Forum Discussion
clumsiness or side effect of chemo?
Hi all, has anyone else had problems with things just falling out of their hands? I'm 3 weeks post chemo now (4 cycles AC, 2 Docitaxel, 4 paclitaxel). The other night I just filled my plate with my dinner and the plate just fell out of my hands and there was food everywhere!! I didn't put 2 and 2 together until then. Its happened a few times where I've gone to pick things up and they fall out of my hands. Is it the neuropathy? I have had the sensitive finger nails first then toe nails and slight numbness in fingers and feet but nothing too bad. Physio who I see for lymphedema thinks that it is connected to chemo. Has anyone else experienced anything like this? Rachel
25 Replies
- Hi Rachel!
The program sounds similiar yes! I think you will find it really good and it will give you some normality and confidence back. Patience is so key and 9 months on, my life is nowhere near normal the way it was, but a new normal and in some ways its actually better! Im really well overall apart from niggly things and pain, but focused on improving everyday. Hugs Melinda - Hi Melinda, I'm in Adelaide but program sounds the same as the one you did. I can't wait to get started. I have 3 more weeks of RT and can't wait for some normality in my life but at the same time, I realise that I need to be patient. Life may never be like before and it will be a long road to recovery. Enjoy the rest of the weekend xx
- Rachel -I did the Enhance Rehab program at the Epworth in Melbourne. It was Brilliant 8 weeks, 2hrs a week, we got an individualised program from a Physio and worked with a Psychologist, Occupational Therapist, Dietician and Social Worker. It was soooo good! Certainly worthwhile. Melinda
- Thanks all, now I know its not only me having all these weird things happening after finishing chemo. I am having an physio assessment next week prior to starting an oncology rehab program. Hopefully that will help me get back on track. I am getting more information talking to all of you than what I have from my medical team. I am so glad I decided to join this forum. hugs to you all xox
- Hi Rachel,
I finished chemo 31/5.....and I still have chemo brain moments AND loss of strength in hand grip (it's like I have had my fingetips sanded smooth!) and arms....the docetaxel played havoc with my fingers and toes and i still have residual effects....I could not drive at all while having chemo! It was way too dangerous! I am only now confident enough to drive on my own (having radiotherapy at present) and i don't drive too far though as I am quite fatigued from rads.....I was told there was not much that can be done for the dropping of things until the numbness wears off....aparently it does....if in doubt ask your team....and you may benefit from physio too.....best wishes Xx - I went back to work 6 weeks after finishing chemo and my Oncologist said NO WAY to full time, so I went back 3 days. 9 months down the track I honestly just barely cope with 3 days, its super hard on every level, but I do have a demanding job too. Hugs
Melinda xo - Oh no, 3 years! I'm only 3 weeks out of chemo and complaining. I am due back at work in 4 weeks. I'm a bit nervous as to how I'll go with this chemo brain. Hopefully my boss will take this into account.
- Yes I agree with you about driving and thinking ahead stuff... but I can say I am getting better but I am 3 years out from Chemo finishing for me.
- Omg all of this ring true, I find I dont have that progressive thinking anymore, like when driving, turning up ahead you turn but may hit a crossing. With so many things to think about at once Ive noticed Im too slow?? in the thinking does that make sense?? and Ive found I suffer confusion while driving which is very odd!!!
- I didn't drive whilst on chemo as I had a number of near misses.
