Neuropathy From Oxaliplatin

I took my last stage 3 colon cancer treatment (the usual) in November, 2007.  I have now developed severe neuropathy in feet, knees and hands.  When I get out of bed, my feet feel like the only part touching the floor is the very middle and I cannot let go of the wall and start walking until they flatten out some.  And then I can only hobble around until they eventually loosen up.  The sole of my feet hurt so bad if I'm on them more than 30 minutes or so that I cannot stand the pain.  By late afternoon, my knees get so stiff and sore that I can barely straighten them to stand up or bend them to sit back down.  Does anyone else have these symptoms?   My shoulders hurt a lot too although that may be from arthritis.

I had my mediport removed today and the doctor gave me a round of prednisone as I have a history of allergic asthma.  It seems to have kept me from being so stiff and sore tonight.  Could this possibly be a source of relief?  Of course, prednisone keeps  me from sleeping and I have been awake all night. lol  It also causes me to eat everything in the house at one sitting. ha

As severe as these symptoms are at the onset, I am afraid I will never get better.  My quality of life is non-existent at present.  I can't clean house, cook, or anything much.  The chemo seems to have also aggravated my degenerative disc disease, fibromyalgia and arthritis too.  Or maybe it is all the cold weather right now what with "global warming" and all. HA

Would appreciate any answers anyone can give me.  Please excuse typos, I try to catch all and back them out.  Takes a while to type too. lol

my husband finished his last round of chemo in May 2007- and a few weeks after that he delveloped severe neuropathy in his hands and feet- he doesn't have stinging- morning numbing and some burning.  the dr. prescribed  gabertin-  he takes 300 mg. three times a day.  it does help some.  also time has helped- he now has more feeling in his fingers- he can button his shirts -where he couldn't two months ago.  he feet are getting better- but slower than the hands. he hasn't been able to go hiking because he is unsure of where he is putting his feet.

 he does notice if he forgets his med.  he neuropathy gets worse-  so i guess the med really is helping.

talk to your doctor - there are some meds that do help some.

good luck i hope your neuropathy starts improving.

debbie2

Hi

I completed 6 months of chemotherapy for colon cancer in Nov 2005 and I STILL have peripheral neuropathy so bad that I am on Lyrica, Opana and Vicodin. It is from the oxaliplatin and if I had to do it over again I would take my chances on the cancer and skip the oxaliplatin! My quality of life is horrible. I am on pain meds and I can barely think straight most days. This has been going on for over 2 years and while I do think it has gotten a little bit better from 2005, the doctors say that any additional improvement after 2 or more years is doubtful. My symptoms actually got WORSE right after the treatment and then levelled off. But when you stop the chemo do not expect the pain and numbness to go away.

I wish I could give you a better response but that is my story and in case you cant tell, I'm mad as hell about what happened to me!! Most people tell me I am lucky to be alive. I dont call this living folks!!

John