>> very short tempered with people, I mean badly tempered to the point of
>> shouting at times, losing my patience etc etc. This is not in my
>> character.
>> Then I melt down and cry because I feel so dang bad and keep trying to
>> apologize. They want to increase a bit more because the headaches are
>> still
>> there along with the stiff necks. I am just waiting for a date and time
>> with the radiation oncologist consult before they can get on with the
>> Leskell Gamma Knife procedure to the two brain tumors.
>>
>> I have started doing some beading work making bracelets and anklets that
>> I
>> take to the chemo lab/oncologists office to let the ladies have and it
>> seems
>> to calm me down a bit. I feel like I am going 90 mph and waiting for the
>> rest of me to catch up. I still go to work every day and even that is a
>> diaster at times because it is a stressful job. I am Co-owner with my ma
>> and even as close as we are we are clashing, Other than that I pee all
>> the
>> dang time LOL.
>>
>> I think a lot of the mood stuff is from the steroids and I find myself
>> getting stressed because I cannot control the emotions. Anyone else
>> edure
>> this and if so, what do you or have you done to help?
>>
>> Also, I think I am feeling some stress because I am going from a group of
>> physcians I have been comfortable with and confident with in my medical
>> care
>> to a new group and new phase of this part of the disease. Combined I
>> feel
>> ready for the white jacket and the men who bring it............I know
>> that
>> my physcians are putting me in the best care they know and trust in, I
>> just
>> need to get to that level too.........
>>
>> Thanks for letting me babble on.
>>
>> Angie
>
> Aw hon, I wish I was there to give you a hug but you might throw a book at
> me.
> <smile>
> I know it's not funny, because many friends have to go on steroids for
> their
> illness, so for years, I've heard about these mood issues. You're sure a
> brave
> and strong person to be going to work under these circumstances. It's
> good to
> hear the beadwork calms you down.
>
> Have you received dietary advice for when you're on the steroid?
> It can cause increased appetite, and thirst and urination.
> You're probably better avoiding sugary drinks and foods and eat more
> frequent
> small meals? until the steroid can be stopped.
>
> Angie, if there's just you and your ma, it's perhaps better to start
> training a
> third person, who can "get to know the ropes" and then start to fill in on
> a
> part-time basis. This could give you (or your ma) a chance at some
> breaks, even
> if it's both of you being there, but one wanting to take a break and go
> for a
> walk, or shopping or into a back area to snooze for a bit on a reclining
> chair
> and/or punch a soft pillow when stress/conflict gets too much. Think
> about it
> and talk with your ma.
> Neither of you are getting younger and if biz is as usual, it's no shame
> to need
> extra help.
>
> Hang in there; hopefully the RT comes through for you soon.

> J
>

My brother has moved home from FL and is now working with us, as well as
another employee that has been part of our company for about 8 yrs now - so
they really dig in and take care when we arent there. Me and ma usually
work Mon - Weds and take Thurs afternoon and Friday off now. Thank
goodness LOL.

And oooooh yes to increased appetite urination and thirst. I find myself
craving things i would NEVER eat. Junk food, sweets, and omg hamburgers. So
I am really really trying to watch what I eat and crave. And have started
to get out and walk a bit with the dogs.

Well hubby home and need to finish getting supper done..............chat
more later

Thanks for the tips J

Angie wrote:

> My brother has moved home from FL and is now working with us, as well as
> another employee that has been part of our company for about 8 yrs now - so
> they really dig in and take care when we arent there. Me and ma usually
> work Mon - Weds and take Thurs afternoon and Friday off now. Thank
> goodness LOL.
>
> And oooooh yes to increased appetite urination and thirst. I find myself
> craving things i would NEVER eat. Junk food, sweets, and omg hamburgers. So
> I am really really trying to watch what I eat and crave. And have started
> to get out and walk a bit with the dogs.
>
> Well hubby home and need to finish getting supper done..............chat
> more later
>
> Thanks for the tips J

It's good to see you've got help there at work, Angie.

