Chemotherapy with Neuropathy Side Effects

i had 3 rounds of cisplatin and 32 rounds of radiation, this had ended at the end of july. 2 months later i have had numbness of my my feet and toes, burning sensations, it is however getting better, i still have ringing in my ears also. My ono says its the chemo, and should not be perminate.
Joe

I have just started on taxol and gemzar. I have had numbing in my finger tips. I
also had bad leg cramps (charlie horse type) one night, repeatedly.And miscellaneous muscle/joint pains and spasms. I plan to report all this to my dr. tomorrow. I had cisplatin before and didn't have neuropathy issues just blood count issues. mssmr

Hi Karen,

Finishing august 2007 I did 18 weeks of Cisplatin/Genzitabin Chemo therapy.
It sure was unpleasant and I got more and more sick as the therapy went on.
I to ended up with numbness in my feet, and a little numbness in my little fingers.

I been told it’s a permanent damage, but still hope that it somehow will get better.
If anyone experinced the same problem, and did get better, or found out something that had effect on this, I would really like to learn about it.

Jan

My husband has a history of rheumatoid arthritis, and some neuropathies in his feet already, so the chemo doc decided on a different drug. He is getting Carboplatin, instead of Cisplatin, and Gemzar on the first week, then Gemzar on the second, and the third is off. The doc said the Carboplatin might be less of a problem with neuropathy.

Of course, I must add that he's had his second round interrupted by a blocked ureter, and he's now got a nephrostomy tube coming out his back, to help his left kidney. We get it scoped next week, when we re-start the second round.

I think this is a good thread. Let's learn more!

Stephany in Iowa

Aimeth,

I am so sorry that your husband is having such a hard time. This Chemo is so hard isn't it? My husband too suffers from the severe stomach pains. They haven't found anything that really helps. He is on a Fentanyl Patch and Diladid. This is the combo they decided on after a lot of trial and error. He also take Promethazine 25 mg every four hours, and/or Lorazapam (Ativan)1 mg every four hours for nausea.

This Neuropathy is the latest on our journey. It really makes it difficult to keep your balance when you cannot feel your feet. My husband is also very weak. He fights through it though. We have two little ones still at home, it gives him a reason to get out of bed in the morning, otherwise I bet he wouldn't try as hard. There doesn't seem to be much that can be done about the nueropathy...that we have found anyway...but if you hear of something PLEASE let us know...

We had a great Thanksgiving. I was able to find comfortable spots all around the house for him. I wanted to make sure that wherever there was a gathering of people he could also join in. I had a soft padded rocker out on the back patio, a wing back chair for him at the table, and various other "soft places" around. This made the day so relaxing. He was actually out of bed for 15 hrs yesterday. That is a record for him. I know he was pushing it, because it may be his last Thanksgiving(we both had it in our heads but neither one of us spoke about it). There were still emotional times during the day...but overall a great time to be had for all!
I hope you were able to find some time to enjoy your Thanksgiving also.

Thanks for sharing with me how this side effect is common. That is one of the best parts about this forum. "Knowing that you are not the only one" especially when this disease isolates you so much at times.

Here's hoping for a Great Christmas too!

Karen

Hey Karen, My husband just started complaining of numbness on his feet as well. I was wondering if you were able to do something to help your husband feel better. My husband just got out of the hospital on Tuesday and is feeling very, very bad. Stomach problems, superficial blood clots on his left leg and now this. He was also having severe pain on his legs due to Neulasta. He is on MVAC and next week is the last round of the 2nd cycle. They had to skip chemo this week because he is too week. I don't think he can tolerate any more chemo. It is too hard on him. He is really suffering I hope is working. Thanks, Aimeth