neuropathy

angie231775

I have had 4 treatments of taxotere carboplatin and herceptin.  I went for my 5th and he stopped my chemo till April 16th. I have zero reflexes and severe numbness in my hands and feet.  It's been almost two weeks I still have no reflexes and the numbness calmed down a bit in my feet and left hand. It's still pretty bad in my right hand. For your experience will my chemo be stopped because of this or do they typically give you another break? 

Linda-n3

Angie, neuropathy can be severe and permanent, so the options are to reduce dose, delay dose, or reduce AND delay dose, or change chemo. I developed neuropathy with the first dose of taxotere, MO ignored it, gave full dose on schedule; got MUCH worse, so #3 was delayed and reduced, but neuropathy became unbearable, so changed last dose to Adriamycin. I was only scheduled for 4 rounds anyway. The neuropathy is still a problem for me, over 4 years later. It is better, I am able to a few things but have not been able to get back to doing fine needle work or other things that involve fine motor skills and fine tactile sensations in my fingers - it affected my hands. Some women end up on walkers, with canes, and even wheel chairs when it affects the legs and feet. If you are having this much problem, be sure to talk to your MO. Don't get scared that you might not get all the treatment you need if you complain - there are other options! I don't see your stage or type or receptor status, so there may be many other options for you, and you need to really talk to your MO before you risk permanent damage that can make life pretty miserable for a LONG time, if not forever. Best wishes, and sending you positive thoughts for inner peace and freedom from fear and anxiety.