Peripheral Neurapathy

[pattie1218]

My Mom just had her 3rd round of Taxol/Carbo and is experiencing lots of tingling and numbness in her hands and feet. Its very bothersome and I wondered if there is anything for her to do to help relieve this? she has massaged it, and exercised, with no results. The doctors say its just from the chemo, and its temporary.

[pattie1218]

Thank you for all of your suggestions, it really helps, and I have to say that I LOVE this community so much.... you have no idea what it means to me to have people here for such wonderful support and to come here and ask ANY question I need, its just phenomenal. Crecco, thanks for the encouragement too, we have a Dr. appointment on Monday, and we will be talking about it. I dont really want to cut the chemo, as we are halfway, but maybe they can give her something to alleviate the discomfort. Maybe even the vitamin B6 as Judy has mentioned. (thanks Judy!) and also Thank you to Teresa!! I give Mom foot massages and I massage her legs and her feet and I also do her hands. she didnt like it at first as she "hates to be a burden" but I know she does really find comfort in it. and circulation is so important in keeping in at bay. she exercises her hands and feet and says that helps too. so thanks for the foot therapy suggestions too!!! I DONT KNOW WHAT I WOULD DO WITHOUT THESE WOMEN HERE!! YOU ARE ALL SO WONDERFUL TO ME AND MY MOM!!! THANK YOU !!
~PATTI~

[crecco]

The neuropathy is caused from the chemo. As Teresa said, for many of us, it does not completely go away. I experienced a lot of numbness an tingling in my hands during carbo/taxol, but for the most part, it pretty well disappeared. But it did take awhile for it to happen. If it gets to awfully bad, her Dr will adjust the chemo, but they would rather not. It is bothersome, but as I said, it kind of gradually goes away, at least to where it is not so bothersome. Tell her to hang in there, She is halfway through. And ask her Dr about it.
  Chris

[JC145]

I don't know if I would want to mess with the chemo, but I believe Vitamin B6 is also good for neuropathy.  Good luck and God Bless.  Judy

[pattie1218]

Teresa, Thanks for your post.  Do you think that it would help my mom with this neuropathy if they adjusted the dose of the chemo?  I have read where that sometimes that is suggested. We have talked to the nurse practioner and she said it was side effects from the chemo and that it should go away. Its really bothersome for my mom. Thanks for any help......

[Teresa222]

Most likely it is not "temporary." Many of us who develop neuropathy, keep it.  The symptoms may get lighter as she gets further out from the chemo.  Or they could actually go away altogether. But, most likely, all the symptoms will continue.  I take Neurotin for mine and it really helps alleviate the discomfort.  One thing I can recommend is having plenty of pedicures and tell the agent to give those feet a long, soothing massage instead of concentrating on her legs.  I've found a day spa that will give me 30 minute foot massages for $30.  In fact, I have one scheduled for tomorrow. Ahhhhh this therapy is wonderful!
Teresa