Velcade

Hi, I am secheduled for a transplant on Nov. 6th and am on my 3rd round of Velcade. I am expeeriencing a lot of pain in my feet and wondering if they are side effects from the Velcade as my Nurse has suggested they may be. Has anyone else out there experienced this type of pain with Velcade? Up until now I've had very little side effects and wonder if it's the accumulation of the 3 cycles.
Maggie

yes, Velcade can cause peripheral neuropathy. Make sure your physician is aware. The dose may need to be decreased.

Thank you, that's what my nurse thought it may be, although I was just expecting the tingling or numbness. I had some green tea last night and drank a lot of water all day. The aching has gone, now it is just painful if I stand in one spot at a time. It has improved though. I only have one treatment left before the transplant so maybe they'll keep the dose if it continues to get better.
Maggie

normally you think of numbness or tingling with peripheral neuropathy. Velcade is a little different. Most patients describe it as a burning or aching pain.

Thank you so much for sharing this information.
Maggie

My wife had seven cycles of velcade/Dex-three included cytoxin and never experienced any peripheral neuropthy- it seems to vary from person to person. Thalidomide can also cause the same thing according to her DR.
Best Wishes in Nov.
fish2

Dear Maggie 1
My mom is on her 3rd cycle of Velcade and so far she has no side effects. She is scheduled to go through harvesting of her stem cells right after Thanksgiving. Since her Velcade is working so well, she wants to wait as long as she can to actually go through transplant. I don't know how to feel about that for sure. I wonder if she should wait to for the Velcade to stop working or until she gets side effects from it? Where are you getting your transplant done? Did you already have your stem cells harvested? Jodi

Hi Jodi. My last Velcade treatment was cancelled because of the Neuropathy. It was the 4th treatment day of my 3rd Cycle and up until than I had no side effects. It's very painful and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. I am on codeine and extra strength asprin for the pain, trying to stay off the codeine, but the clinic prefer I use it as it won't mask fever. My nurse said it could last for months. I just hope it does go away. How is you mother? I am waiting for a bed for my transplant here in Winnipeg. We where all prepared for the 6th, but there are so many waiting and worse off than me, that I am now 2nd in line. One Day at a Time! I would appreciate knowing of any other remedies for the Neuropathy. My one a day vitamins seem to help as I understand the B's and Vitamin D helps. May try that next. Also looking into a product called Benfotiamine?

Benfotiamine is thiamine. Here is a site that answers some questions. I dont think it would hurt to try it.

http://www.benfotiamine.org/FAQ.htm

Thank you ONCRX! Hope I can get it here in Winnipeg, Canada, if not I can order it on-line. Sounds like I'd be better off with Benfotiamine than Codiene! Once again thank you for your reply! Maggie