Neuropathy in feet after completing Chemotherapy

Folfirinox seems to get almost everyone with the chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).

It can get worse for a while after stopping chemo -- a phenomenon called "coasting."

After 12 rounds of Folfirinox, it took about 7 months for mine to fully resolve. My neuropathy was only tingling and decreased sensation (Grade 2) -- never painful or grade 3+. (Worse now after 25 rounds of Abraxane & Cisplatin, but still grade 2).

Vitamins B6 and B12 are said to help with the lower grades, but can actually make neuropathy worse if taken in large quantities. Foot massage, foot baths, and other comforting stimulus may also provide some relief, but time seems to be the key.

If the neuropathy is painful, there are pharmaceutical options that can mask it and reduce the sensitivity, but are not necessarily curative.

You can get a cream with ketamine + amytryptaline+ lidocane, or pills like Cymbalta, Lyrica, gabapentin, mirogabalin, etc -- probably from a neurologist or palliative oncologist -- if necessary.

During my six-month Folferinox treatment, after complaining of neuropathy, my oncologist cut the dosage of oxaliplatin, and eventually stopped it last February, before a new regimen of gemcitabine/Abraxane. Neuropathy is still there, somewhat worse, but I wouldn't call it painful - just numb and tingly. Massage and exercises have helped take the edge off. I developed a cold sensitivity in my toes accompanying the neuropathy.

I just started a break after 44 treatments with gemcitabine/Abraxane. I have neuropathy with numbness & tingling in my hands but mostly in my feet and ankles. Occasionally I experience stabbing pains to toes or ankles. Gabapentin did not help; Lyrica was not much relief either & I experienced swelling in my feet and lower legs which disappeared after discontinuing. Acupuncture, massaging my feet and ankles with lotion and foot baths seem to help some but most of this occurs at bedtime and then I take some pain meds which calm it enough to sleep. My feet get really cold; feel like ice, and at times are icy to the touch. Someone would make a fortune if they could develop something to alleviate this CIPN!

I saw lot's AD on EMS massager. It claim to help. I wonder any one actually tried it and did it really help?

I should not use the EMS massager due to my knee replacement. I was interested in it & did some research & was amazed to find that out from some customers who had purchased it & then found out. So, I will use my favorite frankincense & myrrh lotion & my hands 🙂

What your husband has is Chemo Inducted Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN). I had 11 rounds of chemo after my Whipple surgery for stage 3 Pancreatic Cancer. My chemo was completed in MAY 2019. The neuropathy unfortunately has progressed from a minor tingling to a burning, tingling and numbness. I have tried various creams, pills, and treatments with no real help. I am in the process of getting myself off Gabapentin which my neurologist prescribed. I don't like some of the side effects (weight gain and a problem with my vision). There seems nothing will work for this type of neuropathy. Walking helps. Good luck to your husband.

Thank you for sharing all your information. You are a brave soul to go through so many treatments. We wish you better times this year. I have ordered a foot massager and he’s using light compression socks now. For some reason his feet/ankles swelled last week. We see the Oncologist on Monday to review 3 month tests. That in itself is so scary. Life is so different now since being diagnosed last January. God bless.

Thank you and like you we are trying some creams, compression socks. Will be meeting with an Acupuncturist at end of month hoping this will help.
He does feel walking helps, but the mornings and nights are tough. I hope you too can find more relief. Thanks again.

Thank you for responding. He does feel it in his hands upon waking, but the feet are the worst. Wishing you easier times on your journey. Will let you know how the Acupuncturist works out. God bless.

Thanks for responding. I wish they had stopped the Oxaliplatin for him. Hopefully one of these home treatments will help. My husband doesn’t have the cold sensitivity in his feet, just painful.
He is, however, always cold even now after chemo treatments. My heart aches for everyone going thru these grueling times.