Worried about Neuropathy in feet

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1

Following my 2nd Docetaxel , my heels are part numb but also very painful and tender to put weight on, feel like I’ve walked around all day on hard pavements with a backpack full of rocks!!
Not sure whether I should be walking on/ massaging or resting my poor slabs of meat!
I’m wondering whether it’s likely to be a long term thing, or whether it’s likely to pass with time. As a keen walker/ hiker it would not be great for my life if it were permanent. Short term pain i can deal with !

Ps I used compression socks and gloves, plus Suzzipads icepacks on first Docetaxel infusion, and had no SEs , but due to a 4 hour delay (because they had reduced my dose for a different reason) in meds arriving for 2nd infusion , they had all melted- which may be why I’m in this situation. ( Or it could just be cumulative effects)

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Morning, i struggled LOADS with this on docetaxol .. stumbling loads in the night. It has since gone though ! X

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Ooh that’s good to know, so there is hope!

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I had heel pain as well after docetaxel but it faded after a few weeks. I bought a pair of slip on shoes with foam bottoms. :blush:

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Hi nib32,

Thanks for posting.

It sounds a though you are having a difficult time with painful, tender feet. It’s understandable that you want to know if this is likely to impact you in the longer term, especially as you are a keen walker/ hiker.

Peripheral neuropathy happens when the peripheral nerves (nerves close to the surface of the skin) are damaged. As @sbee has also experienced, docetaxel can cause peripheral neuropathy.

The main symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include a change in sensation such as pain, burning, numbness, pins and needles or tingling, most commonly in the hands or feet. You may 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 your risk of falling. This video about peripheral neuropathy includes information that you may find helpful. Macmillan also have some information about peripheral neuropathy that may be useful.

For some people, symptoms are mild and go away soon after treatment stops. As @Darla49 experienced, 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. It’s important to let your treatment team know about the side effects you are experiencing, so that they can support you to manage these, and look at ways to reduce the risk of problems in the longer term. If peripheral neuropathy is impacting your quality of life, your treatment team may reduce your dose or delay your chemotherapy.

You mention compression sock and gloves and SuzziPad. Some hospitals may offer cold socks and gloves (cryotherapy) during treatment for prevention, however this varies between hospitals and the evidence supporting the effectiveness of compression and cryotherapy is limited. It may be worth speaking to your treatment team to see if this is something they can offer you.

There are some drug as that can help with nerve pain if your symptoms are severe. Our website has further information on managing symptoms and treating peripheral neuropathy that you may find helpful. Some people find complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage and reflexology helpful. Exercise can also improve circulation and co-ordination and can help improve symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, you may benefit from referral to a physiotherapist if you are having difficulty with mobility due to peripheral neuropathy.

We offer a range of free supportive services which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.

Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.

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Best wishes,

Katie

Breast Care Nurse

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