neuropathies with Taxol

I didn't have Taxol, but Taxatore, but I know that is also known to produce neuropathy.

Just a question - did you use ice-mitts during your infusion? They use them routinely at the hospital I was treated at, and they have cut the neuropathy rate down to only 10%. I basically held my hands in an icebag during my infusion, and had no neuropathy at all. Worth a try.

Also some people do 12 weekly taxols, so the dose each infusion is smaller - that may be another way to get some more treatments in. 

Good luck with it - Chemos the hard part! 

jejw,  When I had the first Taxol infusion, they infused it slowely over several hours.  Maybe they could do it slowly with you for each infusion.  I had the numbness in my fingers and toes also but it subsided after treatments ended. 

Barb

I had extremely painful unbearable nueropathy in my legs during taxol, felt like someone was bashing my legs with bats and shocking me with electricity to the point I was actually jumping  around. The only time during treatments that I took pain meds and had to leave work early. My oncologist reduced the next dose, but it was still as bad. I got a second opinion and this oncologist actually called mine up and read him the riot act for reducing my treatment, and then he switched me to taxotere (sp?). I did not have the same problem with taxotere, much better, although I still have nerve damage in my feet and struggle with my legs feeling jumpy at times, especially when its cold and then when it is too hot I have a lot of swelling in my feet too. Anyway I would ask if taxotere is an option for you. We all respond differently, but for me taxotere was a breeze compared to taxol. Also the new oncologist said that recent studies said it was better too. But more expensive or something so other had not got on the taxotere board for that reason, Do not know if any of that is true though. I would be concerned though since I was told that damage is usually permanent. Although I am not sure it was all because taxol and not also taxotere that caused all my nueropathy, I has gotten somewhat better 3 years out though. Good luck

According to wikipedia:

"The classic clinical syndrome for B6 deficiency is a seborrhoeic dermatitis-like eruption, atrophic glossitis with ulceration, angular cheilitis, conjunctivitis, intertrigo, and neurologic symptoms of somnolence, confusion, and neuropathy"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_B6 

I had the Taxotere and developed neuropathy in my hands and feet. No one told me about the B6 or the L-glutamine so I didn't take anything. However, my fingers and toes were in ice during tx. Regardless, my hands cleared up as well as my left foot. Looks like I have some (minimal) permanent neuropthay in my right foot. It's been over a year now. Would anything help at this stage?

That being said, jejw...there are many other chemotherapy possibilities as well as hormonals (depending on the cancer pathology) and radiation.

I think that the doctor may be able to come up with a good plan for you...many times, they can consult with cancer boards, etc.

tl

Diagnosed Stage 3C in January 2005...not dead yet...living cancer free in Podunk, MS 

I developed neuropathy right after my first Taxol (was supposed to have 4).  All my fingers and toes were horrible.  My onc switched me to taxotere with the assurance it is easier on neuropathy than Taxol.  I didn't believe her, but it never worsened at all for the remaining three taxotere doses.  It lessened considerably after all chemo was completed, but took about 6 or 7 months before I could really notice it was going.  Still have a bit in my toes, but nothing like it was with that first taxol.  That was a nightmare!  Wishing you the best,

Linda

I'm on taxotere and had a little on my left hand after the first round but got better. Might be starting up again now that I had my 2nd round this past Tuesday. My oncologist said if it worsened she might lower my dose. I have 4 more rounds to go of TCH.

I'm going to ask my onc about vitamin B6 next time.

After 12 weekly Taxol treatments in 2006 I had numb feet (felt like they were wooden, couldn't balance) and fingers (couldn't hold a pen well enough to write, kept dropping plates and cups) but some of that went away in the first year -- I can write legibly and I can walk on my wooden feet.  My fingernails and toenails are back to normal.  Haven't dropped things in months.

 So some of this may take time.   And some of it may continue but you can learn to compensate or just to live with it,

I did 12 weekly Taxol and developed neuropathy.  For me it was discomfort and tingling on the bottoms of my feet with some numbness around the toes.  My fingers also lost some sensation, but not all.  I dropped more lightweight things like utensils, paper, pen or occassionally I had to use two hands to hold a drink cup.  A lot of the symptoms have gone away except the bottoms of my feet.  They are still very tender and hurt when I walk more than 3 miles or stand too long.  I guess it takes time.

Dear KerryMac,

Could you please tell me the name of the hospital where the ice-mitts were used during your Taxotere infusion? I would like to get the same thing instituted at my hospital.

George