Neuropathy blues

[Semicolon_sister]

Hi folks,

My little brother just had his second chemo for stage 3 colon cancer, and is already feeling some burning in his feet at night after a long walk/hike. Do you have any advice on how he might prevent severe neuropathy? How bad does it have to be to justify a dose reduction in the platinum drug? Are there activities he should pursue or avoid? Supplements and the like? Please, any and all advice would be appreciated!

Thanks so much, in advance.

Best,

Big Sis

[Lund5505]

The only way to avoid neuropathy is to stop the oxaliplatin. The new recommendations are to stop at round six. I would definitely mention it to his doc. However from your description it might be HFS which feels more like burning in your feet whereas neuropathy is numbness and tingling. If it is hand and foot syndrome try keeping his feet really moisturized, comfortable shoes and avoid friction such as long walks.

Hope this helps

[teachpdx]

I had HFS that lasted for 3 years - that's much longer than for most people. My suggestion would be to stay off his feet as much as possible so as not to create a problem, if things work that way. Hiking can be done later and not aggravating MAY be a good idea - JMHO.

[Nik Colon]

Is he on Folfox or Xelox? If it's from the oxi, I would say if it doesn't get better within the first week, especially if it lasts til next tx, stop. Gabapentin may help nerve issues.

[karaj]

While it didn't fix my neuropathy, acupuncture did noticeably relieve the pain. It also gave me the best naps of my life plus weekly me time.

[OrchardWriting]

I had fairly severe neuropathy up to my knees and elbows, but after treatment I walked as much as I could stand without pushing too hard and used my hands to type and so on. After a while it eased considerably so that it is only in the tips of my fingers and bottoms of my feet.