VetMom,
I just completed a FOLFOX6 regimine on 7/18. Fingers and feet were constantly 'buzzing' for the last 3 of 12 treatments. Oncologist said not to worry, everything would be normal after a couple of months after treatment. Well, I don't see any difference except the buzzing has turned to sensitivity in my fingers such that the tips of them get really sore after an hour or so on the computer. The buzzing, tingling, and soreness cover any sensitivity to light touches. (I hope no one wants me to hand them a raw egg!) My feet feel as though i walked barefoot on a gravel bed yesterday. I'm seeing significant reduction in balance. Between stumbling around, dropping stuff, and knocking over stuff, I'm beginning to feel like a toddler again! One other thing, I have slight spinal cord compression at L3,L4, and L5. According to my neurologist, I could have expected the low-grade pain I was experiencing from that to get worse since all nerves are targets for the platinum and any pre-existing inflamed areas will just get worse. Give the man a prize! The lower back/upper leg pain is no longer low-grade! Recommended treatments; steroid injections for the lumbar issues and patience for the fingers and feet issues!
I've been to the Oxilaplatin manufacturer's web site. There are several articles that discuss the drug and neuropathy and none of them are very encouraging. In one study 30% of the participants dropped-out due to neuropathy effects during the study. One article said neuropathy existing 18 months after final treatment is likely to be permanent. Further, from the data I saw, the difference in 5-yr survival rates between Oxilaplatin and alternative treatments were not overwhelming. After the fact I've learned that there are alternative programs with similar results and different side effects. One is nearly 100% for hair loss and bad for stomach and bowel upsets; that was not explained to me. I very well may have chosen the alternative if I had known then what I know now.
What's done is done. Praise God for the good results we've had so far, but more discussion of treatment alternatives and the pro's and con's of each would have been nice.
Good luck and may God bless you
Ed