Chemo's parting gift: Neuropathy

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groucho2
groucho2 Member Posts: 51
edited November 2016 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After

I finished my last round of TC about three weeks ago. I've just developed neuropathy in my feet and some tingling in my hands. I made it through chemo with hardly any side effects, and just as I'm looking forward to putting all of this behind me, I get neuropathy.

It is pretty mild; I have some numbness in my feet. It feels kinda like I'm walking on sand. My fingers are tingling, but no numbness. I talked to the RN at my MO's office. I am scheduled to see my MO next Monday. I should know more then.

In the meantime, how do you deal with the numbness and tingling? Any hints? I know I'm lucky I don't have any pain (and hopefully will not develop any). I don't think that the numbness is progressing. It came on gradually over a few days, and then appeared to stop progressing. Should I worry about it progressing and getting worse? Can medication help with the numbness, or does medication only help with the pain?

I appreciate any and all comments.

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  • iz1999
    iz1999 Member Posts: 46
    edited November 2016

    hello groucho2, congratulations on finishing your treatment. I've have numbness and pain on my fingers basically since I started taxol, my toes are also numb, my mo, surgeon and mr have all told me that it will go away, well almost 3 months since I finished chemo and no progress yet, some days are worse than others, my nails are lifted and have to be extra careful not to hurt them. I really don't know if there is any medication to help with the symptoms, I've just been dealing with them a day at a time. Hope you get some answers on your appt. take care

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  • muska
    muska Member Posts: 1,195
    edited November 2016

    Hi groucho2, I don't have experience with taxotere but I had taxol which has the same side effects. I had mild neuropathy that completely went away soon after the treatment was completed. Based on what you describe I hope you will soon start seeing some improvements.

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited November 2016

    I had some relief from taking L-glutamine. Talk about it with your doc.

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  • JWoo
    JWoo Member Posts: 1,171
    edited November 2016

    mine was so bad it went to my shoulders and hips, and prevented me from getting my last taxol infusion.A few things helped me: biotin, l-glutamine, super hydration, and very gentle massage.

    I'm 3 years out and still get an occasional sting or inability to grip. But it did get better!

    Another thing that helps is learning a new skill that requires hand/eye/brain stimulation. Learning to knit was my daily exercise. It can be anything that requires you to concentrate and utilize hands and eyes in a new way. Pottery, wood carving, crochet, an art class,etc. it reconnects your brains communication network with your hands. It isn't always pleasant, sometimes downright painful, but it works.

    Best of health to you

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited November 2016

    Hi Groucho! Our main site has a section about Neuropathy where you'll learn more about the most common symptoms like tingling and numbness, and some tips on how to deal with them. Hope this helps a bit!

    The Mods

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