You're right Leroy, that would be annoying. I could not imagine tingling all the time, like your hand or foot were asleep. When it happens at night, it wakes me up.

My sister caused her own neuropathy of her right ulnar nerve (to the pinkie) in her arm. She leaned on it without protecting the elbow from pressure. Some of the tingling went away with oral vitamin B 12. Just a suggestion.

Have the best day possible.

Sent by Sue Chap | 8:06 AM ET | 05-05-2008

Hi Leroy! Sounds like there are so very many side effects and complications from cancer and chemo. I regret so very much that you seem to be experiencing each and every one of them. What a heck of a teacher you are to me. I pray for your comfort and relaxation one day - for even just a short while. And that you realize that you are feeling GOOD for even a short time before it is over and you said - hey, Laurie, I felt so good and NORMAL! Take care of you please and love to Laurie. Prayers and good wishes to you.
Love, Jan

Sent by janice goldberg white | 8:12 AM ET | 05-05-2008

Hello Leroy...neuropathy does seem to "go with the territory". I wasn't prepared for that side effect at all! It may be that the oncologist told me about it, but only feeling is believing!

For a long time it felt as though the top of my left foot had been scalded, and all my toes were totally numb.

Now, almost three years after chemo, I have a faint numbness in all ten toes. A daily reminder of what needs no reminding.

It does get better, as do most things, in time.

Peggy

Sent by Peggy | 8:22 AM ET | 05-05-2008

I can relate to the neuropathy. I had it the first time in 2004 with my first treatment. I was in remission for a year and a half and it went away completely. When my cancer came back and metastisized I took a new type of chemo and the neuropathy came back in my feet worse than ever. I've been off that chemo for awhile but still have the neuropathy. It hasn't gone away yet. Thankfully it is isolated to my feet. It doesn't move around on me. Just another of those many side-effects we have to deal with.

Sent by Kim | 8:29 AM ET | 05-05-2008

Leroy,
ME too. It always seems that either my hands or feet have been in hibernation, only to wake up and tingle, tingle, tingle.
OH yes, very, very annoying.
We are hoping though aren't we.
Prayers, Blessings and May The Grace Of God Be With You.
Wanda Amorose

Sent by Wanda Amorose | 8:45 AM ET | 05-05-2008

It is interesting because my neuropathy returned after my last lung surgery. I know some people really struggle with it and find it painful. I mainly feel it at night when I'm trying to fall asleep. I hope yours will leave shortly or you will find it less aggravating.

I'm off to PT. My oncologist suggested it because of the bulging disc I had last year, which I no longer have pain from since I had two epidurals. Hopefully they won't do something to make it hurt again.

The good news for the first time since last May I resumed the walk my husband and I took almost every night before my cancer. It is a two mile loop along a fun road with small shops. I was able to do it on both Saturday and Sunday. I consider this a major accomplishment after the disc, two lung surgeries and several liver procedures. I know this will be a short lived improvement with another lung tumor growing but it still feels great. Hopefully you will be able to enjoy a sense of progress during this great spring!

Sent by Dona | 8:47 AM ET | 05-05-2008

Good Morning Leroy. It seems that the side affects of what you have gone through are ever-changing and "morphing" from one day to the next. How do the doctors explain these changing patterns? Are these symptons in addition to the pain, difficulting with mobility, and vision loss since the stroke, or do these sensations come and go? It would seem unbearable for you to withstand them all. Wonder how much medications and changing treatments have to do with it all? Strange. I have heard of Neuropathy but never quite understand just what it meant. Almost sounds like circulation or vascular problems. How does the Chemo cause it?

Sent by J C R | 8:48 AM ET | 05-05-2008

Leroy,
I'm sorry for your discomfort. I read something over the weekend that talked about how life is a big river, and when we struggle, it feels like we are walking against the tide. I'm sure we've all felt like that some days. Today, I hope you and everyone else can "go with the flow."

Sent by Kathleen, NJ | 8:49 AM ET | 05-05-2008

Dear Leroy,
My husband also suffers from neuropathy, but unlike you is too proud to use the walker and is constantly falling. Yes, we are going through this difficult time together. Lets hope we can all pull together, because, I, the caregiver ,feel as if I am going to be the first one to break!I should be the strong one and most of the time my husband is giving me strength............this causes a great deal of guilt for me. I'm reaching bottom and don't quite know what to do. I see a psychiatrist, speak to social workers but, nothing seems to be working. I'm sinking deeper and deeper into depression. By the way, I found a new hobby, DRINKING WINE.......makes you pass out for a few hours and you are pain free for at least two hours out of the day. Sorry for the babbling, but I guess this is just one of the days I have to vent. My husband goes to the hospital tomorrow for yet another biopsy. Thanks for listining guys. Sorry about the venting!

