Change in steroid plans

Today was supposed to be Steve's last day on Decadron, the steroid he's been taking since January to address the swelling in his brain around the tumor. It's not an ideal drug to take long term, as it causes all sorts of problems (including susceptibility to infection, ulcers, insomnia, change in muscle mass and fat storage) while it's taking care of the edema.

But as he's stepped down the Decadron dose (now down to 1 mg every other day), some of his neurological symptoms have returned. His left side is especially sluggish, causing fine motor and gross motor problems. For example, he struggles with buttoning his dress shirts and has been wobbly when walking.

After speaking with his UT-SW doctors, he's back on a higher dose of Decadron for a week. He'll take 4 mg a day, and we'll look for improved symptoms. Our prayer is the symptoms are resolved, which would indicate swelling is the culprit, not the tumor.