Lymphedema Risk and Ice Packs/Neuropathy

Jojobird

I start 12 rounds of Taxol next month and would like to prevent neuropathy. I had many nodes removed (see below) . An Italian study concluded that placing ice packs under your hands/feet during chemo infusion can prevent peripheral neuropathy, a common side effect, but I am worried about excessive cold on my affected right hand. That is, of the ice pack could trigger lymphedema. Anyone have experience or suggestions? Thank you so much.

Kicks

i developed my LE 1/2 way through my 12 adjuvant Taxol l. I did not (nor have I) developed neurpoathy in 6 1/2 rs since end of Chemo (4 DD A/C neoadjuvant & 12 weekly Taxol adjuvant). I DID NOT DO icing - for me, it would not been a viable option as keeping my body temperature up above the dangerous zone was a fight and 'icing' feet/hands would have taken it down even lower.

Jenwith4kids

I took L-glutamine during taxol - no neuropathy. I didn't ice (beyond ice pops when the Adriamyacin was infused.

cowgal

Thought I would revive this old thread as I have been diagnosed with a recurrence and have completed my first Taxol treatment with 11 left to go. I am contemplating if I should start icing my hands and feet to try to reduce the risk of neuropathy from the chemo but I have lymphedema in my left arm and hand and didn't know if that was a viable option to ice that hand. Anyone have any experience with this?

MinusTwo

Cowgal - there are several threads about icing during chemo. There is no guarantee icing will prevent neuropathy, but it will probably prevent your nails from detaching or falling off. Although I was diligent, it did not prevent my CIPN.

I'm not aware that LE is triggered by ice packs. Usually you're supposed to stay away from hot tubs. Take a look at this very knowledgeable link and maybe read some of the long-time LE threads.

https://stepup-speakout.org/