chemotherapy and itching

I'm heading for my 4th round of carbo/taxol.  After rounds 2 & 3, about 7-10 days after chemo, I have days and days of INSANE itching in my hands and feet.  I know people get numbness and tingling, but I've never heard anyone say they itch like crazy.

 I think I'm probably allergic to the taxol.  Of course I asked the nurse and doctor, and they think it's a side effect or allergic reaction to medication.

 Has anyone else experienced this?  Please, if you have, tell me  how you managed it or controlled it.  I try topical anti-itch products and Benadryl and don't get relief.

 I have 3 more chemos go to and don't know how I won't shoot myself after going insane from the itching.

 Thanks.

Hi MaryAnn, I would try Eucerin Cream or Bag Balm and aslo I would take a bendryl pill. It sounds as if the chemo is drying out your skin. Make sure and drink plenty of liquids.Make sure and tell your doctor, he could prescribe a pill for itching. I had 8 rounds of carbo/taxol and had nausea and joint pain. Then I was put on Doxil and WOW what a rash and severe sunburn affect I had. Hoping that this will help you. Sending positive thoughts your way.

Hugs and Prayers, Terry

After suffering for weeks on end with this miserable itching and pin prickles (felt like bee stings) all over my body, but mostly hands and feet and sides, I pretty much thought I couldn't handle one more chemo.

 I changed doctors and told my new onc. what I was going through.  He prescribed me Lyrica, which is used by diabetics for similar neuropathy symptoms. 

 By this time I was near the end of treatment.  The Lyrica helped, but didn't take the itch away completely.  If I did anything that involved too much use of my hands or feet, (like walking across a big warehouse store), the pain would start again.  However, this drug helped.

 The only thing that made it go away was time, once done with my last chemo.  After a month or two, the symptoms became less and less until FINALLY it has all gone away.

Now I revel in the fact that my hands and feet are normal.  How great it feels to not feel anything! 

 Ask your doctor for Lyrica.  Taking anti-histamines or anti-itch creams or Benadryl does not do a thing.  This is nerve damage, not allergy.

Please let me know how you are doing.  I completely understand how miserable this itch symptom is.