Prayers to all.......and, to Nikki, I would like to thank you and all the others for your beautiful comments and support. God bless us all.

Sent by sasha321 | 8:51 AM ET | 05-05-2008

dear sasha,

my prayers and thoughts go out to you. it seems that watching and caring and loving make the pain as bad and doing everything is exhausting. please take care of you. Your husband needs you to be there for him and you need to be strong for him. Please G-d, you have someone there for you also.
Let us know how you are doing.

Jan

Sent by janice goldberg white | 9:03 AM ET | 05-05-2008

Good morning Leroy,
to bad about the feet being asleep. My wife also had this and was unsure in her walking.
I liked how you used the word Hope. I think the flip side of hope is Faith. I believe there is a greater power that is leading us.
I believe Jesus is leading you Leroy.
Please keep writing and sharing your life with us.
Have a God glorifing day Leroy.

Sent by Donato | 9:06 AM ET | 05-05-2008

My father developed neuropathy after his chemo, but since he had diabetes, too, his treating physicians couldn't say for certain what caused it. He cussed it for a time and then one day, told us he had a whole new attitude - that as long as he could feel the tingle, he knew he was still here. My dad wasn't normally one to make lemonade out of lemons, but that's just one way he changed because of cancer. And, with that simple act, he also changed me. I miss him everyday, but am grateful for all the wit and wisdom he shared during his 23-month fight. Rock on, Leroy!

Sent by Joyce in FL | 9:08 AM ET | 05-05-2008

Sasha, Wish there was something I could do to help-know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Your husband too.
Jen

Sent by Jen | 9:11 AM ET | 05-05-2008

My wife has this from FOLFOX - Honestly, I can't relate because I've never felt it. I just have to trust that when she complains... she means it!

Sent by Tim | 9:20 AM ET | 05-05-2008

It will stop. Put some tunes on, snap your fingers and tap your toes to a rhythm. Music gives your mind something else to think about until those tingling neurological pathways get trained back to work.

Hold Fast

Don MacLeod

Sent by Don MacLeod | 9:23 AM ET | 05-05-2008

Chemo...the gift that keeps on giving in both good and bad ways. Survival is the VERY GOOD part and neuropathy is a not so good part. About a month after I finished my Oxilaplatin (sp?) and 5-FU neuropathy hit me again. My hands are just a little tingly now. I have more problems in my feet. I feel like I am wearing socks even when I am not and if I am on my feet for a long time it feels like I am walking on rocks. I did take B-6 and glutamine while I was on chemo and it did help a little.
We can only hope the neuropathy gets better over time. As you say, Leroy, it is annoying.
I'm sending wishes for a good day. We have sunshine today even though it is a little cool.
Charlotte in Rural Ridge, PA

Sent by Charlotte Kewish | 9:26 AM ET | 05-05-2008

Leroy - I too concur with your description of neuropathy - it's just a royal pain in the ass. I ended up with mine after a two month coma due to complications from my esophagectomy and this is pretty much all that's left from that surgery. I sure hope it gets better, like you said, but the doctors aren't sure if it will or not, so hope is all I have left.

Sent by Tom DuBois | 9:28 AM ET | 05-05-2008

Leroy,
I found glutamine to be very helpful in combatting my neuropaathy. Here's a link to a study about it:
http://clincancerres.aacrjournals.org/cgi/content/full/7/5/1192
I read your blog every day, but rarely comment -- please know, though, that you are in my prayers every night.
-Julie Tynion (two-time breast cancer survivor -- 11 years and counting!)

Sent by Julie Tynion | 9:39 AM ET | 05-05-2008

You might want to ask your oncologist about L-glutamine powder supplementation for neuropathy. Mine put me on it, my old neuropathy is now pretty much gone.

Sent by Ann | 9:40 AM ET | 05-05-2008

In June it will be a year since my last chemo and I'm still waiting for it to go away. It's better but always there. Nothing but good hard soled shoes these days.

