1. < Cancer: Managing Symptoms

Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy: What helps get rid of it?

Posted by taxlady @taxlady, Jan 31, 2023

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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3740 | @3740 | 12 hours ago

Some have Pain. Some have No Pain. Some can’t Sleep. Some can’t walk. On and on.
THERE IS NO CURE. EXCEPT TIME.

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3740 | @3740 | 12 hours ago
In reply to @3740 "What is the BEST way to apply HEAT to my HANDS? Heating Pad. Water. ….. ?..." + (show)
@3740

What is the BEST way to apply HEAT to my HANDS? Heating Pad. Water. ….. ? @3740

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I have no problem sleeping 😴

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Mentor
Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | 1 day ago
In reply to @3740 "What is the BEST way to apply HEAT to my HANDS? Heating Pad. Water. ….. ?..." + (show)
@3740

What is the BEST way to apply HEAT to my HANDS? Heating Pad. Water. ….. ? @3740

Jump to this post

In the comment I referenced, @drcvs said she uses warm water.
My best friend with reynauds uses a rechargeable hand warmer, or in extreme cold rechargeable warming gloves.
I am more of a “numb it with ice” kind of girl.😁

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3740 | @3740 | 1 day ago
In reply to @auntieoakley "I also have neuropathy from chemo. I believe from the original flavors of taxol, Adriamycin, Cytoxin...." + (show)
@auntieoakley

I also have neuropathy from chemo. I believe from the original flavors of taxol, Adriamycin, Cytoxin. Then further irritated by the host of medications to follow. My solution to the ever increasing problem of how do I get to sleep with my feet on fire is the very opposite of @drcvs , I put my feet on an ice pack every night when I lay down with my book, when my feet are very cold, I go to sleep. I know it sounds ridiculous, but it works for me. Otherwise I lay there half of the night feeling like my feet should come with a fire warning label. 🙄I know they cannot repair the nerves, but this allows me to sleep and prepare for another full day of life.
So now we have hot water, and ice pack, any other tips out there?

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What is the BEST way to apply HEAT to my HANDS? Heating Pad. Water. ….. ? @3740

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2 replies
murray3 | @murray3 | 4 days ago

I too have/had chemo-induced polyneuropathy whcich I have extremely successfully managed and treated through the use of regular weekly acupuncture treatments provided by a licenced, certified, and accredited Doctor of Acupunture. Perhaps you may choose to explore/consider this option.

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3740 | @3740 | Mar 23 11:22am
In reply to @su8 "I admit to myself,there is no real help. Bless you" + (show)
@su8

I admit to myself,there is no real help.
Bless you

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AGREED

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raebaby | @raebaby | Mar 22 8:54pm
In reply to @mecha "Si es una sensación indescriptible.No hay dolor( por lo menos en mí caso) pero tampoco hay..." + (show)
@mecha

Si es una sensación indescriptible.No hay dolor( por lo menos en mí caso) pero tampoco hay dominio de los pies. No sé cuándo presiono y cuando lo hago,supongo estar haciéndolo con fuerza,pero indudablemente no es así,por qué el resultado es casi nulo.No hay sensibilidad,pero a la vez un pinchazo o pisar una pequeñísima piedrita descalza es una tortura.

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I don't have the awful sensation you get when stepping on a pebble. It' a good thing because being barefoot helps my balance. I do run outside barefoot.

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cmdw2600 | @cmdw2600 | Mar 22 12:31pm
In reply to @pmcgrevey51 "I’m in Az could you share where you went. My fingers are numb from all the..." + (show)
@pmcgrevey51

I’m in Az could you share where you went. My fingers are numb from all the iv’s I have had. I need some relief

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I live in Michigan. Ask for referrals from people you know in your area. If that doesn’t yield anything, some hospitals have integrative medicine departments that may have a practitioner.

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3740 | @3740 | Mar 22 8:54am
In reply to @cmdw2600 "I am jumping on the acupuncture band wagon. I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer..." + (show)
@cmdw2600

I am jumping on the acupuncture band wagon. I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) in 2019 and just completed my five year goal of being cancer free.

The neuropathy in my feet has not gone away. It is not painful, but very annoying-feels like there’s wadded up plastic wrap on the bottoms of my feet. Or sometimes like restless leg syndrome, but in my feet.

I finally tried acupuncture for the first time yesterday. It was such a wonderful experience. My feet feel about 50% better today and I will be going back for additional sessions. The added benefit is that I felt so calm and peaceful when I left and woke up earlier and more refreshed than usual.

The cost was $100 not covered by my insurance, but it was worth it to me.

Best wishes to all, Cindy

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Where in AZ?

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mecha | @mecha | Mar 21 10:10am
In reply to @raebaby "The day I finally quit driving I was out on the highway driving 8 miles to..." + (show)
@raebaby

The day I finally quit driving I was out on the highway driving 8 miles to my daughter's house. Suddenly, I couldn't feel the brake. I couldn't pull over to the side because I didn't know if I could stop. I went very slowly on and on, with everyone honking at old lady me for being so slow. I was so scared. I finally got to my daughter's house and coasted to a stop on her long driveway. I had someone drive me home in y car later that day and I never tried to drive again

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Si es una sensación indescriptible.No hay dolor( por lo menos en mí caso) pero tampoco hay dominio de los pies. No sé cuándo presiono y cuando lo hago,supongo estar haciéndolo con fuerza,pero indudablemente no es así,por qué el resultado es casi nulo.No hay sensibilidad,pero a la vez un pinchazo o pisar una pequeñísima piedrita descalza es una tortura.

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