Neuropathy after surgery/radiation but before anastrozole

Posted by jig4891 @jig4891, Apr 23 10:23am

I've seen many posts about neuropathy as a side effect of AIs, however, my foot pain (burning sensation) started about 4 months after I completed my radiation, but before I started taking anastrozole (it did get worse after starting it). I am just wondering if the cancer itself or the early treatments may have contributed to this new pain. I am not diabetic, nor an alcoholic, and my B12 looks good. My NP thought it could've been caused by radiation but my radiation oncologist said it was very unlikely. Thanks in advance.

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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | 1 day ago

@jig4891, radiation can also cause neuropathy. It is referred to as radiation-induced peripheral neuropathy (RIPN). Neuropathy can also be caused by other factors unrelated to cancer treatments like:
Health conditions that can cause peripheral neuropathy include:
- Autoimmune diseases
- Diabetes and metabolic syndrome
- Infections.
- Inherited disorders
- Tumors
- Bone marrow disorders
- Alcohol use disorder
- Exposure to poisons
- Medicines
- Low vitamin levels

In some cases, no cause can be identified. This is called idiopathic peripheral neuropathy. Read more here: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352061

How have you been managing the burning sensation?

dlmdinia | @dlmdinia | 13 hours ago

I'm going to agree with Colleen. I have chemo induced neuropathy. Symptoms in my fingers started within a few weeks of beginning chemo, and about 3 months in (of 5) became apparent in my feet. I don't know that it would start 4 months after ending treatment, but I'm not a doctor. I also had 33 radiation treatments and noticed no worsening of symptoms.

mistymar | @mistymar | 7 hours ago

I had neuropathy after chemo. Luckily just feet and legs. Didnt seem to worsen with radiation but wouldn’t go away even though I was told usually resolved in 10-12 weeks. Finally after about 7 months I asked if this would be permanent. At that point, he told me to try Alpha lipoic acid, 600mg twice daily. Did for 5-6 months this and for me it helped resolve about 90%. Only residual is bottom of feet which are numb and tingly most of the time.