Chemo-related neuropathy developing despite ice mitts and socks. Anything that can be added now?

[spouse21]

My husband is about to get infusion #6 of Docetaxel in three days. He's been religious about using the ice mitts and ice socks during the infusion. (He doesn't use an ice cap on his head.) Despite the ice regime, this week he started to feel some tingling in his heel and fingertips. Are there any tips that might keep this from worsening? He's getting plenty of rigorous exercise and using a hand strengthener. Thanks to all.

[6357axbz]

In recent posts I read fasting ( nothing but water) two days before and one day after prevents SEs

[tango65]

This is a link to the opinions about chemotherapy by a real expert in the treatment of prostate cancer. She talks about the neuropathy associated with chemo and techniques to reduce undesirable side effects of chemo.

grandroundsinurology.com/dr...

[Magnus1964]

Here is my list for fighting neuropathy:

1. Mirapex 1 tablet 0.25mg - prescription

2. Gabapentin 2 capsules (300mg) - prescription

3. Acetyl L-Carnitine 1 capsule 500mg - over the counter

4. Leg Cramps (by Hylands) 2 tablets over the counter

5. Aleve PM 2 220mg - over the counter. Because Aleve can cause liver damage with long term use I have substituted Zyflamend 1 capsule.

I take each of these drugs at least 20 minutes apart in the early evening. This helps me get a good nights sleep. The effects last all day long.

[tango65 in reply to Magnus1964]

Aleve is naproxen a NSAID. It is associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular accidents, fluid retention, hypertension and it can cause interstitial nephritis/renal papillary necrosis and gi bleeding. Gabapentin is very effective and the dose could be up to 3000 mg/day depending on the intensity of the symptoms.

rxlist.com/consumer_naproxe...

[Magnus1964 in reply to tango65]

I could never get my GP to prescribe any more than 600 mg of gabapentin.

[tango65 in reply to Magnus1964]

Consider to consult with a neurologist. They are he doctors who are supposed to study and treat peripheral neuropathies.

[Dachshundlove]

Are you guys icing at least 20 minutes before and after the infusion? and, if so, are the gloves keeping the hands very cold the whole time?

You want to reduce blood flow dramatically through the cooling process which limits the amount of toxicity to the many nerves in the hands and feet.

If the gloves are not staying cold the whole time. Use ziplock bags Of ice chips, cover the hands with cotton gloves and hold the ice chips.

[tetech]

as I recall the research had the patients wearing the Frozen gloves during chemo and 3 hours after if you can't stand to wear the gloves that long at least keep your hands and feet elevated during and for three hours after the infusion. I remember the fully adjustable chairs but I would have to adjust them myself usually the nurses weren't too keen on it.

[spouse21]

Thanks so much, everyone, for all the advice. I'll make sure the mitts and ice socks go on earlier for one thing and explore some of the other tips. My husband did the fasting before #3, and felt so much worse before, during, and after the infusion, he hasn't done it again. Our MO discouraged it in any case, though I see some of Dr. Tanya Dorff's patients did well with it.

[vandy69]

My Med Onc recommended taking 100mg B6 orally daily to mitigate neuropathy. I have had 17 infusions of Docetaxel so far and do ice hands and feet. In spite of this regimen, my feet have neuropathy, but not hands.

Best Wishes. Never Give In.

Mark, Atlanta

[PhilipSZacarias]

I used 300 mg of cannabidiol (CBD) on chemo days (~90 minutes before infusions) and 150 mg for two days afterward. I also had the ice on my feet and hand. I did not suffer from neuropathy afterwards. Not sure the CBD was effective, but maybe worth a try. Cheers, Phil

[j-o-h-n]

1 Neurontin/Gabapentin 600mg in the AM and in the PM.

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Thursday 02/13/2020 6:52 PM EST