Neuropathy

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Jen28
Jen28 Member Posts: 45
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
I finished my last cycle of FOLFOX about a week and a half ago and my neuropathy is worse now than it has ever been. It's not so bad that it really interferes with much--my typing is a little clumsy, but that's about it--but there's an annoying numbness in my fingertips and in my feet.

For those of you who had neuropathy from the chemo, how long was it before it went away? I know all of this stuff is really individual, but I'd like to try to get a feel for about how long I may have this...

Thanks!
Jen

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  • NanD
    NanD Member Posts: 58
    #2
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    I'm over a year out from chemo and I still have the neuropathy. However, it has gotten much milder and I have adapted to the point that I seldom notice it. It is only a problem when I need to do surgery for a long time-my fingers tend to get tired and not listen as well. (I'm a vet and I now limit myself to simpler procedures and one at a time) Overall, it won't bother you in the long run
  • rthornton
    rthornton Member Posts: 346 Member
    #3
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    Jen,

    I used Oxaliplatin last year for eight cycles, starting in June and ending in November. I had occasional neuropathy until January or February, but now I never notice anything.

    Rodney
  • scouty
    scouty Member Posts: 1,965 Member
    #4
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    Hi Jen,

    I did Folfox with Avastin from April 2004 until November 2004. The neuropathy was really getting to me (along with some other side effects). I could not feel the balls of my feet hit the ground as I walked the last week or so. I chose to stop chemo and followed alternative treatments really hoping to reverse the effects. Most symptoms have minimized in the last 19 months but I realize some of the side effects are permanent for me. My feet get cold very easily and so do my hands but no nearly as quickly as my feet. My hands and feet don't cramp like they used to but if I don't stay hydrated, they will in no time.

    I am back to working out again and that seems to be helping to get the ole cells and nerves awake again (weights and cardio).

    Lisa P.
  • markatger
    markatger Member Posts: 314
    #5
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    Hi Jen,

    My neuropathy started with the 11th round of FOLFOX. I'm now about 2 months out. My nueropathy is hardly noticeable now especially when id I workout often. It really seems to help things. I'm not sure if it is circulation or clearing out chemicals. But whatever it is it really seems to help.

    My neurpathy was only in my feet, so I stayed away from exercise that involved a lot of repeated pressure on my feet. Things like starimaster, elliptical and stationary bikes. But now I'm able to do aerobics without too much discomfort.

    I hope yours goes away soon...it is annoying.

    Maria
  • Kanort
    Kanort Member Posts: 1,272 Member
    #6
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    Hi Jen,

    Congratulations on completing your Folfox regimen. It has been almost two years since I completed Folfox. My neuropathy went away within the first six months if I'm remembering correctly. Hopefully, yours will resolve even quicker. Take care.

    Hugs,

    Kay
  • markatger
    markatger Member Posts: 314
    #7
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    markatger said:

    Hi Jen,

    My neuropathy started with the 11th round of FOLFOX. I'm now about 2 months out. My nueropathy is hardly noticeable now especially when id I workout often. It really seems to help things. I'm not sure if it is circulation or clearing out chemicals. But whatever it is it really seems to help.

    My neurpathy was only in my feet, so I stayed away from exercise that involved a lot of repeated pressure on my feet. Things like starimaster, elliptical and stationary bikes. But now I'm able to do aerobics without too much discomfort.

    I hope yours goes away soon...it is annoying.

    Maria

    I meant things like stairmaster, elliptical and stationary bikes were good for me...things that i didn't lift my feet from the floor/surface and hit back down repeatedly.
  • CAMaura
    CAMaura Member Posts: 719 Member
    #8
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    Hi there Jen,
    I finished chemo in May 2005. I was pretty shocked when mine became worse...my hands really bothering me and me feet REALLY bothering me...even going up my legs. Things just build up in our system...and the heavy metals i guess play a part in the neuropathy. I take Alpha Lipoic Acid (600mg/day). It helped and just recently...over a year...I am noticing that i have only slight problems. My hands have regained their strength and my feet tingle so much less - I forget i even had the problem. Things will improve, but it does take time. All the best to you and I hope it isn't causing you too much discomfort - Maura
  • ron50
    ron50 Member Posts: 1,723 Member
    #9
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    G'day Jen,
    Congrats on finishing . I never had any of the modern chemo drugs ,so I didn't have any problems with neuropathy but believe me when I tell you that time will help. I donated blood to the Red Cross again yesterday . It is my third donation since they accepted me back post cancer. How wonderful it is for someone to say YES we believe you are cured. Stay well Ron.
  • jams67
    jams67 Member Posts: 925 Member
    #10
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    Thank you for posting this. I was wondering the same thing. I've had neuropathy which got worse after chemo in April and is in the soles of my feet and in my finger tips. I went to the Mavs Watch Party last night and nearly froze to death. My hands and feet didn't warm up for a long time. I can only hope that this will be a distant memory a year from now. A year ago I wasn't even sure I would be here. I'm so happy just to be alive and even with the neuropathy, I can still kick up my heals. Yea!!!Mavs!!!! jams
  • lfondots63
    lfondots63 Member Posts: 818 Member
    #11
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    Hi Jen,

    First, congrats on the end of treatments!!! I have 5 more to go and can't wait. I'm using B complex to help the neuropathy during my treatments. I believe it does help since if I forget to take it the "tinglies" is worse. Did you try some supplements to help? I was told that calcium and magnesium also helped a friend with the neuropathy. She got a drip before treatments. Also accupuncture or maybe Reiki might help. I know they help me at this point. Like others said I guess everyone is different and hopefully it will go away in time. Please tell us how it is going since all of us "newbies" worry about this. HUGS and take care.

    Lisa
  • alta29
    alta29 Member Posts: 435 Member
    #12
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    mine also got work....after 3 months it started getting better....its been almos t a year now and it still bad in my feet...(hands are not that bad )
  • livin
    livin Member Posts: 318 Member
    #13
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    Hi Jen, this August will be 1 year post Chemo and I still have Neuropathy of both feet. My hands neuropathy subsided about 6 months after chemo. I will be so glad when my feet stop tingling and feeling numb. Tried Neurontin but didn't help me. When I finished chemo my neuropathy got worse also. Its not as bad as before but still a pain.

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