Neuropathy

Morning Babs73, 

Thanks for getting in touch and joining our online community. I hope you are finding it a safe and supportive space. My name is Amy and I'm one of the nurses here on the support line.

It’s not clear if part of your question is missing Babs73.

Short fibre neuropathy, sometimes know as small fibre neuropathy is a condition that affects the small nerve fibres responsible for sensing pain and temperature. It is more commonly described under the wider term peripheral neuropathy.

Peripheral Neuropathy is caused when treatments like chemotherapy damage the nerves that carry messages between the brain, spinal cord and the rest of the body. For most people, the symptoms of cancer-related peripheral neuropathy will slowly improve when their cancer treatment has finished.

For some people this can unfortunately be a long-term side effect they experience, and it’s important to try limit further damage.

Protect your hands and feet

If you have peripheral neuropathy in your hands or feet, it is important to protect them as much as possible. You can:

• keep them warm by wearing gloves and socks in cold weather
• wear gloves when working with your hands – for example, when gardening or washing up
• use oven gloves and take care to avoid burning your hands when cooking
• wear well-fitting shoes or boots
• avoid walking around barefoot, and check your feet often
• test the temperature of water with your elbow before baths, showers or doing the washing-up. Turn the temperature control (thermostat) to a lower setting for hot water, or have a temperature control fitted.

If you are experiencing pain, it is important to discuss this with your GP or Breast Cancer Team as the usual over the counter painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen don’t usually work. There are different medications, creams and complementary therapies that can help.

Breast cancer now also have information about peripheral neuropathy you may find useful.

You can also post your question in our breast cancer forum and hear from other women experiencing similar symptoms. It can be reassuring to know you are not the only one trying to manage these side effects.

I hope this helps and please get back in touch if you need any more information or support.

Best wishes,

Amy C, 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:AC/ RH