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End of life care - steroids

Karenkat
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Hi,

 

I haven't posted for about a year, but my dad has really started deteriorating now and I would be grateful for any advice or similar experience.

 

He has advanced prostate cancer which has spread to many bones and other areas and medication to treat has now all stopped. The oncologist said he has a maximum of 3 months left. He spent the last two weeks in a hospice to manage pain and is now back home (with me and my family). The hospice put him on steroids yesterday and he is already so much brighter and eating more. It's amazing. Am I right to think that this is very short term? Can steroids prolong life or does it just mask the symptoms?

 

thanks for your help xx

Parents
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    Hello karenkat,

                            steroids do have that instant effect and can help get over short term issues.You are right in saying they do mask symptoms,not cure them ,but can prolong life short term by reducing stress and additional problems arising from that.Long term use of steroids can create health issues in itself,but for end of life care this is not a problem.

                                                                                        Make the most of the good days you have left and l hope you are fortunate to have a gentle finish,

                                                                                                      David 

  • Offline in reply to gruntifen

    Thank you so much for the reply. Yes hopefully it will be as pain free as possible. I feel very supported by the hospice and carers so that's something. Thanks again  

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