Taxol and Neuropathy
hello all,
I've just finished chemo/taxol number 9 .....3 more to go ! They nearly didn't go ahead with wednesdays treatment as I have pain in my feet and hands . It feels like my nails are coming off . Can't walk for long as my feet get very sore. As for my nails fingertips if I hit off something lightly it is very sore . They put me on lyrica which is helping a bit and also take tramodal for the pain .I am lathering on the organic shea butter and almond cream and have also bought clear nail varnish to try protect nails .
The burning feeling that I got at night has eased I can now put blankets on my feet !I know I'm nearly there but really don't want this to get worse ,
I've read about coolants and Glutamine ?anyone tried these or anymore tips .
I think I'm stressing !
S
Comments
Hi Nas27,
You might like to look at this older post on the subject of neuropathy:
Good luck
Kath
Hi there
Well done on being nearly finished with Taxol. Not easy but there is light at the end of the tunnel. I completed all my treatments last July including a year on Herceptin. I was on taxotere and had exactly the same problems as you, the neuropathy was awful. It is like trying to walk on hot coals when it gets bad. It does ease though and the Lyrica was a life saver for me becuase the pain was so bad in my arm and my feet , I spent most nights crying with the pain and could not have any sheets near my feet. Two of my toe nails fell off but there were new ones behind it so it wasnt too bad.
I still have neuropathy in my arm but I am glad to report that the pains in the feet have eased. The consultant told me that Herceptin and Tamoxifen can also cause bad joint pain - great news ( not).
I now take Glucosamine every day and it most certainly helps with joint pain so I would recommend it but please check with the hospital before you take anything as I was only allowed to start taking it well after all the chemo was finished.
If your nails are very weak try using Sally Hansen miracle cure nail polish, it defo works and I am still using it now as my nails are quite soft. The good news is that in no time at all you will be finished and you will feel stronger every day.
Sending you love and light
S