taxol side effects

[db1950]

I have had 7 treatments with taxol and hercepton with 5 more planned.  My doctor stopped the taxol when I developed severe numbness, tingling, and pain in my hands and feet.  Is this nerve pain permanent?  What can I expect?

[db1950]

Thank you so much for your response to my questions about my neuropathy.  It was very helpful.  Since I posted, my doctor has started me on Neurontin and I am hopeful that it will help.  I am trying to be patient.  
I will keep your tips in mind-being especially careful when using sharp objects!  Thank you again.  You made me feel better instantly

[Cheerpul]

The numbness, pain and tingling is called neuropathy.  This side effect can last for a relatively short time, or be permanent.  It has been about a year since my last treatment with taxotere (carboplatin and about 3 mos. since I finished Herceptin.)  We cut the treatments by two sessions due to the neuropathy.  My face was going numb, plus my hands and feet.  I still have some numbess and tingling, but it has gotten less over time and the numbness in my face is gone completely.  My tingling now is most often like my fingers are half-asleep and my feet are iffy back through the balls of my feet.

If you have a lot of pain, doctors often prescribe Neurontin, which often relieves the pain, but does not restore function.  You may get some help from health professionals (besides your oncologist) who work with pain management or diabetic patients, because they also often suffer from neuropathy.

One thing that I have noticed is that my feet do not like me standing for hours at a time and are in great pain when they get very cold.  Also be careful taking baths or showers because you may not realize how hot the water is on your numb fingers or toes.  And, watch when you are using sharp cutting tools.  I was peeling a squash (I work at a living history museum) with a knife last fall and cut right through the thumb nail and into my thumb.  It bled for quite awhile and even though I felt the cut happen, it didn't hurt much.  Now that was better than how tender it should have been, but it did show me how much nerve function was missing.  Watch walking on uneven surfaces, dancing and taking the stairs because your balance may be off when you can't feel your feet properly.  I am thinking of you.