Neuropathy in Hands and Feet

[Lisa_H]

I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, stage IIIC.  Had surgery on January 4, 2010 and then went through 5 months chemo ending in June (2-1/2 months ago).  Towards the end of chemo, I developed neuropathy in my hands and feet and it is still an issue.  I got so weak at the end of chemo, they skipped my last 2 treatments.  There are still times when I can barely lift a glass of milk.  I am still mobile but the hands and feet are so weak I am unable to really follow an exercise program.  I do have a squishy ball that I squeeze a lot to try to get some strength back in my hands.  Has anyone experienced this?  My hands and feet get numb and tingly and at times there is a lot of pain.  Is this normal?  Is there anything else I can be doing?

[francesca77]

My mother suffered from that and she went better after start Gabapentin
Good luck to you.  

[jennerfennerbenner]

meant to say If we can offer

[jennerfennerbenner]

My sister stage 3c doctors there.  Diagnosed in Feb 2008.  We have been so happy with her care there and her Dr. is amazing.  I would highly recommend her.  Dr. Galler.  I'd say she is in her very late 30's.  LOVE her!!  If you can offer you any assistance with her let me know.
Good luck to you!

[Lisa_H]

Hi Jenner - No, I doctor over in Marshfield, however my doctor has returned to New York.  My mother is trying to convince me to transfer over to the U of M or somewhere in the twin cities.  I just haven't made a decision yet.  Are you from the area?

[jennerfennerbenner]

Hi Lisa just noticed you were from Wisconson.  Do you happen to dr. in Minneapolis?

[Lisa_H]

Thank you for your help.  I had paclitaxel and carboplatin weekly from Feb to Jun.  I forgot to mention I am under 50 but now walk like I am 80.  I have no strength at all.  I am so grateful to be here and equally grateful to hear there is hope this will go away.  I have my first 3 month follow up at the end of this month and will talk to the doc then.  Thank you, both of you.

[jennerfennerbenner]

My siter suffered from that and after a few months it improved.
Good luck to you.  She was also 3c diagnosed in 2008

[gah_70]

Yes, neuropathy is very normal, especially if you had Taxol.  Most of the time, it is reversable, and just takes time to heal.  It can take up to a year.  In rare cases, it can become permanent.  There are a few over the counter supplements that may be able to help, like Glutamine powder.  It is an amino acid body builders use to repair muscle after a workout.  I would suggest you talk to your doctor about it first, though.  You never want to take anything that could possibly interfere with current medications.  Your doctor may also have some ideas for you as this is a common side effect of certain chemos.  I'd say the hand exercises with the ball and anything else you can do to build strength is a good idea.    

Congratulations on finishing chemo.  Hope you feel stronger every day.  Best wishes to you!

Gail