Chemotherapy and Peripheral Neuropathy

I finished chemo 49 months ago and suffered from PN in my feet and hands. (I had total hysto, chemo, 6 weeks radiotherapy and 3 doses of brachytherapy) I too started getting symptoms of PN about the 3rd session of chemo. I was given pregabalin and it helped. I still do have some problems, and I found that voice recognition software is a big help in my work. It's important also to get a good keyboard for typing. It's made for some hilarious typing errors when I can't feel if I've pressed the space bar enough.  (I'm a vicar, so I tend to write a lot!). I find wearing photographers partial finger gloves and long-sleeved tops helps in the winter, as does keeping my feet warm in thermal socks and fleecy lined footwear. I've refused to give up lace knitting even though I get some weird results. All of this is so much to cope with, so please be kind to yourself; don't berate yourself. Ask for help if you need to. Don't compare your recovery to anyone else's. We are all individuals. And most of all, even though having a positive mental attitude is a big help; you are allowed to say how you feel when things are not going so well and when you feel frustrated, despairing or angry.

Barb just to let you know we are all sending you positive thoughts and love-you have supported us so it’s our turn to support you when you are not feeling so well.  Hope your scan result will be good news for you.  Take care xx

Hope you feel a bit better soon Barb - and everything crossed that the CT scan will show good results.

Peripheral Neuropathy is my main side effect too - it is worse in my feet than in my hands though.  I love the image that BB with the bucket conjures up!  Take care xx

I haven’t had chemo MrsBJH Barb, but I have heard about PN and it must be so frustrating for you. Voice recognition software is getting better, so I hope you find that useful. How is your sleeping going? I have heard some struggle with sleep yet exhausted, but there is lots of useful apps nowadays for meditation and relaxation in general. Your fingernails growing so fast I have never heard that before, I assume it’s something to do with chemo?

Get plenty of rest and i hope your scan results are good, sending some gentle bear hugs  your way.

Hi Barb,

I hope you are feeling better soon and you get good results from your CT scan. I will keep everything crossed for you. Sending you lots of love and best wishes.  Sylvia xx

Thank you . as I'm a champ here in this group I feel I'm not doing my bit at the 'mo! I might look into the voice recognition software but fingers crossed this is only a temporary setback. The tablets I have start with one daily for a week, 2 daily the second week and 3 times daily thereafter.

My feet haven't been affected too much, but being out in all weathers with dogs invested in heat-holders socks years ago

Thanks for your kind reply, hugs, Barb xx

Hi GBear I was under the impression my nails would crack and split rather than grow like talons LOL. TBH I worry in case the dog's lead goes in the opposite direction and my nails go with it UURgh!

Hugs, Barb xx

Hi Barb, how are you getting on with chemo? Really hope you are doing okay. Keep thinking about you xxx

Hi Bella H. I'm doing really well TBH. I do have a couple of days (day 8 & 9 after chemo) when I feel queasy and wobbly. Once that's over I feel fine. Still walking 3-5 miles daily (except those days) and I think that's why I'm doing so well. I do have the peripheral neuropathy which might be permanent, hopefully not, which I have meds for.

On my first cycle I lost my sense of taste and food tasted awful but been ok since and have a fairly good appetite.

I had a CT scan a couple of weeks ago and I'm waiting for my Oncologist to give me a call to discuss results, hopefully to tell me tumours have reduced as I'm feeling so good.

Next cycle is Friday, another long day but do-able.

Thanks for thinking of me, how are you doing?

Hugs, Barb xx

Bless yiu Barbs

Big hugs in your forthcoming session hope it's not too severe and pins and needles not worsening.