Neuropathy

murielwhite5
murielwhite5 Member Posts: 78
edited January 2016 in Pain

Hi everyone, Its one year since I finished chemo (4 rounds) but for the last couple of months I have been having problems with my feet. They often feel like they are on fire and they tingle. When they are really bad I shuffle along as they are so sensitive. I get many electric shocks as well. I saw a Podiatrist and asked him about neuropathy and he said the nerves in my feet were good and he didn't think it was neuropathy. I asked my doctor at my last appointment and he said it will go away!!! However, it hasn't and it has got worse. Looks like neuropathy to me, any other suggestions? Love Muriel

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2015

    Hi muriel, first Im REALLY sorry every time I hear of anyone who has to put up with this diabolical condition. You don't say what type of chemo you've done, but it's a well known fact the taxanes can cause neuropathy. That said, I did 4 rounds of FEC and my PN (peripheral neuropathy) got worse. I had PN before BC though. Even though there are different types of neuropathy, those symptoms you describe are pretty much par for the course. I had nerve conduction tests. Maybe you need to press for a nerve conduction test? If your doctor won't listen, maybe its time for a second opinion. You shouldn't have to put up with this. From what I can remember some peoples chemo induced neuropathies can get less over time although others not. All the best for you getting this sorted. Its a horrible debilitating condition. I take gabapentin (Neurontin).

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  • hugz4u
    hugz4u Member Posts: 2,781
    edited October 2015

    I was on taxotere maximum strength that could be given for my weight size. I got nerve damage in feet and hands but it went away within 6 months. I did take gabapentin for a short while which was my saviour.

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  • murielwhite5
    murielwhite5 Member Posts: 78
    edited October 2015

    Hi Musical, Thanks for your reply. I had Docetaxel and Cyclophosphamide chemo. I believe that Docetaxel is a taxane. I was sent some info from the Cancer Council on peripheral neuropathy. It states that there is no cure or treatment available however there have been trials using duloxetine which is an anti-depressant which shows great promise. It also says "Peripheral neuropathy affects 20 - 30% of patients treated wit taxanes and platinum-based chemotherapy, with a spectrum of severity that can affect such daily activities as walking, working, sleep patterns and mood. Although many patients may experience manageable numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, others find peripheral neuropathy chronic and debilitating" "CIPN (Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy) may continue for months or even years after treatment is stopped and may worsen over time". Thanks for your input. Love muriel

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2015

    Muriel, thanks for the heads up on duloexitine. Im in NZ so quite often whats going on in Oz is similar to us. In any case I'll be looking it up. Years ago I was told there is no cure for PN. Burning feet is the pits. I also get tingling but compared to the rest that's the least bothersome. One fairly recent addition I can add is stabbing pains. Thankfully they don't last for long, but they are intensely painful. I take a minimal dose of gabapentin so it only just takes the edge off. Any significant walking is absolutely out for me other than first thing in the morning, though I have a bit more flexibility in the winter as summer is much worse. Also my feet will oscillate between burning hot and ice cold. For some strange reason I found gabapentin actually made the cold side of that more pronounced. I never thought I'd hear myself say it, but I'd sooner that than hot feet, which for us means BURNING. Let me know how you go. I always feel for people with this horrid condition and I'm always on the lookout for something new that fixes it.

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  • Chaz
    Chaz Member Posts: 2
    edited November 2015

    Hello Muriel,

    After my chemo with taxotere I also had very sore feet and legs. I started taking a magnessium supplement and the pain stoped within 2 weeks. Ask your doctor if its ok for you to take it.

    Good luck.

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  • wirdgirl118
    wirdgirl118 Member Posts: 231
    edited January 2016

    what the cancer treatment does to our nerves is complicated so many doctors rely on what is generally reported but one size doesn't fit all, and we have to stand up for ourselves then to get taken seriously andto get pain relief, which is not what I feel like doing when I'm in pain.

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