Delayed Onset Neuropathy?

but, no disrespect to your PCP, not likely Cisplatin.  Your description indicates cutaneous hypesthesia, which would more likely reflect  spinal or peripheral nerve irritation from whatever the agent is that has got things stimulated.  Radiation is a more likely culprit.   A detailed history and physical exam by someone expert at this would be revealing.  Although I must say, lyrica is as good a impiric treatment  as any, and may very well prove to be helpful.  If not sigificatly improved in a very few days, I'd go see the ocologist, who himself may need to refer you.  Again, no disrespect to the PCP, but this isn't a problem he/she is going to have a great degree of expertise in handling.

best to you

Pat

In December 2012 my husband started complaining about pain in his shoulder area going down into his chest and around to his back.  When he saw the specialist in January he said he didn't know what was causing it but was probably from the radiation.  Funny thing was we saw the radiation/oncologist in December about the pain but she wasn't sure what was causing it and put him on lortab 7.4-500.  Pain medication does help.

Now this pain is on his right side and we found out in February that the cancer had spread to his right lung, very small.  So don't know if that is the cause or not.  We also know from his PET/CT scans that his spine has been damaged from the 70 rounds of radiation over a 2 year period.  In fact it showed up after the first round but he wasn't having any problems.  He does tell me, which I don't believe because I see him in pain, that the pain has not gotten worse.  His pain medication is now lortab 10-3.25 and he rarely takes more than 4 or 5 in one day.  He doesn't like how he feels on pain medication.  But he will take it when it is bad.

Sharon

fishmanpa said:

Nerve Damage

I'll be seeing my RO in August. Also getting my 1st post Tx CT and PET. I can ask about it then if it's still persisting. To me, it would make sense either way. Platinum based chemo and rads destroy cancer cells as well as healthy cells (like nerve cells). I had the same issue after my heart surgery as so many nerves were cut and killed by cracking open my chest. It started months afterwards and it was very painful. It was due to nerves coming back online. I was given amitriptyline which not only relieved the symptoms but helped me sleep like a bear in hibernation! While the nerve pain disappeared, I have areas on my chest that will never have feeling again. 

My ENT/Surgeon told me that the tumors were very aggressive and were intertwined in the nerves, muscles and blood vessels in my neck. The surgery took a few hours longer than expected due to the invasiveness and subsequent intricacy of the surgery to remove them. I was lucky that he was able to extradite the cancer without sacrificing the nerves. However, the nerves were traumatized in the process, thus my shoulder issues and now possibly a contributor to this nerve pain I'm experiencing. 

I just started the Lyrica last night. My PCP said it would a few days before it would kick in. Hopefully that's the case as this is VERY uncomfortable and adds to the fatigue.

"T"

Bob has Numb Toes and Hands they did an EMG on him and they said it was from the Cisplaitan and 5 FU Chemo.  He has pain numbness and not much strength  in his hands at all..Hope the Lyrica helps you they did not offer anything for Bob.  He does not ever tell the Dr's everything he tries to be so tough and he is hurting from the Throat issues, and all the other stuff that has cropped up since he finished treatment.  The Fatigue is also a big issue with him, but I am glad he get's to Nap and take it easy as he is not strong like he used to be.  Keep us updated on how the Lyrica works.

I happen to get my magazine "Cure" in the mail today after you posted. I found an article on Neurophathy. I will post the link. Hopefully it comes through.

~C

 http://www.curetoday.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/journey.showArticle/id/9/enableStageSubMenu/3/article_id/2116

T,

Hope the Lyrica is able to relieve your side effects.  I've never heard of such a thing,but then again... I've never had to deal with this sort of thing up close and personal until recently.

Wishing you the best in feeling 100% quickly!  keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Cherie

fishmanpa said:

Lyrica

Hi Folks,

I started taking the Lyrica Wednesday evening. One a day for two days. So Friday I upped the dose to two a day. Today will be three doses. Morning, noon and night.
The symptoms have lessened dramatically. The pain in my left shoulder is all but gone and I can exercise my arm which is increasing in mobility. The Tramadol in conjunction with the Lyrica has been very effective. 

So, as far as I'm concerned, the treatment is working. 

Positive thoughts and prayers

"T"

So glad to hear that the pain is getting less. I was going to throw in my own suggestion of AlphaLipoic Acid if your remedy failed. Ron took it for several years and it helped his Diabetic Neuropathy. OTC at Walmart is cheapest if your Lyrica fails you.

Luv,

Wolfen

My neck area where they did the dysection is still sensetive.  Not all the time and mostly if I touch it.  No pain in shoulders or back, guess I am lucky.  I am 7 months out of treatment.