Nerve damage from chemotherapy

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My first time on forum. I was diagnosed with bowel cancer in March and had a tumour removed in June. The biopsy showed a couple of lymph nodes had potential for cancer to return. I started chemotherapy in August. I had one oxaliplatin treatment intravenously and fourteen days of capecitabine tablets. After the first round of treatment I started getting pains in my legs I was unable to sleep. The chemotherapy was suspended and after several days in hospital and many tests, nerve damage was confirmed. I now have constant tingling in my feet and unable to put any weight on the soles of my feet. I struggle to walk around the house. The oxaliplatin was stopped and the tablet form is now continuing. Has anybody else experienced these symptoms and how did you deal with it. I’m due to see neurologist but hospital waiting times are horrendous. Hope someone may be able to help.

Phil

Kareno62 over 2 years ago

Negus hi Phil. Yes peripheral neuropathy is a common side effect of oxaliplatin although you sound to have been quite unlucky to have it kick in so quickly and severely. It can improve over time but there doesn’t seem to be a hard and fast cure.
Please mention your issues to your chemo team - the tablets alone can cause a similar side effect called palmar plantar which can cause the soles of your feet (and palms of hands) to redden and blister. I kept quiet in a bid to finish all my sessions and my feet feel like they are permanently sunburnt even now 5 years down the line.

Make sure you keep them well moisturised with udder cream or Aveeno with Shea butter and wear shoes and slippers with a nice comfy sole. Once your chemos finished you could maybe try something like reflexology to see if that helps? Hopefully your appointment with the neurologist will come through quickly and you might have some tips for the rest of us?

Take care

Karen x

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

Negus over 2 years ago in reply to Kareno62

Thanks Karen I will see neurologist on 29 November. I spoke to my GP. Yesterday he has upped my pregabalin. I have been using E45 on feet the skin isn’t to bad. I will update when I find something out, I feel like I’m completely in the dark about treatments or recovery. I’m quite active normally so it is frustrating not been able to walk twenty yards.