Question Title: Long term side effects

I was diagnosed with an anaplastic astrocytoma in Oct 95 (aged 30). It was located in the 4th ventricle/right cerebellar. After surgery (1/3 removed), I had 6 weeks of radiation, followed by chemotherapy. I received a combination of Procarbazine, CCNU and Vincristine. I was on decadron for 7.5 months. I started on 4mg for 2 mths, increased to 8mg for 1.5 mths, then tapered to zero over 4 mths. However the effects of the treatment have not totally worn off. Within 5 or 10 minutes of swallowing food or liquid I end up burping/belching, up to 5 or 6 times. It feels like I have to get rid of air taken in while swallowing. This is a little uncomfortable and very antisocial. Exercise such as sit ups can also cause one or two burps.
Since my treatment I have also found that I am quite sensitive to certain smells, the reaction is mild coughing. I have also noticed an increase in gas. I don’t know whether all are related.
My doctor does not feel that these effects are caused by the tumour but we cannot come up with any remedies.
Could it be due to the decadron? A recent cortisol test was normal. Thanks.

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I feel it is very unlikely that these side effects are due to decadron, I have performed
a 30 year literature search and have found no reference to these side effects
reported with the use of Decadron. One theory which comes to mind is that
you may have a problem with intestinal motility, this can be caused acutely by
Vincristine, and can cause intestinal obstruction.Vincristine effects nerve
s chronicall to the point where reflexes are chronically diminished.
A similar long term effect in the nerves of the GI tract could possibly be
an explanation for your problem.

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