I had rectal cancer and had radiation, rectum removal, and folfox for 6 months. I had probably a average neuropathy from the Ox during chemo: numb tingling hands and toes, my tongue felt I was drinking crushed ice when drinking cold liquids (which had no ice). I don't know if that symptom has been mentioned before. I didn't have the feeling of not being able to breathe when drinking cold liquids though. Well, I never tried cold liquids for any length of time. I had some problems of feeling something similar to an electrical shock down my legs occasionally.
Well it has been 2.5 months since I finished the chemo and the neuropathy has become progressively worse. It has reached a point where I can touch a certain part of my forearm and get the tingle sensation. My toes feel like there is a rope around them when I move them. I also get the tingle when I touch parts of my leg near my shin. I still get the electrical shock feelings down my legs and only yesterday did I associate them with bending my neck down. (Someone else in these posts had the same thing.) My balance is affected and my feet feel like wooden feet when I walk.
I plan to see a neurologist soon. Thanks so much for these blogs. I feel some relieve knowing other people have had those problems, but disheartened to know that some have lasted up to a year. I saw a article that this might permanent, though that is rare. Has anyone found an average time that post chemo neuopathy lasts?