severe neuropathy in hands?

ealga

Hi friends,

I started Anastrozole 2 months ago - finished chemo in May - and am experiencing acute pain, numbness and weakness in both hands, although my my dominant right hand is in worse shape. It wakes me up with this feeling like i've put my hands in ice water for an hour. Wondering if anyone has any insight/advice. I'm meeting with my oncologist later today. Thanks. xx

Spookiesmom

May be coming from farther up, possibly neck or shoulders. Let us know what MO says.

Esther01

Ealga,

I'm so sorry you are going through this, especially when you are ready to heal and get it all behind you. Everything is worse when it disturbs our sleep cycle because we need quality sleep so much after cancer treatment. I wonder if it's not the hormonal therapy because it kind of sounds like chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy. It will be interesting to hear what your MO says and hopefully he or she will have some recommendations for you.

Our immune systems are in the tank after chemo and radiation and must be rebuilt (plenty water, clean diet, uptake of supplements, etc). I do know anecdotally of women who made several changes after chemo that have helped reduce and reverse neuropathy but I realize that all of us are different. I will message you a link about that, but meanwhile here is a resource I found below. Above all, don't lose hope!

Blessings,

Esther
Here's a cut and paste from IntegrativeCancer.org http://integrativecancer.org/the-cancer-journey/ne...

Potential Integrative Therapies for CIPN

While conventional medicine continues to explore options for preventing and treating CIPN, there may be integrative therapies that lend some relief. Physical and occupational therapy can help to build strength and skills to overcome functional impairments that result from CIPN.

Studies show that techniques like yoga, meditation and Reiki can decrease the pain response and improve overall quality of life for patients experiencing pain. Gentle movement can help improve circulation, maintain neurological pathways, sustain range of motion, improve strength and increase flexibility.

Yoga, fitness exercises, walking and forms of Tai Chi or QiGong can help with balance and mobility and help individuals to maintain a healthy weight. They can also help to build bone strength, improve balance and reduce the risk of falls and fractures that can result from CIPN.

Yoga and other energy-based modalities, such as Reiki, acupuncture, acupressure or reflexology, done correctly, can help to enliven the energy pathways, improving the signals to the brain.

Brian Lawenda, MD, a Harvard-trained radiation oncologist, medical acupuncturist & integrative oncologist, offers a list of integrative tips on his website, Integrative Oncology Essentials, for reducing the potential negative impact of CIPN.

His suggestions include the use of the following therapies or products:

• TENS unit for pain management
• Low-energy light devices (LED and LLLT)
• Cryotherapy (cold packs used during infusion)
• Mind-body techniques, including meditation, guided imagery, biofeedback and hypnosis.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Topical treatments
• Supplements – please note some of these suggestions may conflict with the more recent ASCO guidelines for CIPN treatment.

Integrative therapies, if done safely, should provide additional benefits to the person practicing them, with few or no unwanted side effects.

ealga

Esther01 thank you so much for this! I really appreciate it.

SpecialK

ealga - you had CMF, correct? That regimen is not as well documented for causing chemo induced peripheral neuropathy, particularly late-onset CIPN, but that is not an absolute. I am wondering if you have some impingement in the neck or spine that is causing acute bi-lateral hand issues - you might ask for an MRI to see if there is something mechanical causing this. I did have some neuropathy almost immediately during chemo - fingertips, soles of feet, and my tongue, it was mild and gradual. I did take acetyl l-carnitine (daily recommended dose), B6 (daily recommended dose), and 30g of powdered l-glutamine (in three 10g servings dissolved in a cold, non-scidic liquid) throughout chemo. I believe this kept my neuropathy from getting any worse - it resolved between infusions for the first half, stayed for the last half, but resolved completely within about 90 days after last infusion. Wishing you the best, hope you get some answers and assistance.

ealga

SpecialK yes I did have CMF which I tolerated pretty well- my tongue and feet were mildly numb but that was it. The severe hand neuropathy started with the Anastrozole pills. I will look into those supplements - i'm taking none of that. My oncologist is very "anti supplement" but i will talk to her. My back is now about to go out - i have no idea if this is related to all the meds or if it is just bad luck. It just never seems to end. Thank you for your kind words!

Trishyla

Anastrozole affected me in the same way. Pain in my hands so severe I would wake up sobbing in the middle of the night. I lasted only three months before I had to stop taking it. It never got any better.

I still have to get cortisone shots every six months in my right hand in order for it to be usable.

Good luck. I hope you find relief soon.

Trish