How long does it take for peripheral neuropathy improve

[Lamos]

Hello,

 I’m 51 and found out I had bowel cancer Jan 21, it was quite a shock because I was very fit and healthy. I had the surgery Jan 21 then 6mths of chemo and developed peripheral neuropathy.

It affected my hands, feet, legs to my knees. The effects have lessened 12mths on but I still have numb fingers and feet, there’s not much discomfort although tasks requiring fine motor skills are still tricky.

Also while my feet are quite numb they are also extremely sensitive (it doesn’t make my sense).

 I spoke with my oncologist and GP they just shrugged and said it might take time.

 I walk/run/hike 3 times a week, eat pretty well, don’t smoke or consume much alcohol, I take vit B, mg and Ca.

 I still get the tingling pulses in my hands at night, is this a sign my nerves are still growing back or should I just learn to live with it and of course I’m greatful that so far I’m now cancer free 🤞

Any responses positive or negative regarding PN would be greatly appreciated 

kind regards

Lamos

[sch]

Hi Lamos,

Welcome aboard!

I had treatment and chemotherapy for bowel cancer a number of years ago now.

Like yourself I developed neuropathy during treatment, which continued to get worse for a couple of months after treatment.

For myself, it gradually improved slowly over a couple of years.

Now it simply manifests itself as a 30% loss of feeling in my feet (when I'm in bare feet, it feels like I'm wearing thick socks) and a little loss in my hands.

I can live with that!

It sounds like you're doing everything right. The physical activity is precisely what is recommended.

[Lamos]

Thank you for that, it’s good to know that maybe there will be some more improvement.

Lamos

[Rusty60]

Hi , I'm 64 and had cancer 5 years ago with chemotherapy. I like you ended up with peripheral neuropathy , I started having symptoms within a month of the first chemo and mine has gradually worsened . They tell you exercise is good but it doesn't make a difference although I find running is less painful .The only thing I find that eases the pain is soaking your hands or feet in Epsom salts . With regard to how long you have to live with it , well everybody is different and in my case is worsening and some days the pain in my feet is almost unbearable but I'm cancer free and alive to see family grow up so I think I'm in front. Sorry this probably doesn't help any but it has made me feel better talking to someone who has also experienced it. I hope we can find answers. All The Best Rusty. 

[Susana_CCNSW]

Hi Rusty60,

I am sorry to hear about peripheral Neuropathy symptoms, unfortunately it seems there is no treatment or medication to relieve the symptoms. 

I am also glad to hear that you are cancer free and enjoying family life.

I will leave with you some links with information about peripheral Neuropathy, symptoms, cause, treatment.

I hope the information can provide some light about what to expect.

https://www.cancer.org.au/assets/pdf/understanding-peripheral-neuropathy

https://www.dana-farber.org/health-library/tips-for-managing-neuropathy

https://www.mdanderson.org/patients-family/diagnosis-treatment/emotional-physical-effects/peripheral...

All the best

Susana

Cancer Council

Online Community

[Kristenm]

It is one of the very annying potential side effects of chemo. Sadly sometimes never goes away as the nerves are so damaged , but more often then not ,  it can improve/lessen  with time- but over years not weeks. I have seen a lot people focus on exercise and healthy eating and B vit like you already are doing,  Neuro retraining such as using warm and cool water swaps,  wriggle hands and feet in a bucket of uncooked rice- it helps the brain relearn  the space/skin of the extemities, massage hands and feet with hands, ball and other tools etc to help with blood flow and space perception , lots of regular balance type exercises have been proven to really help with CIPN and important to reduce falls  risk . I have seen acupuncture help some CIPN patients, not always works for everyone , but certianly worth a try incase it helps  ( but experienced and fully registered  practitioner preferably with cancer experience, not needling ) Super dooper skin care/hygienne/moistuiriser , daily checks for cuts and cracks and address immediatly with antiseptic , dressings .Never walk barefoot anywhere. I have lots ladies ot support group that just live in sandshoes most of the time for safety. Many of them did a trial called InFocus Neuropathy study and or another QLD uni one that trialed wam pack and cold packs vs massage ball. The Infocus one was working with an exercise physiologist cancer rehab specialist doing balance exercises and the ladies loved that , i remeber one lady went from being to scared to climb a ladder due to not feeling safe since she couldn't feel her feet to feeling much more confident ,especially bush walking on uneven surfaces.She raved about balance exercises and how much they helped. ( EPs at Peak Health in Gymea are top notch when it comes to cancer rehab)