Pins and needles

Hello Nina60 It sounds like you’ve not had an easy time of it lately. I’m sorry you’ve struggled with some of the side effects but good to hear they’re getting them under control.  

If you’re on the carboplatin/paclitaxol combination, the pins and needles could indicate some peripheral neuropathy. Do discuss it with your CNS and tell your team at your next visit. Depending on the severity of the tingling they may decide to reduce the dose. I had it mildly in my fingers, a bit worse in my toes. I had it for the rest of treatment. I was told that for many the symptoms gradually improve once chemo is finished, for others they have more lasting effects. Things did improve for me but I do still feel some tingling/numbness in my fingers and toes when it’s very cold and I’m nearly 3yrs on from treatment ending.

Do monitor how you feel and let your team know if it’s getting worse or if it’s affecting how you perform everyday tasks such as picking up pens, fastening buttons etc or if you find yourself dropping things you’d normally hold without difficulty. 

Sending lots of good wishes that the rest of your treatment goes well. 

The dose of one of the med has been reduced to 80%. That has made a massive difference to my mood. It was also reduced because of the tingling in my fingertips. It just seems strange it's only in one hand. I can still do everyday tasks without any problems. I'm right handed, but have always been able to use my left hand for everything other than writing as my mum was left handed.

She taught me how to do lots of things left-handed! I can sew with either hand now, but have only ever managed left handed ironing!!!! Cutting veg either hand. I know I'm just strange.