Need hope: Neuropathy from chemo

It might be but see if you can look further afield. It is an excellent modality approved and often recommended by oncologists. It improves circulation, which raises energy levels and reduces inflammation.

@nana02 I hope some of the tips on here can help you too

I had a total hysterectomy in April 2024, a mass 8.cm found on right ovary. It was a rare Brenner tumor.
I have one more round of chemo out of 6 of Carboplatin and Taxol. The tumor was encapsulated in the ovary.
The chemo is termed preventative chemo to help kill any microspic cancer cells. Today is day 14 after the last chemo, and I am still feeling very tired, numbness in feet, knees and ankles swollen and walking is a bit unbalanced. I believe these symptoms are from a steroid prescription I was provided called Dexamethasone 4mg tablet. I had just about all the side effects listed on the fact sheet.
My question is. I have one more round of chemo next Saturday, and I am thinking about not completing this last round. Would it really make a difference not to go through the last one? I truly do not want to go through another two weeks like these past two. However, I definitely would not take the steroid again!! I do not want to be a quitter, but is it justified?

Connie

Hi Connie, I know it’s tempting to stop chemo because side effects can be so harsh. However, the medication has a job to do and that is attacking and killing off cancer cells. Some cancer cells can be elusive to treatment. So it becomes necessary to do a progressive treatment plan to snag all of the cells for a better chance of remission.

From my experience, I do know that it takes longer to recover with each successive round of chemo. But you’re so close to the finish line with having only one more round to go. I’d encourage you to follow through and get that last round. If you didn’t and by chance the cancer returned, you’d always be kicking yourself for not going the extra mile to better secure your future. Does that make sense?

Dexamethasone is generally given with Carboplatin to help avoid nausea and vomiting. It’s a fairly low dosage. If you think the Dexa is what caused the side effects you could ask your hematologist for another anti nausea med. The side effects may have been caused by the chemo itself. Many of the symptoms you’re describing can be caused by Carboplatin and not so much the Dexa.
So hang in there…you only have one more round and then you’re on the road to healing and recovery. It may take time to regain your strength, energy and stamina. Walking daily, even for a few minutes at a time, working your way up to a sustained 15 to 30 minutes can really make a difference in your endurance and attitude. You’ve made it this far so keep on going to the finish line!! ☺️

I truly appreciate your comments. You are most likely accurate. Today is better than yesterday, and tomorrow will be better than the next day! Thank you for your advice.

Don’t skip the last round. I faced the same and was given the option to reduce the dose slightly. Also took glutamine. You don’t want to always wonder

Thank you for the support. I will be meeting with my oncology team on Thursday to discuss some of the option of reducing the dose. I did buy glutamine, but not have been diligent in taking it every day. I will be better at taking that!

@clogfwc123charlotte, how are you doing? Did you work out a solution and way forward with your oncology team?

Yes. I have decided to do the last round of chemo, with 20% less chemical and no Nulasta, and no steroids! I am sure I will get through this!! Thanks again.
Connie

I am also on my last treatment of 8 but had to cancelled it because health insurance stopped because of my husband death SO I have no insurance period Working on Medicare but it takes time a long time SO be lucky and get that last treatment and then you are done and can heal good luck