Chemo induced Neuropathy
After my last treatment of chemo I ended up getting chemo induced neuropathy. After a while it went away. Now I think it is back again. Is this normal? My last treatment was on August 11th. Also, can it be just in part of you foot/feet? Mine are just in a few of my toes. Thanks
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Mine didn't come and go but it gets worse in cold. Have you been having cooler weather by any chance?0
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Sorry, mine isn’t bad it’s up to my knees, it never goes away.
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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...
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Mine was really only on the bottoms of my feet, and definitely came and went. It was pretty much gone by about a year PFC.
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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
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NsBrown - I'm going to recommend this comprehensive thread again. Seventy-five pages of good advice.
https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/69/topics...
You can buy diabetic socks that are looser. I can't go barefoot anymore because the contact bothers the ball of my foot unless I'm on a very soft carpet.
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Thank you!
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I’m sorry to say my neuropathy has been ongoing for me with moderate to bad days.
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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.
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Raleta1- so some days neuropathy discomfort is better / worse for no apparent reason? I’m having one of those days where a few of my toes hurt. Not all, just a few. 😱
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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!
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My oncologist wants to switch me to cymbalta from gabapentin. I’m taking 1200mg of gabper day and am still experiencing discomfort.
Has anyone taken these drugs at the same time and did you experience any adverse side effects? I’ve contacted my oncologist for guidance and sent them a suggested plan for discontinuing gabapentin, but it’ll take 2 months. I don’t want to be without something to help with neuropathy.
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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.
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I finally feel like I’ve got my neuropathy under control - gabapentin, exercise and ice seem to be keeping the burning pain away. Unfortunately, I have developed some numbness and tingling on the left side of my face and neck. I was diagnosed with facial palsy (not Bells Palsy)and prescribed Topamax. Has anyone taken this medication for neuropathy? Did you take along with gabapentin? What side effects did you have?
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"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...
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Moth - I have found when I walk (I try for 2 miles a day) the neuropathy in my feet improves. Not scientific, but it works for me. Wonder if others on this site have similar experience
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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
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Walking seems to help for me as well. I'll usually walk in half hour or fourty-five minute intervals. Strangely, cycling (indoor) seems to make it act up. It might be because I am stepping and putting uneven weight on the pedals?
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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.
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Sorry you’re dealing with this. Are you seeing a neurologist? Maybe you need an adjustment on dosage or different medication. I’m taking gabapentin- 1200mg per day split 300 in am, 300 mid afternoon and 600 at night. Walking definitely helps. I also did 16 sessions of acupuncture. Definitely helped a little bit. Unfortunately Medicare didn’t cover the cost. I also wear compression socks and have finally found tennis shoes that are comfortable. I am wearing HOKA Bondi 7. Read about them in an article about shoes for neuropathy. They’re kind of pricy though. Sketchers is another brand but I didn’t have luck with them. Finding what works for you can take time. Take care.
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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.
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