Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy: What helps get rid of it?
I finished chemo April of 2022
I have neuropathy in my fingers and feet. It doesn’t seem to be going away. What are treatments I can do to help get rid of it.
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Hi Colleen, thank you! I am not icing anymore during chemo: it was a torture for me. I will be on chemo as long as it works - or as long as I can take it. My oncologist suggested acupuncture, which I am doing (it seems to help very little so far, but I'll continue it). I don't think he can decrease the chemo dosage, he's just trying to avoid increasing it. I am wondering if there's any specialist I can address (neurologist maybe?...)
Thank you for managing Mayo clinic connect so well!! You are doing a great job, I think.
@chiara58, not sure if this will help with your neuropathy, but I had lingering feelings of toxicity for several years after my intense chemo…neuropathy symptoms, odd stiffness, etc.. I tried acupuncture, which did help a little. What has helped me the most is having regular massages. After returning to my favorite massage therapist after a lengthy absence of a few years, I mentioned how I was feeling. She explained chemo toxicity can remain in the cells long after therapy is over. She started with a lymphatic massage. I admit for the first 2 days after I was tired and felt like I had a chemo infusion! She had warned me that I might feel not feel the best for a few days. I drank copious amounts of water to flush my system. I swear this cleansed my body! Even my bloodwork improved since then. I finally felt whole again and continue with monthly sessions. I no longer have of the nagging symptoms I had before. Might be worth a try, having a massage with a certified massage therapist. If nothing else, it’s so relaxing. 😉
Thank you!!
Hi, Chiara - I did two rounds of carbo/taxol and have neuropathy in both feet and somewhat in legs. I find the worst is at night - not really much pain but a kind of restless leg and unable to sleep with it. My infusion nurse suggested gabapentin at night and that helps enormously. I do not take it in the day and do not know if that would be appropriate for you, but at night I have no side effects. It does not 'take it away' but it does manage it well, for me. I did try icing on my feet and hands but am not sure it did much. Only have numbness at ends of fingers - feet much more involved with numbness, pins and needles and sometimes some pain. Do talk to your doctor and nurses about the neuropathy - and the dosing and scheduling of your chemo! Best of luck and health - Kathryn