Try to stick with the tips right through until you've worked through next Mon
through Thursday morning, to see if they help you at work with some of the
afore-mentined troubles.
(with exception of maybe a hamburger (on toasted or whole grain bun?) and
veggies on it (once in a while) just so we can see if it really helps.

Since you're off work now until next Monday, I'll leave you to being with your
hubby and watch for your posts, as you have time.
J

Angie wrote:

> Ok I need some suggestions, ideas etc. The decadron is driving me bonkers
> now. They have doubled my dosage and I am a raging idiot at times. I have
> been taking an occasional Xanax to try to settle down. I am finding myself
> very short tempered with people, I mean badly tempered to the point of
> shouting at times, losing my patience etc etc. This is not in my character.
> Then I melt down and cry because I feel so dang bad and keep trying to
> apologize. They want to increase a bit more because the headaches are still
> there along with the stiff necks. I am just waiting for a date and time
> with the radiation oncologist consult before they can get on with the
> Leskell Gamma Knife procedure to the two brain tumors.
>
> I have started doing some beading work making bracelets and anklets that I
> take to the chemo lab/oncologists office to let the ladies have and it seems
> to calm me down a bit. I feel like I am going 90 mph and waiting for the
> rest of me to catch up. I still go to work every day and even that is a
> diaster at times because it is a stressful job. I am Co-owner with my ma
> and even as close as we are we are clashing, Other than that I pee all the
> dang time LOL.
>
> I think a lot of the mood stuff is from the steroids and I find myself
> getting stressed because I cannot control the emotions. Anyone else edure
> this and if so, what do you or have you done to help?
>
> Also, I think I am feeling some stress because I am going from a group of
> physcians I have been comfortable with and confident with in my medical care
> to a new group and new phase of this part of the disease. Combined I feel
> ready for the white jacket and the men who bring it............I know that
> my physcians are putting me in the best care they know and trust in, I just
> need to get to that level too.........

How's Angie doing?
radiation oncologist consult?
Pet scan news?
Hugs
J

"J" <nexsw@nvalid,anon> wrote in message
news:45F657A6.31790F8D@execulink.com...
> Angie wrote:
>
>> Ok I need some suggestions, ideas etc. The decadron is driving me
>> bonkers
>> now. They have doubled my dosage and I am a raging idiot at times. I
>> have
>> been taking an occasional Xanax to try to settle down. I am finding
>> myself
>> very short tempered with people, I mean badly tempered to the point of
>> shouting at times, losing my patience etc etc. This is not in my
>> character.
>> Then I melt down and cry because I feel so dang bad and keep trying to
>> apologize. They want to increase a bit more because the headaches are
>> still
>> there along with the stiff necks. I am just waiting for a date and time
>> with the radiation oncologist consult before they can get on with the
>> Leskell Gamma Knife procedure to the two brain tumors.
>>
>> I have started doing some beading work making bracelets and anklets that
>> I
>> take to the chemo lab/oncologists office to let the ladies have and it
>> seems
>> to calm me down a bit. I feel like I am going 90 mph and waiting for the
>> rest of me to catch up. I still go to work every day and even that is a
>> diaster at times because it is a stressful job. I am Co-owner with my ma
>> and even as close as we are we are clashing, Other than that I pee all
>> the
>> dang time LOL.
>>
>> I think a lot of the mood stuff is from the steroids and I find myself
>> getting stressed because I cannot control the emotions. Anyone else
>> edure
>> this and if so, what do you or have you done to help?
>>
>> Also, I think I am feeling some stress because I am going from a group of
>> physcians I have been comfortable with and confident with in my medical
>> care
>> to a new group and new phase of this part of the disease. Combined I
>> feel
>> ready for the white jacket and the men who bring it............I know
>> that
>> my physcians are putting me in the best care they know and trust in, I
>> just
>> need to get to that level too.........
>
> How's Angie doing?
> radiation oncologist consult?
> Pet scan news?
> Hugs
> J
>

