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

Hi @Rachel01 it sure sounds like it ... I dropped things lots when I first had my neuropathy.... I am 3years on from chemo and I am better but still have numbness and pain....

Possibly is, so see what can be done to stop it getting any worse. It's not uncommon with the taxol type therapies. I'm three and a half years in and well, but still have damaged feeling (nopain) in my feet. Sometimes reducing the dose can help. I was also told that some people find Vitamin B helpful - absolutely no promises but my neuropathy didn't get any worse from the time I started. A mega B a day is unlikely to do any harm but check with your oncologist. It will probably get better (mine is still improving, which is good) but it can take time and can be a thorough nuisance when you could do with a break!

I found I just couldn't open stuff..Even long life milk ...as my grip was effected. I also had some very subtle balance changes as well as my toenails being effected and toes numb on both feet. 7 weeks on I feel my balance is good and sensation returned to hands and vastly improved with feet. Make sure you tell your oncologist. I began to always use 2 hands to move stuff and stopped attempting heavier stuff in case I drop it.

Im 9 months on and I do have problems with my hands, same with opening things I dont have the strength or grip. Balance has been a major problem, and I tend to still lose balance. My rehab was great with exercises concentrating on balance. I think the body is just so damn tired all the time, and yes I feel its chemo related I wasnt like this.

Thank you Melclarity and Primek. I'm glad to hear its not only me. I didn't used to be like this either. There are so many things that we are not told.and the fact that some of these things even get worse once you've finished chemo! The amount of damage that it does to our bodies. From being what I thought was fit and healthy, I now feel like I should be in an aged care home!!!!

clumsiness or side effect of chemo?

25 Replies

melclarity
Member
10 years ago
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
Rachel01
Member
10 years ago
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
melclarity
Member
10 years ago
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
Rachel01
Member
10 years ago
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
ScorpionQueen
Member
10 years ago
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
melclarity
Member
10 years ago
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
Rachel01
Member
10 years ago
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.
SoldierCrab
Member
10 years ago
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.
melclarity
Member
10 years ago
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!!!
primek
Member
10 years ago
I didn't drive whilst on chemo as I had a number of near misses.