Ice pack socks and gloves during chemo

Hi Mundesley2

I had my chemo (paclitaxel and carboplatin) in 2022.

I have been left with peripheral neuropathy in my feet, legs and hands/wrists. I also have some sensations in my lower arms. 

Mine started from the first infusion and despite reductions in doses it progressed. 

I did not know about ice packs for hands and feet. If I did know, I would have tried them. From my understanding they would do no harm although could be a bit painful- like the cooling cap. However I would imagine they would go numb after a short time. 

I did do scalp cooling. This link may help with info. 

(+) The Changing Faces of Cancer- Scalp cooling, Hair loss and Regrowth. - Macmillan Online Community

One thing that helped me- suggested by one of the chemo nurses- was to wear layers and bring a cosy blanket from home. With the scalp cooling you can feel pretty cold to start with. 

Good Luck

Jane

Thank you for the info. I will give it all a try. I do not want people to know I’m ill so trying to keep my hair would be good. It does sound challenging. 

If you can tolerate it for the first 20 mins or so, it is ok. I do believe it helped with regrowth too. Hair care is important and I put info in the blog. 

I would do it again. 

I asked the oncologist if I could take a paracetamol before cold cap and she said no as they wouldn’t know if I developed infection or allergic reaction to treatment. I think it’s a good idea maybe there is an alternative painkiller that wouldn’t lower my temperature. I will ask. 

I was told paracetamol was ok as long as I told them. Maybe worth asking if ibuprofen would be ok?

Yes it was suggested I took paracetamol before cold cap each time. 

I didn’t mind the cold cap at all but did feel very cold especially in the morning all over despite a wool blanket . I am dreading chemo 4 and particularly the struggles with getting the canuler in . I feel like asking for the most experienced nurse in advance . I take diazapan starting the day before for 36 hours to help me through ( 3 doses in total  ). 

Hi Beepeep

My veins weren't so great by my last chemo and they did have a bit of trouble. Asking for an experienced nurse is a good idea. 

Try asking for a hot pack to hold on the hand needing the canula and keep it on for 20 mins or so. Also I was told to let my arm drop to the side so my hand was lower than my elbow- this helped use gravity to get the blood to where she wanted the canula to go in. Opening and closing my fist a few times also helped. 

I did see some people were given some cream to numb their hand- it was put on and then covered for a while before the canula was inserted. 

I met a friend today who had the same chemo and she said take paracetamol beforehand for the cold cap. Also, she kept all of her hair she said. She said she would do it again. Wish you well for chemo 4.