What are some ways to try to minimize neuropathy during chemo?

It seems a lot of you had better Infusion center than I had because no one ever suggested or recommended anything. I was told I would loose my hair but no one ever suggested a cold cap. While neuropathy was listed in the handouts as a side effect, nothing was ever discussed as to preventatives. I will admit I was a bit shell-shocked and probably didn’t ask the appropriate questions. Anyway, I did end up with neuropathy, predominantly legs and feet. Was told it should go away in 10-12 weeks post chemo. So even though mentioned at every visit after, it was finally after 5 months when I finally said “so at this point I guess this is permanent?” The recommendation at that point was alpha lipoic acid, 600mg twice daily. It actually worked over the course of 6 months. I still have a touch on the bottom of the left foot but that’s it.

I am just beginning chemotherapy Carboplatin and Paclitaxel weekly for 3 months. I’m using multiple sets of ice mittens/socks from Amazon and a Cold Cap ( available at my local facility) to help with Neuropathy and hair loss. I start ice 20 minutes before chemo, during and for 90 minutes after. Then I am walking 3 miles a day. (so far)) Fingers crossed that this helps. I will keep everyone posted. 🙏🏻🤞I do take my extremities out for a few minutes when they get too cold.

I kept them on my feet the whole hour, no issues. I could not tolerate it on my hands the whole time so had to take breaks.

I used ice mittens and socks during taxol and I had no neuropathy as well. Keep it up!

The instructions on my ice slippers said not to wear them for more than 20 minutes, and my Taxol drip takes an hour. The cold doesn’t bother my feet so much, so I just leave them on the whole hour. No frostbite so far, but they do lose some cold over time.
I do wear a light pair of gloves inside the ice mitts. I have wondered, if it defeats the purpose, but my hands still get pretty cold.
I just did treatment 6 of 12, and so far, I’m OK. Glad to hear of your success! I didn’t do the ice cap - didn’t think I could handle the cold on my head. Yes, most of my hair has left.

Yes, they definitely helped. I would recommend putting them on for taxol only (right after your steroids/Benadryl) and go to the bathroom first, as you cannot walk around in them. Also, you’ll want to wear a thick pair of socks/mittens to protect your skin, otherwise it’ll be to cold. They worked great for me. I do not have any neuropathy

Thanks.
Did these help? Were you happy with using them?

https://a.co/d/itcoUT7
These are the ones I used during my 12 weeks of Taxol

I bad 18 rounds of chemo. I used the ice mittens, booties/slippers and knit cap. Each one contained a gel insert that you keep in the freezer. You take it to your treatment in a small cooler and put them on a few minutes before your chemo treatment. The chemo nurses insisted that this was an important thing to do. My hands are good, I have a small amount of numbness in my toes. The ice cap might have spared some of my hair, but I lost a lot of it. Your fingers and toes will feel very cold. When it was too much I had to pull them out for a minute, but just a minute. I ordered from Amazon and do not recall the brand, but read the reviews and find some that are highly rated. A step well worth taking, in my opinion.

Can you tell me which mittens and socks did you order from Amazon?

Thanks.