As a writer I'm scared of peripheral neuropathy

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Zenmushroom
Zenmushroom Member Posts: 41
edited December 2017 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After

Hey everyone.

I'm a 29 F. Diagnosed 11/16. Stage 1. Her2 + Est + Proj -. Tumor size 1.8cm. My doctors want me to do surgery first, then chemo.

My doctor says my regimen would most likely be THC (Taxotere, Herceptin, Carboplatin).

One of the scariest things about chemo for me is the permanent loss of function of my fingers, since writing is my living, my passion and my dream. So here are my questions for you all:

What is the best way to prevent neuropathy?

Is chemo worth it (if I could risk permanent neuropathy)?

For those living with permanent neuropathy, how do you manage it? Can you still type on your keyboard?

Thanks everyone.

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  • Leatherette
    Leatherette Member Posts: 448
    edited December 2017

    I am just 5 weeks out from finishing chemo, so I wouldn't say I have permanent neuropathy, I did THC, and only got numbness on the very tips of my fingers (still there). My typing speed was not at all affected. I have to type a lot for work, and was also worried. They did stop Taxotere for my last round because I had neuropathy symptoms. It is hard for me to separate pieces of paper, but not a huge deal.

    The three middle toes on each foot got numb as well, and, while better, they still are. Not affecting my ability to walk, though.

    I used OPI nail envy the whole time, but did not do anything with cold to prevent neuropathy.




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  • Zenmushroom
    Zenmushroom Member Posts: 41
    edited December 2017

    Thanks Leatherette, that's good to hear.

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  • wrenn
    wrenn Member Posts: 2,707
    edited December 2017

    I’m sorry you are having to deal with this at such a young age. Not fair.

    I have neuropathy and I drop things and have trouble writing by hand (can still do it but it used to look artistic and now does not).My typing has not been affected. Like others it is more in feet and legs. Some people dodge it all together. I have heard that vitamin B6 and alpha lipoic acid help once you have it but not sure if it helps to prevent. Check with doc or pharmacy first. Pubmed is usually pretty reliable.

    I hope you avoid neuropathy and that that chemo is not too difficult for you. Take care of yourself and keep reaching out.

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  • Traveltext
    Traveltext Member Posts: 2,089
    edited December 2017

    You can avoid neuropathy in your fingers if you wear ice mittens during chemo treatments. I did.

    Ask your chemo centre from the get go if they offer this service. Basically, it's just a matter of wearing frozen mittens. They should have some replacements in the freezer for when current ones unfreeze.

    I see you were diagnosed a year ago. Have you not yet been offered chemo?


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  • NancyHB
    NancyHB Member Posts: 1,512
    edited December 2017

    I’m so sorry you find yourself facing these decisions at such a young age. I’ve had chemo with taxanes twice, and have minimal permanent neuropathy in my fingers and toes. I didn’t use any mitts the first time, with Taxol, but did the second time with Taxotere, and I really don’t have any issues. A little tingling and numbness in my fingers, but nothing that intereferes with or prevents me from typing or writing. Everyone’s different but if you take preventative measures you should be okay. Good luck

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