Forum Discussion

Madeleine30's avatar
Madeleine30
Member
2 years ago

?peripheral neuropathy or something else?

I have had 5 out of 12 weeks of paclitaxel & I have a developed a burning itch particularly in my fingers (not finger tips), palms, wrists and feet. It seems to be worse with vibration/friction and will eventually settle when I sit or lie still for at least 20-30mins. Friction/vibration seems to aggravate it to the extreme, such as drying myself on a towel, driving/holding the steering wheel etc. creams don’t help as I dont have any red rash or welts or anything on my skin. Also, the friction of rubbing my skin makes it much worse. I am taking antihistamines which don’t seem to be helping at all. I have tried a couple of doctors ones. Does anyone have a similar experience with any recommendations of what helps? 
peripheral-neuropathy
  • cranky_granny's avatar
    cranky_granny
    Member
    2 years ago
    @Madeleine Let The oncology team Know before the next treatment they will be the best to advice. It could be something else entirely.  I only got to my 8th round and had to stop due to neuropathy starting though mine felt more like I had sat on my foot for too long then stood up it was in my feet mostly and in my finger tips. There was no itching.  After 7 years I still have numbness and tingling. It’s liveable but annoying at times. I don’t bother with The WHAT IF’s.  As I am metastatic now. I followed the directions of my oncologist.  I also had my chemo before surgery Moseley to try kill it off and shrink the tumour.  
    Do you have a contact number for a nurse I phoned the clinic reception and they put me through to the right department so that the team knew before my next dose was due.  
    Best wishes with getting an answer. A lot can change over 7 years. 
  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    2 years ago
    Best to discuss asap with your oncologist. I had fairly early, classic signs of peripheral neuropathy - tingling in my finger tips, although the neuropathy developed much more dramatically in my feet. Pins and needles, and a combination of numbness and extreme sensitivity. Your symptoms sound significantly different. Like @cranky_granny, no what ifs or regrets, I still have weird feet nearly eleven years on, but no cancer. Best wishes for a speedy resolution. 
  • Tri's avatar
    Tri
    Member
    2 years ago
    @Madeleine30 sorry to hear about your discomfort. 
    I experienced burning - but not the itching -  on my face, the soles of my feet, top of hands and palms. 
    My oncologist reduced my dosage and checked my weight, which had dropped since the start of my treatments. 
    A cortisone cream provided some relief, I elevated my feet and stopped wearing closed in shoes until the burning went down (I used silly but soft fluffy slides) and tried to stabilise my weight. I still have neuropathy but the very extreme burning didn’t happen again after the dose was reduced. Everyone is different but I hope this helps. All good wishes. 
  • Madeleine30's avatar
    Madeleine30
    Member
    2 years ago
    Thanks Tri, I might try a cortisone cream and some fluffy slides. Right now I’m using thongs and they’re not ideal. Thanks for the suggestions.