Sent by Lisa | 9:44 AM ET | 05-05-2008

Leroy, neuropathy is a nasty side effect from the chemo. I have tried a prescription called gabapentin (this is the generic name) and it has helped some. You might ask you docs about this. Hope you find some relief.
Pam Cassidy

Sent by Pam Cassidy | 9:49 AM ET | 05-05-2008

I too have neuropathy after being treated for Hodgkins disease 6 months ago. It is in my toes and my feet, though my hands go to sleep easily if bent the wrong way. It is annoying, but I'm almost getting used to it. People have told me it will probably get better with time...or it may not. No improvement yet. My doctor suggested B12 as well. Doesn't seem to help, though I'm thinking that maybe it would be a lot worse without the B12. People always ask why I'm limping, and I wish I could wear all the backless shoes I used to wear. Oh well, it's a small, but annoying, price for survival.

Sent by Susan | 9:53 AM ET | 05-05-2008

Ok Friends,
Neuropathy stinks. I have been able to keep it under control in my fingers but haven't felt my toes in two years. The major solution for me is to wear Crocs brand shoes. I promise I do not get paid to say this! They are antimicrobial, they have tiny massaging bumps that help your blood circulation and they feel like walking on pillows.I also am able to walk my treadmill in them. They have made a major difference in my comfort in walking. Men and women at my oncologist's office all agree with me.

OK, just couldn't resist sharing something that has actually worked for me! I sure hope that those of you struggling with neuropathy find relief any way possible.

doodles of healing hugs

Sent by Ann Van Tassell | 9:53 AM ET | 05-05-2008

Leroy, after my mastectomy I had a lot of nerve damage to my skin all around the area..not tingling, but a severe sensitivity. The only thing that helped was several accupuncture treatments. It worked miracles. Perhaps you could look into this for the neuropathy. Thanks for your wonderful writings.

Sent by Diana | 10:14 AM ET | 05-05-2008

Sasha,
Maybe it's time to talk to the psychiatrist about getting some meds--you're self medicating with the wine. And maybe you need a different therapist, one who specializes in helping people get through illness. That's what helped me live through my husband's cancer.

You're right, you need to be strong for your husband right now. There will be plenty of time later to feel sorry for yourself. I still do after three years. Good luck.

Sent by Kathy | 10:15 AM ET | 05-05-2008

i've had neuropathy in my legs, feet and hands for several years. I have gotten used to it and I walk daily. Its a pain, but i've adjusted and function pretty well. Massage helps as does a very good pair of running shoes so i don't fall. Only wear one kind of shoe so that there are no surprises. As GIlda used to say "its always something"

Sent by cheryll | 10:20 AM ET | 05-05-2008

Hi Leroy. I had neuropathy in my hands and feet that lasted at least a year after chemo. The people on my cancer support list suggested large doses of L-glutamine in powder form (mixed with fluid). I did not use it but the people who did say they have no problems any longer. Me? I just waited for my poor nerves to regrow. I hope yours do too.

Sent by Alycia Keating | 10:39 AM ET | 05-05-2008

Leroy: Burge took Lyrica which I think is the same as Pam's generic. They also gave him B-6 and L-glutamine. He described it as walking on gravel. Hope yours is a short case and that it will go away soon.

I'm doing a little extra "thanking God" today as Friday night my 15 year-old son, Scott, was blown off the road by wind and rolled his car. The car is toast, but the child is only brused and cut. I guess sometimes we do win even if we aren't expecting too.

Sasha: Please don't go down!!! I know that's easy to say, but you must find something besides the wine. (I used food and gained lots, so I'm one to talk???). Somehow, I found losing myself in books and books on tape worked at times. It has been a little bit cowardly and even now that things are over, (is it ever?) I find it hard to get back into the real world, but it helped me compartmentalize the pain. Even if you sit in the hospital with your headphones on, you are still there with your husband when he needs you, but also taking a break for your own mind. I was surprised at my lack of emotion when I saw my son's car, but be abstraction of mind got me through that mess too and kept me for freaking Scott out. My best to you today...and just stay in today. Tomorrow will come soon enough.

Nikki

Sent by Nikki from Kansas | 11:02 AM ET | 05-05-2008

Leroy, my heart goes out to you...stay strong! I will pray it gets better!
Sasha, be careful with the wine...Since Neil passed, I take my vitamins every morning, and my adult beverage almost every night. I hardly ever drank before that! But I also know, it can lead to problems and depression. I can't see a doc to medicate me, which is okay too. I have no health insurance since I moved down here to be with him. My new job does not offer it. I cry when I need to and I talk a lot to my mom, bless her heart! Just remember, time heals! You seem to be such a strong woman...hang onto that! And remember, If God leads you to it, he will lead you through it!
Leroy, thank you for giving us this place to support each other!

