Neuropathy AFTER Chemo: Treatment?

[VLBIV]

I had 14 docetaxel treatments a little over a year ago with no neuropathy. Approximately two months after completing these 14 treatments, I began to have peripheral neuropathy in my fingertips and a small amount in my toes. The neuropathy is worse at night and has continued (at about the same severity) for approximately two months. Has anyone else experienced this phenomenon and, if so, can anyone recommend a treatment for it (other than Gabapentin or some similar drug)? I have heard that some people have success treating neuropathy with acupuncture and/or electrical stimulation of the nerves impacted. As always, thanks in advance for your feedback/recommendations!

[Bret5]

I can’t contribute on this specific question, but wondering about the 14 treatments. I’ve got metastatic stage 4 and am on triple therapy but only prescribed 6 treatments, each 3 weeks apart.

[VLBIV in reply to Bret5]

I am certainly not a doctor, but I don't believe that there is a magic number of treatments. It depends on how well you tolerate the treatment and how well the treatment is working. Based on my personal situation, 14 treatments worked out well. it's been a little over three months now since my last treatment, my PSA is under .20 and I am bouncing back from the chemo (except for the neuropathy!)

[HikerWife in reply to Bret5]

Bret, same Dx for my husband - he did triplet therapy too, and our MO told him that six rounds of chemo is standard protocol for triplet therapy for newly dx'd PCa. Later chemo will often be longer. Fwiw!

[Bret5 in reply to HikerWife]

Makes perfect sense. Thanks.

[rsgdmd]

I started having some neuropathy after the 3rd of 6 chemo cycles. Tried acupuncture and helped a little, but short duration. My doc recommended vit B6 100mg 2-3 x a day. Also taking alpha lipoic acid. Symptoms have improved over time, but recently has gotten a little worse, possibly due to starting Keytruda.

[VLBIV]

Great tips. I'll give them a shot. Thank you. Hang in there with your treatments. It's a battle.

[Foldem]

I wear ice boots and mittens when getting my Taxotere infusion. While unproven, it may reduce neuropathy from the Taxotere

I already have neuropathy from Cisplatin chemo to treat throat cancer in 2014. I’m doing everything I can to prevent it from getting worse.

Good luck!

[tn12]

I got cortisone injections in my hands, twice about 3 months apart. Plus you need to do stuff that keeps your fingers moving.

[VLBIV in reply to tn12]

Interesting about the cortisone. I have not heard that before. I agree about moving the fingers. That does seem to help. I am also using a percussion massager on low a couple of times a day. That seems to provide short term relief also. Thanks for the feedback!

[j-o-h-n]

Unfortunately neuropathy is like being married to your wife for 20 years, you finally get used to it,,,,,

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Tuesday 08/01/2023 7:23 PM DST

[VLBIV in reply to j-o-h-n]

Thanks for the reality check! Neuropathy stinks, but it's not as bad as chemo or our illness progressing. Great analogy...

[Hidden]

Sorry I can't comment. Tingling was a noted side effect, but Savkid only had 3 chemo treatments without significant impact, other than weakness. |Gabapentin was provided, but your symptoms sound severe. Maybe the Doctor can prescribe something else or boost the gabapentin. Wishing you all the best.

[VLBIV]

Thanks. I'm trying to avoid Gabapentin. Neuropathy is just a side effect that many of us have to manage.