'm sorry you're dealing with this. The toe curling, pain, and difficulty using your fingers sound very much like oxaliplatin neuropathy. Many patients reach a point where the side effects outweigh the benefit of continuing that particular drug, so it doesn't surprise me that your oncologist decided to stop it.

I can't speak to your specific prognosis, but I can tell you that many people remain on maintenance therapy for months or even years if their scans remain stable. In my own case, I have been on maintenance 5-FU for more than six years. My scans have remained stable, and I continue to receive treatment every 14 days. Everyone's cancer behaves differently, which is probably why your oncologist was reluctant to give a life expectancy estimate.

As for Cymbalta, although it is classified as an antidepressant, many cancer patients take it specifically for chemotherapy-induced neuropathy. Several people I've spoken with have found it more helpful than gabapentin for nerve pain, while others had little benefit. Unfortunately, neuropathy seems to be very individual.

One thing I wish more patients knew about is the use of cold mitts and cold booties during oxaliplatin infusions. Some patients have reported less neuropathy when using them, and there is growing interest in cold therapy as a way to reduce nerve damage from chemotherapy. While it may not help once neuropathy is already established, it could be worth discussing with your oncology team if oxaliplatin is ever restarted or for others who are just beginning treatment.

I have dealt with neuropathy myself and know how frustrating it can be. If Mayo is involved in your care, I would be interested to hear what Dr. Hobday thinks after your next scan.

Wishing you the best with infusion number eight and hoping the CT scan shows stable disease and that stopping the oxaliplatin gives your nerves a chance to recover.