Nerve damage

Hi there, I noticed your post has not had any responses as the site is quite busy. I am sorry I cannot help you myself, but my answer will pop your post back on the top of the list again and I am sure someone will be along sooN.

Hi 

Very sorry to hear that you’re having nerve pain in your feet.  There are certain chemo drugs which can cause neuropathy such as the taxanes and it can be very debilitating if it’s not recognised early enough.  I have a similar issue to you with my feet as they feel numb on the inside but can feel like burning on the outside which is worse in the heat of the summer.  

I was very lucky to get referred to the pain clinic at my hospital who run one of the few clinics specifically on chemo induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).  They suggested a number of topical treatments such as menthol aqueous cream, lidocaine cream and lidocaine patches none of which helped me sadly. I moved on to Doxepin cream which has been amazing for me and takes the burning sensation away.  I was struggling to walk around the house at one point but after using the cream for a few months was able to stop and still not have any pain. 18 months down the line I’m walking 18 holes of golf three times a week.  My feet don’t however like to be restricted in shoes and socks so I try to wear loose slippers with toeless socks around the house.

They also gave me a course of acupuncture over 6 months and then taught me to self needle at home which I still do every week.  The acupuncture promotes blood flow in the area and the body also releases chemicals which are thought to help healing.  I’m convinced the acupuncture has helped me so worth a try.

I was also prescribed pregabalin and gabapentin tablets in case the topical pathway didn’t work, but I haven’t needed to take them at all.  Obviously it depends on how damaged the nerves are and everyone has different reactions to treatments. Nerves are notoriously slow in healing - I was advised it could take up to three years for the nerves to repair so it could be a long journey, however I hope you manage to find some relief.  Good luck!

Loffie x

Hi  I am 2 years end of chemo now and still have odd, hot feet especially at night round the toes. They feel swollen but their not. I know it's peripheral nerve damage, it might get better over time, I have just learnt to put up with it. 

Xxx