What Do I Do Now? - 48

48
SIDE EFFECTS AND SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT /// CHAPTER 32
Peripheral
Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is a set of symptoms caused by damage to
the nerves that are away from the brain and spinal cord. These
distant nerves are called peripheral nerves. They carry sensations
(feeling) to the brain and control the movement of our arms and
legs. Some chemotherapy can damage peripheral nerves, known
as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).
Chemo Culprits
» Platinum drugs -
cisplatin, carboplatin, and
oxaliplatin
» Taxanes - paclitaxel
(Taxol), docetaxel
(Taxotere)
» Plant alkaloids -
vinblastine, vincristine,
vinorelbine, etoposide
(VP-16)
» Bortezomib (Velcade),
carfilzomib (Kyprolis)
» Eribulin (Halaven)
What does it feel like?
Be on the lookout for the
following symptoms in your
arms, legs, hands, or feet:
» Weakness
» Numbness or tingling,
especially in hands and
feet
» Pain or cramping
» Sensitivity to touch or
temperature
» Clumsiness or loss of
balance
These symptoms can cause:
» Difficulty climbing stairs.
» Problems with writing, typing
or texting.
» Changes in the way you walk,
run or jump.
» Trouble standing for long
periods.
» Difficulty fastening buttons or
tying shoes.
Why are we concerned?
If you notice any of these
symptoms it's important to report
them to your oncologist because
neuropathy:
» Can cause pain/discomfort
» Affects safety
* Falls - because of loss of
balance, pain, numbness
*
Infection - If you get a
cut that you don't realize
is there it can make you
sick
» Can cause frustration
* When you have difficulty
doing things you used to
have no trouble with, it
can be very frustrating.
There are services
available to help like
physical and occupational
therapy.
How to Deal with Peripheral Neuropathy:
» Tell your nurse or provider - there are medications
that can help! They might also connect you with
physical therapists who will work with you.
» If you are taking pain medicines, use them as your
doctor prescribes them. Most pain medicines work
best if they are taken before the pain gets bad.
» Avoid things that seem to make your CIPN worse,
such as hot or cold temperatures, or snug clothes
or shoes.
» Give yourself extra time to do things. Ask friends
for help with tasks you find hard to do.
» Don't drink alcohol. It can cause nerve damage on
its own and might make CIPN worse.
» If you have neuropathy in your hands, be very
careful when using knives, scissors, and other
sharp objects. Use them only when you can give
your full attention to the task.
» Protect your hands by wearing gloves when you
clean, work outdoors, or do repairs.
» Take care of your feet. Look at them once a day to
see if you have any injuries or open sores. Always
wear shoes that cover your whole foot when
walking, even at home. Talk to your doctor about
shoes or special inserts that can help protect your
feet.
» Be sure that you have ways to support yourself if
you have problems with stumbling while walking.
Handrails in hallways and bathrooms may help you
keep your balance. A walker or cane can give you
extra support.
» Use night lights or flashlights when getting up in
the dark.
https://fwaya.org/
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