Help with Peripheral Neuropathy

Hello Nannie Poppins,

Thank you for contacting us here at Macmillan Cancer Support.  My name is Michael, and I am a Cancer Information Nurse Specialist. 

It is good to hear that you have gone into remission from your breast cancer.

However, I am so sorry to hear that you are struggling with various symptoms, and that you have peripheral neuropathy, as well as a recent diagnosis of osteopenia, following your chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and whilst you continue with your herceptin injections and letrozole.

I can only imagine how distressing it must be for you, after having completed your chemotherapy and radiotherapy, to be experiencing these symptoms.

There may be treatments your clinical team can prescribe, to help with the numbness you are experiencing in your fingers and toes, and they may also be able to refer you to a physiotherapist and/or occupational therapist.

The stage before osteoporosis is called osteopenia. Osteopenia does not always lead to osteoporosis. It depends on many factors.

Your clinical team may also prescribe one of the bone-strengthening treatments that are given to people with osteoporosis.

Sometime medications like Letrozole can cause some of the symptoms you are experiencing too.

We would strongly suggest contacting your breast care nurse or consultant to discuss your symptoms and explain to them how they are impacting upon your day-to-day life.

 As well as being able to help manage your symptoms, they can also refer you for a care needs assessment, to get you some additional support at this time.

Recovery, after a cancer diagnosis and treatment is often a very difficult and can feel overwhelming, both mentally and physically. Sometimes asking your clinical team for a referral to see a psychologist or counsellor can also help. Many people find this very useful.

I don’t know your location, but the cancer charity Maggie's offer a programme of support and workshops for people. They run a course called “Where Now” for people who have completed treatment.   

I have also included this link to help find local cancer support services.

If you experience any new, worsening or changing symptoms and you are unable to contact your GP or clinical team, don’t hesitate to call  NHS 111.

It may be of benefit for you to reach out to us to talk things through in more detail over the phone. We are here every day, 8am-8pm. This is an opportunity for you to ask us questions and have a listening ear at the end of the line.  

I hope you find this information helpful.

Kind regards,

Michael

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

Ref: MH/KM