Numbness in right thigh after final ABVD treatment

Hi Kairen,

unusual one, this. I know that all chemo can cause neuropathy but it’s usually fingertips and toes, not a thigh. So yes, a discussion with your team seems to be needed. And a check of your back might be in order if they don’t think it’s chemo related, as nerve supply to your thigh is from the lumbar region of your spine. (I was an OT before retiring) 

hope you get some answers...

hugs xxx

Thanks Moomy,

yes they’ve said to see my GP first to rule out anything like siatica. Then if it’s nothing like that to call back and they’ll see if my consultant wants to see me sooner than my next appointment due on 4th September. 

Its just a very odd sensation at the moment 

thanks 

Kairen x

Hi again Kairen, I was reflecting on your post, remember I had NHL not HL and a different type of treatment journey but I did suffer long term pain issues. One of my arms post treatment was rather numb including the tingly fingers on both hands and on both feet.

It was put down to post chemo effects and just took time to clear up - lets look for this to be something simple and your body kicking back in some way.

It seems the numbness is meralgia paresthetica - a nerve in my back is being squashed and it affects the sensation on the skin of that part of the thigh. Likely indirectly linked to my treatment. I’ve put on quite a bit of weight over the last 7 months due to the chemo, steroids and being less active so this is likely causing the pressure on the nerve. 

I am also finding that I have a lot of joint pain. I did have joint issues prior to this as I have hyper mobility issues and most of my joints click and crack. However, my lower back and hips are particularly bad at the moment. I’m hoping they will improve over time however I have read other posts on here where many people seem to suffer joint and muscle pains even years after their treatment has finished. I think I’ll be asking my consultant at my next appointment. 

Always ask your questions so your team knows what is going on and they can put your mind at rest.

You are correct, some joint pains can take time and some commitment to work these pains out of your system. I go to a weekly cancer specific circuits class and it makes a lot of difference.

Hi Kaito,

at least that’s a plausible explanation, I did wonder if there might be a spinal nerve involvement from a ‘pinching’. Keeping mobile (but not hyper mobile!) will help here, as will weight loss (hard I know, I could do with that!) from the steroid problem they probably gave you with the ABVD. It’s good at helping then but bad with the longer term results it gives! 

Hope things improve from now on, but do look after yourself,

hugs xxx