Peripheral Neuropathy

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Good Morning

Is there anything I can do to help with peripheral neuropathy?

I had womb cancer - hysterectomy April 2022. 4 cycles paclitaxol/carboplatin chemo May-Aug 2022 and 25 sessions of external beam radiotherapy Aug-Sept 2022. I was grade 1b carcinoma sarcoma with LVSI.

During chemo I started to suffer with numbness and tingling- fingers and toes. Chemo was reduced for 2nd, 3rd cycles. And paclitaxol was half dose for cycle 4.

My hands and feet have become quite painful at times. Affected by cold. Tingling, numbness, pain, sometimes shooting pain, Sometimes my feet have the feeling they have gone to sleep. Occasionally stumble when I stand up. General aching.

Hands - it is up to wrists- but fingers are most painful. Got some gloves for arthritis sufferers and they seem to make a bit of a difference. Although no arthritis.

Feet- toes are most painful, feet ache and feel heavy in lower legs. The numbness is feet. Aching below knees.

I know there is pain relief but trying to avoid if I dont have to.

I have just had check up and all still clear and they are happy with progress. They said the peripheral neuropathy is permanent.

I am walking regularly which does seem to help. The days I don't my legs do feel stiffer and more achy.

I have bowel effects from the radiotherapy but these are improving after following a lactose free diet.

Is there anything I can do pratically to help with the pains in hands and feet?

Any advice

Thanks

Jane

Helen K- Macmillan over 2 years ago

Hi jane2511,

Welcome to our online community. I see you have joined several of our groups and I hope you are finding them a supportive environment.

I’m Helen, one of the cancer information nurse specialists on the Macmillan support line.

I’m glad you have been given the all clear at your check up, but sorry to hear about your peripheral neuropathy and that your team feel it is permanent.

There is advice about how to manage your problem without resorting to medication online from Macmillan Cancer Support, Cancer Research UK and Maggies.

If you do want to try medication, it’s important to know that unlike most other types of pain, neuropathic pain doesn't usually get better with common painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen and other medications are often used.

Many of these medications may also be used for treating other conditions, such as depression, epilepsy, anxiety or headaches. If you're given an antidepressant, this may treat pain even if you're not depressed. This doesn't mean your doctor suspects you're depressed.

It’s good that you are keeping active and walking regularly to improve your symptoms.

I hope this has been helpful, please don’t hesitate to get back in touch if you have any more questions.

Best wishes,

Helen – Macmillan Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

Ref; HK / TT

jane2511 over 2 years ago in reply to Helen K- Macmillan

Thanks very much

Jane

Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

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Peripheral Neuropathy