Hello all you helpful fellow sufferersAfter lots of chemo with bearable side effects, I found the 3rd session of FEC very difficult.Nasea; diarrhoea and exhaustion along with something like bronchitis.Feeling much better now and waiting for surgery but have very painful feet. Plantar/palmar? I read that iceblocks could help but it didn't for me. Any suggestions please?Thanks

I think you need to have a chat to your oncologist about it. Are you having more chemo after your surgery? Can you describe the pain a bit more? I don't want to put words into your mouth about what I feltAlso, do you have a breast care nurse you could speak to?

I have the sensation of walking on pebbles which is getting painful now. I find walking very difficult.I see my oncologist tomorrow. I have no more chemo I think. My breast care nurse is not available.

Dear @judys, Another question - do you have any rash or redness, or blisters or swelling on your feet? I did have hand foot syndrome, or palmar plantar during my chemo last year and walking became very painful. Ice packs did help me, but time was main answer for me. The symptoms disappeared completely after a couple of weeks. That is very good you are seeing your oncologist tomorrow - show and tell! Best wishes from jennyss in Western NSW

I get that same thing @judys. I will be interested to hear what your onc says.

Dear@judys How did you go with your appointment? May well be hand foot syndrome, but if there is no redness or blisters, might it be peripheral neuropathy? That can cause really painful feet - usually has some tingling, pins and needles feelings first. Best wishes.

foot problems after chemo | BCNA Online Network

Zoffiel
Member
7 years ago
If you have a chronic disease management plan you can get a variety of subsidized visits. If you don't have one, ask your GP (and don't freak about the term chronic) The foot issues need attention, I would have preferred to see an exercise physiologist to put together a program to address all my post chemo debilitation, but there wasn't one available here.
I ended up going to a podiatrist. Predictably, she want to sell me orthotics, but since I couldn't afford them we worked on some specific stretches for my plantar fascia and my Achilles tendon, both of which were giving me significant grief. It helped.
My feet still don't feel 'right' and if I don't concentrate I can trip over them. Which is really embarrassing and has resulted in almost permanent scabby knees.
Afraser
Member
7 years ago
Neuropathy usually reduces but not always. Five and a half years later I am not anticipating much more improvement. No pain, but my feet fluctuate from feeling spongy, not so well connected to the ground to slightly burny. Walking helps, standing for any length of time doesn't.
ValerieLouise
Member
7 years ago
A physiotherapist specialising in post operative breast cancer treatments may help. Currently I'm having physio due to lymphedema. In conversation she shared that she treats several patients with neuropathy - feet & hands, especially associated numbness, pins & needles or pain in the extremities.
judys
Member
7 years ago
Thank you for sharing this. I am now taking Lyrica and hoping it will help I will try an excercise ball too. I hope the neuropathy does .not last. How long did you suffer from it ?
survivor2017
Member
7 years ago
I had to stop chemo 3/4 of the way through due to peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) which feels like walking on pebbles, and numbness in parts of the feet. Also have it in my hands - I keep dropping things - pins and needles and some numbness. Lyrica helps with the "electric-type shocks" pain. All the best to you.
judys
Member
7 years ago
My oncologist prescribed Lyrica with caution. And an excercise ball for both my feet and hands. I had thought massage was not a good idea. She suggested acupuncture if I can find a local one.
No improve yet but here's hoping.
arpie
Member
7 years ago
Hubby had a bit of neuropathy in his feet when having chemo following surgery for his stomach cancer ... he had to be 'really careful' walking around the house in particular - as he would almost trip on the pattern of the carpet! :(

All the best for your ongoing treatment xxx
lrb_03
Member
7 years ago
Your description is very much how my peripheral neuropathy started. I used to feel like I was walking on fine, sharp gravel, which was very painful. I was lucky, in that it didn't ever really extend up my legs. I can't remember how long it took, but 3 years after completing chemo, I don't have the pain when walking at all. Still feel a little clumsy on my feet at times, but that could also just be me
How did your appointment go today?
Afraser
Member
7 years ago
Dear@judys
How did you go with your appointment? May well be hand foot syndrome, but if there is no redness or blisters, might it be peripheral neuropathy? That can cause really painful feet - usually has some tingling, pins and needles feelings first. Best wishes.
Blossom1961
Member
7 years ago
I get that same thing @judys. I will be interested to hear what your onc says.