Sent by Laurie | 11:14 AM ET | 05-05-2008

Thanks, Leroy, for opening up conversation. this is the main side effect of my lymphoma treatment of 6 years ago.

My numbness is mosltly in the soles of my feet, so shoes have a bigger role in my life than before the Chemo. Last week I bought a pair of Crocs and find them to be the best for me. (Like Anne, this is not a paid ad!) Like walking on air. And you can wear colored socks and they peek through the holes! (Have fun any place you can find it, I say!)

I'm going to try the L-Glutomine powder and see if it works for me. Strange how my oncologyist doesn't know how to treat that side effect or seem to care much about it. "It will go away over time." is all he says.

That is true of mountains and stars, though I hope I don't have to wait that long! :)

PS: Does anyone else notice that you are cold all the time? I wonder if that is another side effect caused by nerve endings being damaged?

Sent by Free | 11:45 AM ET | 05-05-2008

Leroy - I have heard that acupuncture may help the neuropathy - and it certainly helps David relax and feel more peaceful.
Sasha - being the partner and carer is more difficult than anyone realizes. I worry about you self-medicating with the wine, though I understand why you feel you need it. You have a lot of us here with you who understand the pain you are going through and I hope you can feel strength from that - you are not alone, even if you feel it. I wish I could help more - I know how desperate and isolated I feel a lot of the time too.

Sent by Tina from Alton IL | 11:46 AM ET | 05-05-2008

Leroy,

Sigh. Yet another thing. I am familiar with neuropathy and you must be very careful about falling. That we don't need.

Blessings.

Sent by Diana Kitch | 11:57 AM ET | 05-05-2008

Leroy -- my father suffered from neuropathy, and what we found that helps is regular foot massage. It sounds crazy, but every Tuesday night (and sometimes several times a week) I'd give him a Mary Kay Satin Hands treatment on his feet and legs. He claimed it really helped. And we frequently joked about his standing appointment for his Mary Kay treatment -- the guy painted, wallpapered and rehabbed houses for a living prior to the cancer, so it was ironic how much he looked forward to something he probably wouldn't have even THOUGHT about doing is his "past life"! Anyway, though maybe it would be worth a shot!

Sent by Tammy Reasoner | 12:04 PM ET | 05-05-2008

ok Leroy, today you've touched (ouch) on one of my pet peeves about the aftermath of treatment...after 8 years and 10 drugs, nerve damage has affected my hearing and feeling in fingers and feet...you are all right about getting sturdy shoes (crocs are fun, but too squishy for me). There were times when my family made me switch out of the driver's seat when I pounded the floor boards to feel the pedals...but nueropathy bothers me most when I reach out to touch my husband's skin and cannot feel him, or tell how much pressure to apply. And writing this causes me to see how we've modified our behavior, away from intimacy...something to work on while we can. Thanks for this reflection

Sent by Joan S. | 12:11 PM ET | 05-05-2008

Leroy, always good to hear from you - no matter what your situation or mood. Just appreciate seein your post every morning and knowing you're there, fighting the good fight.

Sasha, my heart goes out to you. I only know too well your situation. Hope you have some friends who can listen and just listen.

Sent by Kathleen | 12:26 PM ET | 05-05-2008

Leroy,
You really hit a nerve (pun intended) when discussing neuropathy. I have it worse in my hands and fingers than in my feet. Sometimes the tingling gets so bad it becomes painful. My feet just have some areas that have seemed to disappear. The crocs sound like a good idea and I am also going to investigate acupuncture. I already take vitamin B12, does it help, who knows.
Thanks again for letting me know there are others out there who are feeling as I do.

Sent by Natalie | 12:38 PM ET | 05-05-2008

Leroy, I have the same problem. Have had back issues since Football. 3 back surgeries over the years, so lots of scar tissue. Tingling is giving it the benefit of the doubt, mine is like walking on barbed wire. I hope it does just disappear, not so much fun as a permanent house guest. Thoughts, Stan

Sent by Stan Wozniak | 12:52 PM ET | 05-05-2008

Leroy, this is the first time I'm writing to you. Was pretty tempted last week when you asked us to write what cancer means to us - but I read what everyone else wrote and boy did they cover all the bases!

