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Breast Cancer  (Expert Forum)
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Post Chemo Peripheral Neuropathy
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Cleveland Clinic - breast cancer
Cleveland - OH
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
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MedHelp Member's Question

Post Chemo Peripheral Neuropathy

by thezenmuse, Jan 26, 2008 10:51AM
My mother is in her 5th year of remission from Breast Cancer.  However, when she was going through her chemo treatments (in which she also had to have injections to boost her white blood cells), she immeditely started suffering from upper thigh weakness and aching.  During her injections and chemo, she was unable to sit on the toilet (her legs would give out about 10 inches above the toilet seat).  The condition improved over the years, but now she is having trouble getting out of a chair, stepping on to curbs, and she is shuffling her feet when she starts out walking after getting up from sitting.  She is blaming lack of exercise, or age (66) and is embarassed about this condition.

I believe it is directly related to the chemotherapy, and is getting worse.  Is this a common occurrence after chemotherapy?  What can be done to help her?  She is very healthy and I want her to have her mobility back.

Please help!
Doctor's Answer

by Cleveland Clinic, Jan 28, 2008 09:39AM
Dear thezenmuse, Without further evaluation of this symptom including her prior history of treatment, overall current medical condition, etc. It is impossible to determine the cause of her symptoms, and how much (if any) contribution her past chemotherapy has made to this.  A starting point would be to discuss her symptoms with her primary care doctor who can begin to evaluate her symptoms and to help determine the direction for how to best help her.

Member Comments (12)

by Callygraphcs, Jan 28, 2008 06:05PM
To: thezenmuse
As I approach chemo again! after having it late last year, the Docs speak of worry about chemo and post chemo neuropathy. It exisits. I know the taxane of family drugs is under discussion. Do you know if your mom had a taxane/taxol chemo?

by thezenmuse, Jan 28, 2008 08:08PM
To: Callygraphcs
I am sorry to hear that you are going through this again.  I am having my mom get her records from AZ from her oncologist.  She doesn't know exactly which ones she was on.  I do know that the timing of her condition was exactly when she began chemo.  She never fully gained use of her upper thigh muscles after that.  I will let you know if I find out which ones.  She also had the white blood cell boosting shots.  If I didn't know better, I would target them as the cause.  She didn't remember the name of them either.  When I get her records, I will research further.  I don't remember her doctors listing neuropathy as a side effect.  However, in light of the alternative, I am sure blessed that she chose to take them and is in her 5th year of remission.  While this condition is a real nuisance to her, we can work around it.  

All my best to you....

by patty1998, Jan 29, 2008 11:15AM
To: thezenmuse
During my last round of chemo, I experienced a great deal of weakness in both my legs, difficulty walking up stairs and getting up from a crouched position.  Very slow to recover the strength in my legs, still not 100%.  Interested to read about the 'shufflling' your mom is experiencing as I, too do the same thing.  I am active and excercise so my stiffness and shuffling is not attributable to that.  I do have rheumatoid arthritis and was assuming it was progression of the disease until I read your question.  Would be interested in the results of your efforts.  Good luck.

by thezenmuse, Jan 30, 2008 07:00PM
To: patty1998
Very interesting...I am curious to know when you first experienced it starting and how long ago was that?

by survivor_susie, Jan 30, 2008 11:21PM
To: thezenmuse
Hi,
I had neuropathy from chemo and then again from aromatase inhibitors.  My acupuncturist/naturopath suggested a specific vitamin B complex called "Nerve Support Formula," by WSN (Wellness Support Network.)  I got some.  Ohmygosh my neuropathy vanished. In 2 days.  
Occasionally, I forget to take it in the morning, and boy do I pay for that the next morning, because I can't feel my hands or forearms.
Best of luck to you!

by Callygraphcs, Jan 31, 2008 02:43PM
To: survivor_susie
What a great bit of info about the WSN. Thank you. I begin chemo again - this time TAC, or in my case, Abraxane (easier way to take taxane for me), Adraimycin, Cytoxan. I have not had AC before and I'm a bit nervous. I did really well with the Abaraxane (Herecptin and Carboplatin administered without need we learned after additional test results) My goal is to build up strength naturally between - with vitamins, minerals,macrobiotics, exercise, herbal teas & amino acids. Also meditation & some guided imagery. Once good news turns bad it's sometimes hard to keep it up.
Also, after a lumpectomy, looks like it's mastectomy after the chemo, then radiation, then hormone therapies.
Any advice about reconstruction vs. implants anyone?
I hate the wait after radiaition without a breast.  Thank you cyber suporters!

by Twocapes, Feb 01, 2008 08:05PM
To: thezenmuse
I am four years out after chemo (A/C) and on Arimidex as my tumor was highly estrogen positive.  My aches and pains are awful - especially my leg/thigh muscles.  My oncologist told me to stop the Arimidex for a week and see if there was a difference.  WOW - I could actually get up from the toilet without pushing myself by my arms!!  There was a huge difference but I elected to go back on Arimidex just because I want to give myself the best chance of non-recurrence.

by survivor_susie, Feb 02, 2008 09:00PM
To: Callygraphcs
About reconstruction/implants.  My personal experience might not be too typical, but I had implant surgery the same day as my mastectomy. Recovered from the mastectomy in about 6 days.  Felt fine. Then the pain started.  Two seromas which had to be drained every other day for several weeks. The implant had to be removed 5 weeks after the mastectomy.  2 1/2 years later, I still have to have physical therapy for the unresolved pain. Sorry to post a sad response; I'm so glad to be alive to complain about the pain, though!
I'm on Aromasin now.  Aches and pains are horrible.  But I'm alive to complain...: )

by survivor_susie, Feb 02, 2008 09:00PM
To: Callygraphcs
About reconstruction/implants.  My personal experience might not be too typical, but I had implant surgery the same day as my mastectomy. Recovered from the mastectomy in about 6 days.  Felt fine. Then the pain started.  Two seromas which had to be drained every other day for several weeks. The implant had to be removed 5 weeks after the mastectomy.  2 1/2 years later, I still have to have physical therapy for the unresolved pain. Sorry to post a sad response; I'm so glad to be alive to complain about the pain, though!
I'm on Aromasin now.  Aches and pains are horrible.  But I'm alive to complain...: )

by Callygraphcs, Feb 03, 2008 01:40AM
To: survivor_susie
Thanks for your tale... I'm sorry you have unresolved pain