Bowel Cancer

Hi 

Warm welcome to the club no one expected to to join.

This sounds like what is termed CIPN which is Chemotherpy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (info link)

Some here have found vitamin B supplements especially vitamin B12 helps with this but when this appears post chemo it's a bit like shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted.

PN will ease over time post chemo but can take several months and unfortunately may not completely disappear altogether; my wife still has slightly numb big toes and she had chemo in 2012.   Some chemo drugs are more prone to cause PN than others and you should have been asked to mention any signs of numbness /nerve damage and/or monitored for this during your sessions.  Not surprised it you weren't though as my wife was told nothing about the risk of PN from her chemo either 

If you type peripheral neuropathy into the groups search bar it should pick up any previous messages that mention it, as there may be answers given that may help you with this.  Also mention it to your GP as they can offer meds that will help with any pain or other issues the PN is causing you.

Hope this is of some help for now, G n' J

Hi ,

Just to encourage you whilst my mum has still got some neuropathy ten years later it is not bothersome like it was in the first six months . It has improved to a point it is not a focus in her mind and she manages around the fine finger issues it brings .

All the best ,

Court 

Dreamthief,

Many thanks for this info, I will look at starting B12 suppliments and see if this helps.

I understand that the  following treatments might help prevent neuropathy:

• vitamin E
• calcium and magnesium
• anti-seizure drugs
• antidepressants
• glutathione, a vitamin that is rich in antioxidants

Need to speak to my Consultant and GP on this see what they say..

Many thanks

Mynewlife1

Dreamthief

Many thanks for this feedback.

I will speak to my GP, when I get an appointment, on this subject

Mynewlife1

Any encouragement welcome.

Mynewlife1

Morning 

Yes, they are the types of supplements that may help with PN but as you mention, do check for any contraindications with any other meds you may be taking.

J was on Meloxicam (a NSAID non steroidal anti inflammatory drug) Amitriptyline and Adcal+ vit D3  Try not to overdo it though; you can have too much of a good thing (especially the calcium)

She found it can take up to 6 months to recover and get your normal healthy cells regenerated post chemo.

Good luck with easing the after effects from chemo (the gift that keeps giving)

G n' J