Hi All,I have started this new thread because I am worried.I am 2 months out of chemo (Dose Dense 4xAC 4xPaclitaxol) and the neuropathy in my feet is getting worse. From the balls of my feet to my toes - feel like blocks of wood!When I sleep, I sleep o n my side with my hands under the pillow. Recently (in the last week) I have been waking up wth pins and needles in my hands and fingers. When I put my hands down by my sides it goes away, but I naturally put my hands back there again and yep, more pins and needles. Do not notice anything during the day in my hands.By the end of the day my feet are REALLY sore, red, swollen etc. All my oncologist said (on last meeting a few weeks back) was to moisturise. I haven't been doing it twice a day like she said to, so I will increase that, but any other tips? Should I be worried that it seems to be getting worse rather than better?

I'm really affected by how good the shoe last is now and how cushioned the sole is. I can wear flats and be in agony afterwards, low heels that I wore just about every day in the warmer months pre-BC and be in pain. Asics sandshoes which have always been supportive on my feet, do nothing to help the pain brought on by walking. But I bought a pair of Sandler Easy Steps that have a good last and cushioning with reasonably high heels on them (although we're talking work heels not 5 inch towers) and I wear them all day with no extra discomfort. Mind you, I can't usually afford Sandler - it was only that they were out on extra special at Harbourtown that I was able to get them. Even some heeled cheapies I got at Rivers are not too bad as they are cushioned.

Serves me right for peeking! I've been away, and am still a bit away but to the question - Vitamin B was what my oncologist said might help. I think it did, and still take it daily but it's really hard to know, it might have been that the timing was right rather than the Vitamin B and my feet were going to get better anyway. My neuropathy is still there five years on (sorry folks!). Initially I had severe tingling/burning, my toes were really painful and I dreaded anyone standing on them in a tram as I would have simply screamed. But that improved after a couple of months. My feet are still hyper-sensitive to some surfaces and numb to others. It's no worse in winter though. I don't have any pain and my feet don't get particularly cold, but there is still a gap in feeling between the beginning of my toes and the tips and the soles are a bit odd. I get cramps in my toes more often. And I really don't trust myself running (so I don't). It doesn't wreck my life and is only occasionally annoying. Hang in there.

A magnesium supplement was recommended to me before I started chemo and I have been taking it all through my treatments. Only 5 doses of Taxol left and so far so good in the neuropathy department.Fingers crossed.

EASTMUM this is the company for the colourful one. The other I got from a local shop Cheveux on Hay. It is called a Bamboo Flower Turban. It is plain black. In the photo I have added a normal headband of my own for a bit of colour. I will pop the link in for you.

@eastmum @JJ70 I have one of their head wraps too. It's one of my favourites.

Peripheral Neuropathy | Online Network

iserbrown
Member
7 years ago
Sorry you're in this predicament however some of us are the same. Pins and needles in the hands when I wake and sore foot during the day. Oh the joys
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
@JJ70 So sorry you're having this trouble. I hope someone here can help you. K xox
primek
Member
7 years ago
Do talk to your GP about your hands. It could be a something like a disc in your neck that is compressed with sleep poition. I had this and it took me ages to figure it out. All well before chemo.

I believe many swear by magnesium suppliments to help with nerve repair. Even a multivitamin won't hurt (that helped my nails and hair colour despite a great diet) .
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
@primek Nothing remotely as bad as most but I am annoyed by some loss of sensitivity in some of my fingertips. So many people here have recommended magnesium, I'm going to give it a go.
JJ70
Member
7 years ago
Ok...magnesium it is. I'll start with a soak in the tub with some epsom salts. I won't be able to have a bath for some time after Tuesdays DIEP, so I think I will just do that!
duxx1234
Member
7 years ago
A magnesium supplement was recommended to me before I started chemo and I have been taking it all through my treatments. Only 5 doses of Taxol left and so far so good in the neuropathy department.
Fingers crossed.
Brenda5
Member
7 years ago
Dad started a new prostate mets chemo and they overdosed him on the first dose and he has terrible neuropathy especially in his feet. He soaked them in a cup of epsoms salts to a bucket of water and he said it does help.
SoldierCrab
Member
7 years ago
JJ70 cold weather makes it more noticeable ..... my BCN suggested wearing my compression stockings at night time it helped a lot when I first had it now 5 yrs out I dont need them anymore they still get painful and sore in the cold weather.
I always have magnesium in my bath 2 cups of epsom salts in each bath with 2 drops natural lavender and it helps me sleep.
Anonymous
7 years ago
@JJ70 I know how you feel. I have peripheral neuropathy too a while after having the same chemo as you. I have just been prescribed some tablets for it. I’ve tried Lyrica before and now I’m trying another one called Endep. I also use painkillers when the pain is worst which is first thing in the morning and last thing at night.

I have also used magnesium and vitamin B. I think having well fitted shoes is important and to keep moving about. I have tried a lot of things. I bought one of those spiky massage balls for my feet and that’s great for stretching out painful feet. I also soak my feet in warm water. It’s hard though because they don’t get warm. All the best. I hope something works for you.
JJ70
Member
7 years ago
Thanks Rose18, Did your oncologist prescribe the meds or GP? Maybe I need something.