Nerve damage from chemo?

tamralynn1
tamralynn1 Member Posts: 4
edited March 2014 in Gynecological Cancers (other than ovarian and uterine) #1
Hi,
Need some feedback re: anyone out there with nerve problems after chemo. I've been off chemo for 7 months now, at first my hands went numb off and on. Now my teeth are so sensitive I have to drink with a straw. I've gone to 2 dentists and the last dentist told me there was nothing he could do for me and that I needed to go to a Neurologist. So on March 2nd I have an appt. with one. Has anyone out there had any post chemo nerve problems? I would really like some feedback. Will I have to loose my teeth? What do Neurologist do to solve problems like this? HELP ME my CSN family.

Live Strong,
Tammy

Comments

  • Waving
    Waving Member Posts: 43
    #2
    You could go to this webpage www.cancergen.com/endometrial to look for other sources of information. I have also noticed that a variety of tooth problems relating to chemotherapy have been discussed on the Breastcancer.org forums so you could do a search of those forums, and you could also try posting onto one of their forums. Their home page address is www.breastcancer.org - look for the link to Discussion Boards under the heading Support & Community.
  • CTinBuffalo
    CTinBuffalo Member Posts: 1
    #3
    Hey, Tammy -- I had stage III Hodgkin's disease 16 years ago when I was 29, and had peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage in my peripheries -- hands and feet) from the vinblastine part of my chemotherapy. My hands and feet were numb or tingling for about a year or two after the end of chemo, but that feeling eventually disappeared, and my feet and hands feel fine now. However, I still have a little problem with my balance -- I can't ride a bicycle anymore, because I get vertigo when I look at the ground rushing past, and I experience a little bit of vertigo on steep flights of stairs. My teeth never got sensory problems, though. Have you tried a toothpaste like Sensodyne? It's supposed to help. Very likely all your sensory problems will correct themselves over time. I know it's hard to hear "be patient," but I think a year from now you'll feel much better.

    Next week, I'm getting a hysterectomy for stage I endometrial cancer -- I probably won't need chemo or radiation -- I hope! I'm a medical transcriptionist, and I've typed tons of reports about people who are in the 80s who've survived 3 or 4 different types of major cancer. Early detection is so important -- keep getting those checkups! I know you're SICK of doctors at this point, and never want to see another one, but you can handle it.

    -- Claire 2, Cancer 0 -- "Hard to Kill"
  • janne
    janne Member Posts: 1
    #4
    Hi Tammy,
    This message is coming later in the year but I wanted to share my experience with you. I had a barely Stage 1 endo/uterine prior to surgery. Several D&C's showed minor fibroids on uterine wall. Treated at first with hormone (Age 39) All kinds of tests done showed no growths. My GYN/ONCO suggested a full hyseterectomy/appendix. A female in the ONCO group suggest I have my Ovaries removed too, was 41 did not want me to worry later. I had all this done then after surgery they found cancer in the Lymph NOdes and I moved to a Stage IIIC. I am now 47 and a 6 year survivor. Had chemo, Rad. and Rad. implant. The chemo I had was Carboplatin, Cisplatin and Taxol. When I mentioned numbness in my hands and feet (Peripheral Neuropathy) ONCO/RAD doc said that is a side effect from the chemo and may or may not go away. My female ONCO just recently suggested I take extra Vitamin C and B-12. I still have the pain in my hands and feet from the chemo. Will be seeing her next month and will ask for any NEW kinds of relief. I wear socks to bed. About the teeth. I was also told I could have a variety of problems with my teeth, and I did. First they ached like yours, that went away for awhile. Then I needed a root canal. My dentist tells me that after all the chemo treatment it can cause problems in one's mouth from the chemicals. On and off my teeth still hurt. Have not talked any further with my dentist for solutions but try using a soft brush and gentle toothpaste with fresh tasting mouthwash, Even though it hurts I still use dental floss. Right now I am just living with the pain from the Neuropathy in my Hands and Feet. It has brought on new challenges like buttoning, holding things or opening things. If I find out any forms of NEW relief from my ONCO in June, will post a reply. Keep up a positive attitude, talk and ask all your doctors and other survivors many questions."Coping" with Cancer magazine has been another source of support and solutions. Keep a heating pad next to your bed, that is a good relief too! Take care Janne

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