Chemo induced peripheral neuropathy

Hello....I can really sympathise as the taxotere did the same to me sadly with permanent nerve damage. I can understand how painful it feels. Is the skin on your feet burning too? 

There aren't many other treatments other than the gabapentine. I find now that the problem flares up and then eases down so I try to reduce the dose then so that I can increase it when it is worse. You didn't say how long you have had these problems. Mine didn't improve for months and in fact I needed back surgery to release pressure on the sciatic nerve which was making the foot neuropathy worse. The neuro surgeon referred me to neurology when he had finished and that was when the nerve tests were done in conjunction with blood tests. The blood tests showed a deficiency in B12, B6 , B1 and zinc. This is all connected to the neuropathy.  I now take these regularly. They have helped gradually with the pain management. If you haven't been tested for these, ask about them.

I'm sorry I can't offer more hope. I still get a lot of numbness, cramp, foot burning, finger pain but I am used to it, so it becomes manageable. 

It will be interesting to see if you get other suggestions from other sufferers.  My neurologist says he sees many patients who have had chemo but oncologists are often reluctant to take responsibilty and admit the permanent damage.

Take care. Thinking of you.

Hi Mandi 

I too can sympathise as I had terrible pain in my feet following Paclitaxel a few years ago.  Please see an old post below which detailed my journey and what helped to relieve the pain.

 Chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy 

Although over 2 years down the line the balls of my feet are still numb, I no longer get the burning pain, no longer use any cream and am walking and playing golf 3-4 times a week.  Just to say with the right support, things can get better.  But I totally understand what you’re going through right now as the foot pain and burning also brought me to tears as it was so debilitating.

I hope you’re able to get some support from your team and find some relief.

Loffie x

Hi, thanks for replying. I take vitamin b6 supplements currently and have 3 monthly b12 injection. I will ask about the others when I see my consultant on Tuesday. Sending you best wishes too. ️ 

It's good to hear of people getting through it as it's awful. Your story gives me hope. Thankyou xx

Hi there,

I just wanted to reach out because I’ve been through something very similar with chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy, and I know how isolating and overwhelming it can feel. Gabapentin was a game-changer for me, though it took some time to find the right dosage. I always ordered Gabapentin from them - delivery-service24.com/buy-neurontin-uk.html, every time fast delivery and, most importantly, an effective drug. I started at a lower dose and worked my way up to 900mg as well, and that’s when I began to notice some improvement. It didn’t take the pain away completely, but it dulled the sharpness and made it more manageable.

What really helped me beyond medication was a combination of other approaches. I found gentle foot massages with a cooling gel to be soothing, even if just for a short time. I also used a foot roller to stimulate circulation, which seemed to lessen the burning sensation. I started practicing mindfulness meditation, focusing on breathing through the waves of pain—it was hard at first, but it gave me a sense of control over my emotions, even if I couldn’t control the pain entirely.

Mentally, talking to someone—a therapist or even a trusted friend—made a huge difference. I realized that dealing with the physical and emotional toll of neuropathy isn’t something you should face alone. If you haven’t already, maybe look into connecting with a support group. Just hearing other people share their stories can be so validating.

Please hang in there. This is an incredibly tough road, but you’re not alone, and there are ways to make things a little easier, step by step. Sending you strength and understanding!