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Gayle_Taylor's avatar
Gayle_Taylor
Member
13 years ago

Periphoral Neuropathy

Awsome, Ive developed a bad case of PN- periphoral neuropathy. My hands, fingers, feet, legs, shoulder and spine bones are aching! My feet feel like ai have rocks in them, my fingers are arthritic. It takes me a good hour before I can move around in some kind of normal fashion. I cant even undo the tomato paste jar! Typing this is a struggle. Ive lost the feeling in a few fingers and my thumbs definatley feel stunted. Holding a glass for water is tricky, I use two hands to open a door. This has come on in the last two weeks, but worse in the last 4 days. I read up about it, not good, and very common apparently after intence treatments. Ive had 8 viles of blood taken for various tests, a bone scan sometime before xmas. And, looks like I'll be on Vitamins to suppliment the nourashment my bodys rejecting. Foods just wont cut it now.

I had expectations of bouncing back. 'They" neglected to tell me about this bit AFTER chemo etc. I was totally un aware that this could happen. I dont recall reading about it. The cancer council are sending me specific info on it. Im gutted! I wont be returning to work until I get this sorted. Im buying a walking cane as Im prone to feel light headed and topple a bit. Im not sure how much more of this shit I can take!! Im so devistated! If the cancer doesnt bring me down enough.

4 Replies

  • Gayle_Taylor's avatar
    Gayle_Taylor
    Member
    13 years ago

    Thanks for all that. I'll be ok. Im going to start taking some vitamins B, D, calcitrate.

  • pisces_tas's avatar
    pisces_tas
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Gayle,

    Yes, It is a devastating experience. sorry you are having a hard time at the moment.

    I did not realise when I was diagnosed the different types of BC and the different treatments. Yes, they have to do something, and knowledge does help with understanding and dealing with the diagnosis and coping with the sometimes long process.

    It is daunting and then side effects can add up.

     I remember achy bones and stiff joints. I had some lymph issue concerns and work issues. Tonya is right.. now is the time to try and take it easy. You are going through the worst of it now. The body will try and recover, and that can take TIME. So hoping you rest up and also listen to what your body needs right now.

    Have some faith; the treatments are science based, and also some hope.

    I went through a loss, shock, grief, denial, anger, sadness, bargaining and finally acceptance and ..it can be common in cancer treatments.

    I wish I had spoken to someone earlier. There are people who you could talk to.. or sometimes medication can help.

    The stiffness, joint pains, numbness may lessen in time. It may be due to hormone reduction from treatments. Look up on things that may help. Time does help too.

    I still take a low dose antidepressant for pain perceptin, flushes and sleep, etc. ( No point in being VERY miserable.. if you do not have to be. I am not saying you need them, but if you do get to the point of it all being TOO much.. then there are options. It is one hell of a ride to go through, and  I  feel for you at this time.)

    I also take a tablet called livial.... and have oestrogen vaginal pessary twice a week. I have come to acceptance.. of things as they are, and try and live each day as it comes. ( not always easy . )

    I think we have to grieve the " old " life and then we can adjust to the new one. Getting information  can  also to feel some " control. " As you said, you wish someone had told you of peripheral neuropathy before chemo.  Do you have a BC nurse to talk to ? Having someone answer your queries, can help to allay anxiety.

    All the best.. Kathy.

     

  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    13 years ago

    Sorry to hear you feel so rotten.I think that Taxotere has alot to answer for. You had that chemo -right? I thought you got neuropathy either whilst you were on it or straight afterwards.Yours seems to be quite delayed.I'read somewhere that vit b(6 or 12?)helps.The treatments for bc can be really cruel can't they - especially when they leave you with some collateral damage. I wish they would come up with  less invasive treatments cos sometimes you feel that the cure is worse than the diagnosis.Unfortunately we know what that little lump can lead to so we haven't much choice really.It must be so frustrating for you that you can't  feel good and get on with your life.You've done the hard yards so this crap doesn't seem fair.You've had the stress of moving house so maybe having the rest of the year off from work is not such a bad thing.Just concentrate on your health(or lack of at the moment)- hope it gets sorted out soon for you.

                                                     Tonya xx