Hi J
I took a bit of a break...........On 3/14 I had my RadioTherapy brain
procedure. They did both tumors. I have felt so yucky the last 3 days.
Weak, tired, headaches, aches etc etc..... They once again upped the
steroids on Mon/Tues/Weds/Thurs/Fri/ and Saturday and now I am on the
downhill weaning stage. Could be part of the not feeling oh so grand too.
I go back to the neurosurgeon in 2 weeks and the rad onc in about a month.
Then I think they will do another brain mri to see what things look like.
They told me this has an 85 - 90 % success rate with the size and location
of the tumors. The main thing I am noticing like I said is weakness and
some memory and vision changes. I have also noticed over the past few days
I have become a bit withdrawn from everyone, not quite my usual chipper
self, more moody and just feel like telling everyone to leave me the hell
alone for awhile - really not quite sure where this is all coming from
because it is NOT the way I usually am, maybe I just am feeling a tad
stressed and I think I am just tired of talking about it all.........scared
to be excited yet and just tired in general. Well thats about it for now, I
am going to take a bit of a rest. Will talk to you all soon.

God bless
Angie

Angie Sun, 18 Mar 2007 wrote:

> >> They want to increase a bit more because the headaches are still
> >> there along with the stiff necks. I am just waiting for a date and time
> >> with the radiation oncologist consult before they can get on with the
> >> Leskell Gamma Knife procedure to the two brain tumors.
> >>
> <snip>
> Hi J
> I took a bit of a break...........On 3/14 I had my RadioTherapy brain
> procedure. They did both tumors. I have felt so yucky the last 3 days.
> Weak, tired, headaches, aches etc etc..... They once again upped the
> steroids on Mon/Tues/Weds/Thurs/Fri/ and Saturday and now I am on the
> downhill weaning stage. Could be part of the not feeling oh so grand too.
> I go back to the neurosurgeon in 2 weeks and the rad onc in about a month.
> Then I think they will do another brain mri to see what things look like.
> They told me this has an 85 - 90 % success rate with the size and location
> of the tumors. The main thing I am noticing like I said is weakness and
> some memory and vision changes. I have also noticed over the past few days
> I have become a bit withdrawn from everyone, not quite my usual chipper
> self, more moody and just feel like telling everyone to leave me the hell
> alone for awhile - really not quite sure where this is all coming from
> because it is NOT the way I usually am, maybe I just am feeling a tad
> stressed and I think I am just tired of talking about it all.........scared
> to be excited yet and just tired in general. Well thats about it for now, I
> am going to take a bit of a rest. Will talk to you all soon.
>
> God bless
> Angie

Thanks for checking in, Angie.
I worry if weeks go by.
Will come get you (again) if I don't hear within a few weeks.
Hoping things get better soon for you.
J

Angie wrote:

> Hi J
> I took a bit of a break...........On 3/14 I had my RadioTherapy brain
> procedure. They did both tumors. I have felt so yucky the last 3 days.
> Weak, tired, headaches, aches etc etc..... They once again upped the
> steroids on Mon/Tues/Weds/Thurs/Fri/ and Saturday and now I am on the
> downhill weaning stage. Could be part of the not feeling oh so grand too.
> I go back to the neurosurgeon in 2 weeks and the rad onc in about a month.
> Then I think they will do another brain mri to see what things look like.
> They told me this has an 85 - 90 % success rate with the size and location
> of the tumors. The main thing I am noticing like I said is weakness and
> some memory and vision changes. I have also noticed over the past few days
> I have become a bit withdrawn from everyone, not quite my usual chipper
> self, more moody and just feel like telling everyone to leave me the hell
> alone for awhile - really not quite sure where this is all coming from
> because it is NOT the way I usually am, maybe I just am feeling a tad
> stressed and I think I am just tired of talking about it all.........scared
> to be excited yet and just tired in general. Well thats about it for now, I
> am going to take a bit of a rest. Will talk to you all soon.
>
> God bless
> Angie

How's Angie doing? (you've been quiet these days)
Hugs
J