Cold Therapy to prevent neuropathy

@kmbori
I hope that you find these discussions helpful:

What are some ways to try to minimize neuropathy during chemo?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-are-some-ways-to-try-to-minimize-neuropathy-during-chemo/
Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy: What helps get rid of it?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/chemotherapy-induced-neuropathy/

I developed Neuropathy halfway through chemo. I found some gloves and socks with freezable gel packs online and used them for the remaining of my treatment. I can't say for sure if they worked, but it didn't get any worse and it went away all together about 90 days following my treatment.

@jnowling
thats good to know. Im glad your neuropathy cleared up. I will def have him try the cold packs. Cant hurt.

I tried the SUzzipad hands things, I think it helped. I didn't have neuropathy so much as cold sensitivity that was really severe and lasted about 5 days. The last two rounds of chemo, the docs decreased the does by 20% and said it wouldn't impact efficacy. I was done with chemo in September and there was some lingering neuropathy in my fingers. If I had to do it again, I would try the cold therapy with a little more devotion to it. As was pointed out, it can't hurt!

No one had suggested to my husband the use of cold mitts/booties during his first 6 months of chemo which is too bad as his neuropathy got extreme. He did start using them when chemo resumed after a break, but unfortunately the neuropathy continued to get worse and worse so that walking was very difficult, and use of hands for things like opening bottles or buttoning buttons became very difficult. I wish he'd tried the cold therapy from the beginning. But starting it late I guess was too late for his situation.

@sheridanb
Im so very sorry to hear about your husband. I have severe neuropathy in my feet - a few months ago I fell down the stairs because my ankle gives out on me and broke my entire ankle and didnt even realize it until 2 days later. I will try absolutely anything so my hubby doesnt get it. Even if I freeze his hands and feet off. lol.
A few supplements that I take are listed below. They are supposed to help with neuropathy - I have it from nerve damage from a spinal fusion - but it may help him.
*Alpha-Lipoic Acid
*Benfotiamine
*B complex
Im gonna try trumeric too.
Hope this helps

@kmbori
Yes, that neuropathy can be terrible. My husband fell a lot towards the end... not always because of neuropathy, but I'm sure it didn't help that his balance was compromised from lack of feeling. It really is amazing he didn't break a bone or two or three with his falls!
I'm wishing the best for you and your husband.

The neuropathy is severe in my lower legs and feet. In my opinion, there is no cure. I've tried a few supplements. Snake oil and a waste of money. Again, just my opinion. But one thing that helps me with the balance problems is walking at least a half mile as fast as I can with my embarassing duckwalk at the local mall. Every single day. And I've met some nice older folks like myself out for their exercise and that's a bonus. My onc. said sometimes it takes a year or two for neuropathy to get better. Been off Gemcitibine?Abraxane for about 6 months. But according to my last PET scan, I don't have that time. I wish any of you well with your supplements.

@kmbori I have neuropathy in my feet from previous back surgery as well. The chemo gave me a double whammy and affects my lower legs too. I wear compression socks up to my knees, use heated leg and foot air massagers, apply arnicare gel, ice, and I walk a lot. I wear ankle and foot supports to help with stability. I think the combination of things has helped, but it doesn't ever go away. I just try to minimize it.

@56pan
That sucks. Im sorry to hear that. My neuropathy is bad - from nerve damage from a spinal fusion. It truly does suck. Hoping yours gets better as time progresses.