Peripheral Neuropathy Post Chemo

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Hi everyone,

I'm 10 years on in my treatment and finally came off my anastrozole in January and I am feeling good.

However! I still have what I believe is peripheral neuropathy in my toes. I remember experiencing foot pain and toe numbness after my first chemo and my doc offered to reduce the chemo but I said no and carried on as normal.

I recently went to have a biomechanics assessment at a podiatrist, as my balance is a bit off and she discovered I had no knee reflexes. I saw my GP, no ankle reflexes either! Of course I had a little spin as it can indicate neurological disease or can mean nothing significant.

I am wondering if it is the peripheral neuropathy. I read some studies relating chemo to loss of reflexes but not 10 years after treatment. It's quite a random finding as not routinely tested, has anyone else had loss of reflexes?

My GP is going to review me in 3 months and I may get a neuro referral for further tests.

I hope everyone is doing okay.

Karen. x

Lacomtekp 1 hour ago

Hello,

Chemo caused my peripheral neuropathy. Like you , I was having treatment 10 years ago. I expect your doses were like mine....3 x EC and 3 x a taxotere. Reducing the doses to weekly and even offering 80% were less common then. I think oncologists have now recognised the damage the chemo could cause whilst actually destroying the cancer cells effectively. In my case the nerves in my feet have been destroyed. I have no reflexes at the ankle or lower leg. I do still have them at the knee although they're not strong. I see a neurologist every six months. Once a year he performs an electrical test to determine any further deterioration. Thankfully that part is slow. I take B12, B1 and B6 plus up to 1300g of gabapentine daily. I'm not sure what they do but although I am aware of the neuropathy.....burning soles of feet, freezing uppers, aches, skin peeling, leg cramps, numbness........they are all at a level I can manage. I have got used to them as a ' norm' and only think about it when someone mentions it.

My advice to you.....insist you see a neurologist and if he doesn't suggest it, ask for the tests that will give a complete picture of any damage. If there is none....great. If there is, they won't restore your reflexes but the treatments will slow further develop and make things more comfortable for you.

I hope you get results soon but isn't it good to be ten years without cancer?

Take care.

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