Chemo induced Neuropathy

stoker - Yes, one toe, many, feet, up your legs, fingers, hands..... I went to a neurologist several times. She said it's possible it would get better over a couple of years. Qualifying that better means 'better' than the worst it was, but never back to where you were before the damage. I'm 7 years out. My fingers got enough feeling back to manage most things. My feet are totally dead - blocks of ice. Sometimes it creeps up my calves. The worst part is I have no balance to stand on one foot.

Many people have intense pain. I'm grateful that I do not. There are prescriptions for pain, but no other proven treatments. Some people try acupuncture but I've never heard a real success story.

I recommend the following thread. Lots of tips & ideas - heartbreak & hope.

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/69/topics...

I’m finding not wearing shoes helps with neuropathy discomfort. Maybe it’s because my feet swell as the day wears in. Any suggestions on socks that help with pain? I’m using OTC cream, just need to use it more frequently

Thank you!

Raleta - sorry you have to join us. If you go to "my profile" and post your diagnosis & treatment to date, it will help us relate to your issues. You will have to choose to make it 'public' for it to appear under your posts.

For the longest time last year I had to wear my husband's AllBirds to work, then take them off under my desk and put my feet on ice packs. The good news is that although I still have bad days with the pain, I am at least wearing my own shoes again, and the pain is more intermittent. I suspect my balance issues will take longer, but I have hope!

My TC was done in October, and my pain peaked (was on Kadcyla by then) in July, then with a whole lot of gabapentin and duloxetine and topical lidocaine got better over the next couple of months and is now manageable even at its worst. Someday I may even be able to wear heels again!

I am on both now, max dose (1200 3x a day of gabapentin) but now tapering down on the gabapentin because I am sleepy. Still working full time.

"Systematic Review of Exercise for Prevention and Management of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy"

"The 10 randomized studies collectively suggest that exercise is beneficial for the treatment and prevention of CIPN with little to no side effects. However, these studies tend to be either rigorous yet small or large yet simple and exploratory, with no Phase III randomized studies published or pre-registered. "

https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-03...

My last treatments were in 2013. I have mostly dead feet (think blocks of ice) but fortunately not much pain. I was walking 6 miles a day for the last year. It has not improved the deadness. But it's not any worse either - LOL

Hi , I am struggling with neuropathy after Abraxane. I had hoped it would diminish but 5 months on it appears worse or am I not coping with it as well?? I have been given Pregabalin, which has helped stopping cramps and spasms but my balance is bad and I still get the burning sensations and frozen feet . I try and walk everyday ,when I feel able. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your help cardplayer, I have not seen a neurologist yet , but that is probably going to have to be next. I will ask about compression socks and drugs and dosage. I cannot wear skechers [ not my foot shape] but live in trainers.