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Chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy.

Tadger1951
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I suffer from chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy after large doses of chemotherapy ( cisplatin ) to kill a tumour that was wrapped around my kidneys. I have suffered with this problem  since my chemotherapy finished nearly 8 years ago and sadly there does not appear to be any treatment that will rid me of the constant pain and tingling I have in both feet. I have seen my GP and the tablets he prescribed made no difference and unfortunately after contacting various bodies that provide advice to people living with cancer there does not appear to be any permanent solution to this problem. If anyone has any helpful advice please let me know.

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    I suffer from the same issue so I know how you feel. Mine is also due to chemo. I will try anything to relieve it. I have tried compression socks perhaps a little bit of relief. There is a the theory that taking tart cherry juice everyday might improve the situation. Check this info online. I have resorted to tiger balm ointment on my feet. 

    I have spoken to lots of people who say it will never go away but we live in hope. Ignore the people who say just get on with it and go for a walk....obviously dont have the pain

     Best wishes M

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    Hello Tadger 1951,

                                       l have had chemo neuropathy for 9 years now.This may sound like a throwawy comment but given there is no cure the only alternative is to condition your control centre to stop constantly reminding you that its there.l sail through my day without any awareness at all, but it is allowed to inform me that my feet are sore when l first get into bed.This only lasts for 10-15 minutes before the conversation is used up.

    It took a few years to get there completely, but even when l stop for meal breaks l am in complete serenity.Thank goodness because being nagged at all the time was a complete nightmare, l believe the saying mind over matter would be a good fit.

    And yes l did not have slight symptoms, but a full blooded foot stumbling falling over, hard to walk scenario,but l now work long days being a livestock farmer, so had plenty of motivation and need to push through.

    Now l will need to start the process once more for a different place since the shoulders have wear and l have pins and needles running down one arm into the hand, l managed to sort the other side out last year, so a few more months of effort left to go.The body might be going west but thankfully the mind is still centered.

    Hope you can find your solution,

    David

  • Hello and thank you for posting,

    I am sorry to learn of your situation, this must be difficult.

    Peripheral neuropathy can be one of the most challenging side effects of chemotherapy, research is looking into this but still has a long way to go. Unfortunately, some people do not recover fully and can have this permanently.

    I don't know if you still have contact with your hospital team and whether you can contact them for any advice,

    You may also find it helpful to repost on our 'living with cancer' section where more people may read your post and share there experience.

    If you would like to talk things through with one of the nurses on the helpline, we are available between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday and the freephone number to call is 0808 800 4040

    Jemma

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