Neuropathy Help

Depending on what chemo you're taking, radiation effects, and results of surgery almost everyone suffers from neuropathy to some degree. Most of the time, over time, most of it goes away. But there may also be long term effects. Don't put those brushes away yet. Give your body the time it needs to heal and recover from the h*ll it's been going through. I know you want all this to be over and done with and to be back to your "normal" again, but you just have to try and be patient.

                                                                                Carl

neons356 said:

I'm afraid there's no definitive answer

Depending on what chemo you're taking, radiation effects, and results of surgery almost everyone suffers from neuropathy to some degree. Most of the time, over time, most of it goes away. But there may also be long term effects. Don't put those brushes away yet. Give your body the time it needs to heal and recover from the h*ll it's been going through. I know you want all this to be over and done with and to be back to your "normal" again, but you just have to try and be patient.

                                                                                Carl

My suggestion is to try Alpha Lipoic Acid, inexpensive at Walmart. This was a suggestion many years ago on this forum. It does work for some people. My hubby uses it for diabetic neuropathy. He has yet to commence chemo, and I assume it will continue to work for chemo induced neuropathy. As with anything new you introduce to your system, please check with your doctor for approval.

Luv,

Wolfen

I am also 3b, signet cell.  Had 12 rounds of Oxlia, 5fu.  Neuropathy started around #4 and got worse, remember chemo is cumulative.  Onc added mag drip before/after infusions.  By the 12th I had neuropathy in hands, feet, lips, tongue and teeth. Since I love to sew and needed my hands for work (computers), I was very concerned. 

I was done with chemo in August and so far my teeth and lips are better.  Hands and feet still are numb and tingle, but I still do things.  I think the more exercise I give them the better they will get.  My Onc thought that was a great idea.

There is no right/wrong answer, everyone is different.  Sorry.  Just keep doing your art.  Do not let cancer take that away.  I even put in a new sewing studio in my house.  It may take me 10 minutes to thread my machines, but I do not care.  It makes me happy.

Totally understand the not eating.  I lost 65 pounds through this. 

jp_young said:

Thank you all for your replys

Thank you for all the replys. I can't continue with my art work if I can't even hold a brush or pencil. My art is very detailed and my speialty is animals and it takes a very steady and fine tuned hand to do the kind of work I do. My hands have become very weak also, hard to even type because y hands are so weak and becoe very tired fast. I have to stop aftr every few words just to keep typing, I use my tablet most of the time because I only have to touch the leters on it but I make way to many mistakes even with that

My feet are also very painful and so bad I am now using a cane and have to use a mobility scooter in the stores where they have them to get around. I have my own scooter but can no longer get it out of the van by myself. I bought it before the cancer because of the neuropathy I alredy had and was finally gettig toa point I could deal with what I had. My original neuropathy is from untreated Celiac disease which is also a contributing factor to the cancer, it runs n my family. Sorry for all the typng mistakes but it is the best I can do.

This is just one of my paintings.

jp_young said:

Thank you all for your replys

Thank you for all the replys. I can't continue with my art work if I can't even hold a brush or pencil. My art is very detailed and my speialty is animals and it takes a very steady and fine tuned hand to do the kind of work I do. My hands have become very weak also, hard to even type because y hands are so weak and becoe very tired fast. I have to stop aftr every few words just to keep typing, I use my tablet most of the time because I only have to touch the leters on it but I make way to many mistakes even with that

My feet are also very painful and so bad I am now using a cane and have to use a mobility scooter in the stores where they have them to get around. I have my own scooter but can no longer get it out of the van by myself. I bought it before the cancer because of the neuropathy I alredy had and was finally gettig toa point I could deal with what I had. My original neuropathy is from untreated Celiac disease which is also a contributing factor to the cancer, it runs n my family. Sorry for all the typng mistakes but it is the best I can do.

This is just one of my paintings.

You have a great talent.  So don't throw down the brush just yet.  Perhaps while the neuropathy is at its worst you could change your focus to painting something which does not require so much detail.  Even if you have to go to abstracts, I feel that your talent will still shine through.

If you don't like what you produce, perhaps you could donate them to a cancer fund raiser or a shelter.  I am sure that either would appreciate the eye you have for color and perspective.

Some times we just have to look at something and keep turning it around until it is something we can do!

Hugs,

Marie who loves kitties

jen2012 said:

Beautiful work!
My husband
Beautiful work!

My husband just had treatment #11. Around #6 the neuropathy started bothering him. Doc recommended vit b complex and also started calcium and magnesium during infusions. He didnt feel it was helping and just adding time to a long treatment so they stopped after 3 or 4 times. Last week when we got to the treatment we were told his blood work had an issue...phosporus too high? Maybe potassium? Cant remember but they gave him a bag of fluids before .... and he says he hasnt been feeling as tired or the neuropathy as much. He has been having a tough time getting enough fluids and does feel better when he drinks more. Thinking of asking for another bag of fluids before the next treatment!

Very nice painting!

The odds of neuropathy becoming more permament increase after about the 8th dose...it's sort of like playing Russian Roulette, you just never know which dose could turn the situation permanent.  I was only able to complete 8tx of the Oxy.

Mostly, I recovered....some issues in the feet, sometimes in the hands and fingers, but not the point I'm debilitated.

After treatment ends, give yourself 12-MONTHS right off the top...don't expect great results, but hope for them...and over that time, the neuropathy might lessen to a degree that is more workable for you.

Some folks have it severe...some have done well with it...and there are a host of us all in the middle.

I would imagine that if your career were derailed, that you would still be able to find some enjoyment in your painting...though the focus might change...but you don't know that the change might be in ways than you can't even see right now.  A door might open that you could never envision...it just may be that your new painting takes you down a completely new path...perhaps towards inspiring others through your story.

I'm reminded of an old MASH episode...

In the episode, there was a soldier who played classic concerto masterpieces on his piano...he was subsequently injured during battle and lost the use of one of his hands...he lamented to Dr. Winchester that he was longer viable and that his professional career was over....and now he felt completely useless. 

So, Dr. Winchester did some research and found that the piano could be played with only one hand...(he would now have to play completely left-handed). 

He gathered musical pieces that could be played left-handed and brought them to the soldier...of course, the soldier resisted and threw up obstacles...but Dr. Winchester persevered and asked him to play a number.

And as he slowly sat back down to "His Canvas" he fumbled through the notes and gradually began playing music once again.  Dr. Winchester told him that he still had value playing...but more importantly now...IN TEACHING.  In the fact that he had an incredible amount of talent and could now turn that energy towards other in helping them.

And by helping them...he helped himself. 

There is no telling which doors you could open...just let it come to you in its own time...

"For with everything...there is a season."

Wishing you the best and thank you so much for sharing one of your paintings...it really is quite lovely.

-Craig