Abraxane

Hi Missy01,

Thanks for getting in touch and a warm welcome to the Online Community. I’m Heidi one of the Cancer Information Nurses here on the Macmillan Support Line.

I am sorry to hear about the side affects you continue to experience after Abraxane chemotherapy.

Abraxane can cause numbness or tingling in the fingers or toes, known as peripheral neuropathy, you mentioned your hands are also painful. Abraxane can also cause aching muscles and joints.

Often the side effects of chemotherapy are temporary and for most people symptoms gradually improve once the drug is stopped, and the nerves slowly recover. However sometimes they can continue to get worse for a few weeks. This is called coasting.

It is important to let your hospital team know straight away about your symptoms. We would always advise with any new or worsening symptoms that you contact your specialist team, GP or NHS 111 or to be assessed urgently.

If you do have nerve damage the earlier it is diagnosed the better and so that right support can be put in place. This might include seeing a physio, prescribing medications that can help with nerve pain, or a referral to a pain team.

Your specialist team may want to rule out anything else that could be contributing to your symptoms and check you are recovering as you should be.

You could keep a symptom or pain diary to show your hospital team, specialist nurse if you have one, or GP.

If daily tasks or activities have become more difficult because of your symptoms you can also asked to be referred to an occupational therapist. They can assess your needs and provide any equipment to support you, even if temporary.

Dealing with the side effects of cancer treatment can be an emotional time and you might find it helpful to read our web pages about emotional support. You can also check our webpage to find details of support and information organisations in your area. Sometimes complimentary therapies can help to relieve side effects, and you may find that a local Macmillan Information and Support Centre offers this service. Do make sure with your team that any complimentary therapies offered are safe and appropriate for you.

I wish you the very best with getting your symptoms assessed and supported as quickly as possible.

Please don’t hesitate to get back in touch if we can support you further.

With best wishes

Heidi

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 email us. 

Ref/ Khe/HC