Severe Pins and needles - after treatment

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Hi folks,

It's been a while since I have been on the discussion group.  My colon cancer operation was successful, unfortunately, it had already went to my liver and lung. It was explain that because of where the tumours were in my liver that an operation was not possible. However, I was going to have chemo to manage them to give me as long as possible, although they might shrink enough to consider an operation. I started my first chemo on 19th March, but I had a severe reaction to one of the drugs, so I had to wait 4 weeks before I could start again.  The new prescription appeared to agree with me.  I was really lucky, I didn't have any sickness. I have a 'port', which means I don't need to get the chemo through veins in my hands or arms, another bonus.  I was connected through a little bottle, which I carried in a little handbag and after a couple of days I went into the word to be disconnected.  I did suffer with mouth ulcers, which made eating and drinking painful at times, very very dry and flakey skin, and pins and needles in my hands and feet.  Most of the side effects eased off, or went away just in time for my next chemo session.

To cut a long story short, the tumours in the lung did shrink, but not enough for an operation.  I have had about 8 weeks without chemo, so all but one of the side effects have gone. What is similar to pins and needles in my fingers and toes has stayed and in fact seems to have got worse. It's a bit like having small pieces of glass in the tips of my fingers.  I find it painful writing, typing, buttoning things is a nightmare and putting any jewellery on is almost impossible at times.  I get very frustrated and angry with myself.  I think this should have gone away by now.  I'm due for a scan this month and then a visit with my consultant to see how the tumours have been doing while I've been resting from chemo. When I went to get my port flushed I mentioned it to the nurse, who said to mention it to Dr Brown. She also said that they may adjust (reduce) the chemo slightly.  I would rather they didn't do this, so I am at odds whether to mention it. It was not as bad when I was having the chemo.

Has anyone had a similar experience?

Catherine

  • . Hi Catherine. I’m not sure what chemo you’re having but if it involves oxaliplatin then it’s probably peripheral neuropathy. This affects both the fingers and toes and feels like pins and needles. I started to develop it towards the end of my chemo - the soles of my feet were red- and they stopped my chemo (I had 1 session to go) It actually got worse after that and my feet still feel like they’re sunburnt - hot and swollen and a lack of sensitivity. It can improve over time for some people but it could also get worse so you may have to be guided by your oncologist on this?

    Hope the scan and appointment goes well

    Take care

    Karen x

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

    Thank you so much for responding so quickly.  Yes, I was on Oxaliplatin. My feet suffered too, not as severe as your experience and luckily, it did not stop my chemo. They were very red, cuts on my heals which took ages to heal. Your experience with your feet sounds horrendous. I was advised to soak my feet every night. I used different balms in the morning and at night. I purchased cotton socks and gloves to wear at night. I have continued to do this and my feet have improved.  I had problems with my big toe nails cutting into my skin, so as soon as chemo was finished I went to a chiropodist who recommended using  'Flexitol rescue heal balm'  twice daily and I have seen a a big improvement (apart from the pins and needles and sore feet after walking).  

    Take care

    Catherine X

  • Hi Catherine, I found the side effects of Oxaliplatin quite challenging. A tip for you re buttons (and  putting on a bra!): I found that if I filled a sink with warm water and immersed my hands for about 10 seconds, I then had  about 30 seconds to dry them and put on my bra before my hands became too painful again. Only a temporary fix, but sometimes it helps x