Strange new side effects with FOLFIRINOX

[Kbelo]

I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced these side effects - I'm 8 rounds (of 12) through FOLFIRINOX and these are new to me.

1. I'm getting strange "pulses" through my ankles and feet, almost like little electrical zaps or currents. It started once a day, about a week ago, now I get dozens per day. Not painful, but strange feeling. Lasts a second or two at a time

2. Any time I blow my nose, there's a reasonable amount of blood on the Kleenex. Not enough to run out of my nose, but any time of day, there's blood in my nostrils. It could be dry air, I suppose, but I've never had this happen before.

If anyone is familiar with these side effects, or knows anything about them (this group was how I discovered what "first bite" was, when trying to figure out that odd sensation) I'd appreciate the insight. Seeing my oncologist tomorrow, round #9 Wednesday

Thanks!

[Trying]

I did get alot of nose bleeds. Some bad. I also had pulsing in my hands

[margiej]

I developed L'Hermitte's sign a few weeks after the end of chemo. When I would bend my head down, electric shocks went down from my neck to my feet--painless, but pretty uncomfortable. It was during the worst of my neuropathy. As my neuropathy improved, the electric shocks disappeared. I still have some neuropathy from the oxy, but it is tolerable. I think I would let your doctor know about the electric shocks, he/she might want to adjust your treatment.
Margie

[Phuong]

For the nosebleeds, my NP recommended using a q-tip at night before bed to swipe a little Vaseline in your nose. Hope that helps.

[Kbelo]

My oncologist decided to scale back the Oxaliplatin to see if we could get rid of the strange zaps I'm getting in my feet. Thanks for the Vaseline tip - think I'll give it a try for my nose to see if it helps

[margiej]

I think that's wise to cut the oxy back. I hope your electric shocks subside soon.
Margie

[mobrouser]

Kbelo I had the pulsing sensation in my feet after about round 7 or 8. To me it feels like when you're in an elevator that has just stopped and is making adjustments to level with the floor before the door opens. It took a while for me to realize it was related to sudden changes in my blood pressure. It's been 3 months since I finished chemo, yay!!!, and probably 1 month since the pulsing stopped. I told my onc about it when it first happened but she wasn't concerned. At that point my oxali was down to 75%. I now feel it in my hands but not nearly as often.

I also had nose bleeds from round 2 onwards which resulted in the oxali being reduced but I was also on daily blood thinner shots because of a clot after my PICC was put in place. My bleeds, which were quite heavy, usually happened when I went from being outside in the cold winter weather to regular indoor temps but sometimes just a cough or sneeze would start them. I ended up doing Neupogen shots to rebuild platelets. Vaseline in my nose didn't make a difference for me.

The balancing act of giving best treatment vs what the body can take is tough. My onc was I believe quite agressive in her choice in keeping me at 75% for rounds 5 to 12 but I was in full agreement with her.

All the best for tomorrow's infusion. You're almost there!!!

mob