Oxaliplatin - Side effects still...

micheleamw
micheleamw Member Posts: 62
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hi Everyone~

My Dad finished Folfox one year ago for Stage III (four lymph nodes positive) colon cancer. I'm happy to report he is doing well....with one exception...the effects from the Oxaliplatin still linger on. He's having problems with tingling and numbness in his hands and feet. Does anyone know of anything he can do to relieve this? Medicine, vitamins, herbs? He's willing to try 'almost' anything.

Prayers to All~
Michele

Comments

  • tkd3g
    tkd3g Member Posts: 767
    #2
    Hi Michele,

    Wish I had some answers, but I don't. I had only 4 treatments of the Oxy. I had to stop because The side effects were too bad.

    That was over 5 months ago and I still have numbness in my fingers and , this sounds weird, but my big toe on my right foot hurts all the time. It is ultrasensitive.

    Best of luck. I do know that it takes quite a while for many people to get rid of the side effects.

    Barb
  • BusterBrown
    BusterBrown Member Posts: 221 Member
    #3
    Michelle:
    I've had 8 cylcles of Oxaliplatin starting in Jan 05 and ended late May 05 due to some surgery, I'm set to go back on it this Monday.I have the same problem as your dad. My nueropathy seems to be getting worse. My fingers and feet feel tingling all of the time. In my case it really doesn't hurt, it's more of an annoyance. I've been told it can take well over 1 year to recouperate.
    I wish you and your Dad well...
    Buster
  • CAMaura
    CAMaura Member Posts: 719 Member
    #4
    Hi Michele -

    I really hope the Oxy does some good for all of us...because the side effects have been rough.

    I had to stop my sessions at number nine of 12. It was accumulating in my liver. That was a little over a month ago and I visited my doc again on Wed. I didn't understand how the numbness could be feeling more pronounced AFTER chemo! Well, bingo; I am the second person who has noted this in the practice. My feet are more tingly than during chemo and it has moved up into my lower leg.

    The good thing is that all of this is supposed to work its way out of our systems......and it is better than a tumor!!

    I have taken Vitamin B6 through chemo and it has helped considerably. I would check into some supplements which might help nerve function, and then begin slowly - or have a very trustworthy person at the health food store.

    I am also going to keep up with my workouts. I think the heightened circulation will be helpful.

    Hang in there. My doc sent the other patient to a neurologist, but I think I can live with this. It is odd, though....

    Take care and keep in touch. Hope all else is going well for your dad. He might also try a detox - like a liver cleanse. This could help his entire system. I am feeling much better from it!

    Cheers,
    Maura
  • kerry
    kerry Member Posts: 1,313 Member
    #5
    Hi Michelel,

    I had 8 sessions of Oxaliplatin and had the same side effects of sensitivity to cold, tingling, etc. I also had the liver toxicity and had to have my dosage reduced a couple of times.

    I have been off of Oxy for about 3 months and feel fine (no residual side effect) now. I have heard that some people take longer to shake the effects.

    Good luck and many prayers are with you.

    Kerry

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