Forum Discussion
?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?
4 Replies
- 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.
- @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. - 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.
- @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.
