I’m not sure if anyone can help me please? I have just recently finished 12 weeks of Paclitaxel and 2 weeks ago started EC. I wasn’t too bad through the 12 weeks and didn’t have too many side effects. Over the last few days I have developed tingling to the soles of my feet. I wasn’t aware of the cold socks but I would have definitely wore them if I had known. Do you think it’s too late for me to start wearing them now with the EC? Is there anything else you would recommend other than talking to my oncology team to stop the neuropathy from getting any worse in my feet?
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Hi, I didn’t understand how cold socks prevented peripheral neuropathy until after chemo. I believe it works on the same principles as cold capping. The cold caused blood vessels to contract therefore reducing the amount of chemo that reaches your extremities and thus reduces the risk of peripheral neuropathy. I fortunately wasn’t too badly effected . I have just minor sensation alteration in the tips of 3 fingers on my tight hand.
I hope that future chemo patients receive information about cold socks in the same way as we are instructed on cold capping.
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Thanks for that. Did you used the cold gloves and socks?
No I didn’t use cold socks and gloves. I was fortunate to have been minimally affected with neuropathy. Prior to chemo I took VitD in winter and was a keen cyclist, so outside a lot in the summer and therefore my vit D levels were high side of normal. I have read research that indicates good levels of vit D also reduce neuropathy developing during chemo.
I did cold cap. Which I did because I had read that cold capping protected the hair follicles and reduced the risk of permanent alopecia which is a small risk factor with docataxel. I lost about 50% of my hair but it started to grow back prior to finishing chemo and although I have little body hair now, I have a full head of hair.
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That’s brilliant about your hair. I’m also taking high does vit D so I’m going that it won’t be too bad.
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Hi cwtch
Thank you for your post.
It’s understandable that you’re wanting to know if there is anything else that might be recommended to stop the peripheral neuropathy in your feet from getting worse.
Peripheral neuropathy happens when the peripheral nerves (nerves close to the surface of the skin) are damaged. As you’re aware some chemotherapy drugs like Paclitaxel can cause peripheral neuropathy.
The main symptoms include a change in sensation such as pain, burning, numbness, pins and needles or, as you’re experiencing, a tingling in the feet and/or hands. You may also notice a feeling of warmth or cold, increased sensitivity or difficulty doing tasks such as fastening buttons. It can also cause difficulties with walking, balance and coordination, which can increase the risk of falling.
For some people like @shade said, symptoms are mild. For most, symptoms will gradually improve over the weeks and months after the treatment has finished. For others, the symptoms persist and may not disappear completely. Occasionally, neuropathy can get worse after treatment has stopped.
As you’ve recently finished treatment with Paclitaxel and have noticed this tingling sensation in the soles of your feet it’s important to let your treatment team know. Although peripheral neuropathy is not a common side effect of EC chemotherapy in rare cases (fewer than 1%) it can cause neuropathy. Your treatment team will be able to assess your individual situation and discuss whether there is anything that needs to be done to stop your peripheral neuropathy from getting worse. They can also discuss whether there may still be a benefit in wearing the cold socks (see information about this on the previous link) during your remaining EC cycles of chemotherapy.
Peripheral neuropathy can impact on quality of life. This video includes information about peripheral neuropathy that you may find useful.
If you have peripheral neuropathy and you drive, you will need to notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, (DVLA)
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Best wishes
Heidi
Breast Care Nurse
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