L-glutamine for Chemo related Neuropathy

I finished my chemo in April. For the past couple of months I have been using red light therapy for my neuropathy, which is on my feet. I do it for 10 minutes, 5 times a week, but everyone will make their own schedule. I had to buy the system. I don't remember the exact cost but it was approx $300. But so worth it.

I had 12 rounds of folfirinox followed up by radiation and my neuropathy got pretty bad, especially in my feet. My oncologist recommended no supplementation until I had completed all treatment. Shortly after completion a year and a half ago I started a variety of supplementation to help me regain my health but it wasn’t until about two months ago I decided to target the neuropathy. I’ve been taking ALA and NAC daily. I’m not sure how well it is working but my neuropathy is less bothersome. I’ve had less cramping in my toes and more mobility. Still have the tingly sensation. The other side effect is that my energy level shot through the roof. I think it has to due with the beneficial effects these two supplements synergistically have on glutathione production.

To deal with my chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy, I receive regular weekly manual and electro-acupuncture treatments; the results of which have been phenomenally positive. Perhaps you might wish to give this a try.

Red light therapy is a new idea to me. Here are some questions:
Is the red light something that you sit close to or does it actually touch your skin?
Does it feel warm?
Do you expose the bottom of your feet and then the tops to the light?

murray3,

The Electro-acupuncture sounds like a great addition to neuropathy treatment. Where do they place the acupuncture needles for hand and foot neuropathy? I am thin and missing my omentum so worry about acupuncture piercing an organ.

johnsmith1580,
It is wonderful you are responding to supplement therapy. Can you share the dosage you take for the ALA and NAC? How long did it take for you to feel an improvement?

The red light box should be placed about 12 inches from the soles of your feet. It does not touch your skin. It feels a little warm.

Hi beebe,
I developed chemo-induced neuropathy in both my feet and fingers. The neuropathy in my fingers greatly resolved on its own over the past year and a half with some lingering effects. But my feet did not seem to be getting any better with the problem starting just below my knees. I started taking 600 mg of R-Alpha Lipoic Acid and 600 mg of N-A-C Sustain about two months ago and have only recently been noticing what seems to me an improvement. The sensation in my calves has mostly returned to normal and my feet are less bothersome but still far from recovered. The neuropathy in my fingers I now consider resolved at about 90+% recovery. I used ChatGPT to help me put together the regimen I am following. I've attached a pdf of the protocol and rationale behind it. I asked for a science-supported, safe, progressive protocol I could ease into over time. It advised that it could take about 5-6 months before significant improvements, if any, and that any benefits would likely level off after about two years. I hope this helps.

Johnsmith1580,
Wow!! I am so impressed with the Neuropathy Supplement Regimen. This is what I wish Doctors would do for us. I did not realize ChatGPT was so helpful and thorough. It even gave you name brands for each supplement too, amazing! I will reread it and add to my supplements and maybe look into a TENS unit. My oncologist said they do not work, but he is not into supplements or therapies beyond Chemo.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share this information, I am sure it will help many others too:)

Petespal2021,
How long did it take for you to notice improvement in your Neuropathy from the red light box therapy?