itching attack on soles of feet - carbo taxol regimen

[Elifebru]

hi lovely ladies,

I have done 5 rounds of the carbo-taxol treatment and have 1 more to go. After the last 2 rounds I get this crazy itching episodes mainly on the soles of my feet that continue for about an hour. The itching is so bad literally want to chop my feet off. The oncologist found it uncommon- seemed like she had never encountered it in her patients. I found something called the Hand-foot syndrome online as a chemo side effect, but it is described as redness and swelling, not so much itching. Wondering if anyone had a similar experience? Thank you and sending love xx

[Bananasmoothie]

Hi, I had exactly the same. Too a lesser extent on my hands too. I felt like I wanted to rip my skin off. 'Itching' doesn't quite cover it does it? 😢When it was really bad the only thing that helped was sticking my feet in the bath & running a warm shower head over them.

I'm 18 months post chemo & still get episodes. Usually if my feet are cold or change temperature. Getting out of the bath / shower often starts it off, as can wearing shoes with textured insoles or standing on a bobbly bathmat. I avoid going barefoot and wear big sheepskin bootie slippers which really help, as do bedsocks (even in high summer!) Scratching the itch is fatal!

Hugs x

[Elifebru in reply to Bananasmoothie]

You are a lifesaver honestly! I was feeling like an alien as I couldn’t find anyone else with this symptom. I wonder if it is the clear cell grade that unites us on this? Thank you for the suggestions. And yes there needs to be a different word than ‘itch’ . Omg I had a crying spell halfway through it, as I thought I was losing my mind! Thank you and hugs

[Bananasmoothie in reply to Elifebru]

Me too with the crying. If I feel it coming on I make sure I've got my booties on & just march on the spot. It seems to help! Xxx

[Lovedogs41]

Try udderly smooth moisturiser regularly it’s great stuff.Also anti histamines?

[Elifebru in reply to Lovedogs41]

I Will search you and order the moisturiser , thank you!I am not sure about the antihistamines as the ‘episodes’ come very suddenly and are over within an hour; antihistamines probably only kick in only after the agony 😫. Thank you!

[Haeh]

Hi! Yes, I too had 'the itching' I was given antihistamines at the cancer day centre when I told them about the itching after a few chemo sessions, I assume that the nurses gave me antihistamines every time after this. It never came back.