In response to your neuropathy coments today, a couple people mentioned Glutamine. My onc pharmacist recommended it to me after two solid years of neuropathy (I've been on weekly chemo for nearly four years). Knock on wood because, presumably due to 30grams per day of Glutamine powder (10g three times per day), my neuropathy has all but disappeared over the past two monts.

Best wishes.

Sent by Karen in Sacramento | 1:00 PM ET | 05-05-2008

Alas, no solution to offer you. Merely sharing the best description I've heard of neuropathy discomfort: during those initial morning steps it's as if your heels became rounder overnight.
Best . . .

Sent by MartiD | 1:17 PM ET | 05-05-2008

My feet have been numb for the last ten years due to a spinal problem. Amazing what we can adapt to when there is no other choice.

Sent by Marilyn Trujillo | 1:23 PM ET | 05-05-2008

I was so excited to complete my chemo treatments for colon cancer. I thought it's all behind me now. Then the neuropathy hit and for me, it's been the worse thing about my cancer. When I returned to work from LOA, I'd just look at my keyboard and not want to touch it. I'd go sit in my car where the sun had been shining in and lay my hands on the hot dashboard to get a little relief. It's much better these days but my feet feel like I'm wearing plastic bags on them all the time. You can't describe it to people. Instead of the powdered form, I take the chewable L-glutamine tablets. They taste good-grape flavored. Buy them at a GNC or store like that.

Sent by Nancee | 2:19 PM ET | 05-05-2008

Leroy,
Did you ever consider alternative methods of healing? I only ask becasue when I was diagnosed with metastatic Ca of the lung back in 1991, I had a very poor prognosis.I knew that I would need to find all the ways I could possibly cope with the stress I was facing. As a nurse, I took a two week course at University of Maryland where i was introduced to bio-feedback, accupunture,therapeutic massage meditation etc. So when my diagnosis came I sought these mehods out. Again it was to help me cope, not to cure me. I went on to work as a Childbirth instructor and this philosophy became a cornerstone of my teaching.Today, I work with AIDS patients who suffer from neuropathy from many of their meds, and I know that acupncture has helped them.These are just some thoughts of mine.I hope they help. You are an awsome person and you touch many lives. Sometime during my busy day, I always check your e-ail site to see how you are doing.God Bless, you are in my prayers.

Sent by Anne | 3:59 PM ET | 05-05-2008

Sasha, I agree with Nikki about the wine drinking. It is so easy to get hooked on it as a "crutch" to lean on. You need a good friend or friends to unload on but stay away from others who drink also. It overcomes the sense of Comradie and takes over the conversations. Yes, you will sleep better at first, but next it will become "passing out" Your husband needs you too much for that and YOU don't need any more guilt trips! Lean on us here with Leroy. Lots of really good advice from really good people!

Sent by J C R | 4:02 PM ET | 05-05-2008

Yes the tingling in the hands is the worst for me. It makes it difficult to type, which is what I do all day. Ten keying is a real trip too. I am starting my third year of chemo and radiation, and realize now that the neuropath will never go away. One of my early drugs side effects was permanent neuropath. So yes you learn to put up with the annoyance and hope that maybe it will at least get a little better as time goes on.

Sent by Steven Schneider | 5:14 PM ET | 05-05-2008

Hey Leroy, Being an oncology nurse, I immediately thought of the good news/bad news related to neuropathy. The good news is that I thing it may be due to the nerves regenerating. And the tingling seems to be a lesser form of pain, although it is terribly annoying.
Do consider the advice to try Gabapentin, Neurontin Trileptal, or accupressure or accupuncture, Also Healing Touch therapy could help you with many symptoms!
My day is not complete if I haven't read how you are doing. And you are always in my prayers.
Mona Lee from Tennessee

Sent by Mona Lee | 6:08 PM ET | 05-05-2008

Sasha,
As you can see, there are so many of us that have felt what you're feeling and we all wish that we could help you in some way. The first six months alone, I couldn't eat and lost weight (that I needed to). Now I eat too much and am gaining it back. I just can't find a happy (what is that?) medium.
Nikki, I thank God your son is OK. If anything happened to my sons.........

Jane

Sent by Jane from Arkansas | 6:12 PM ET | 05-05-2008

To Sasha321,

I have been the care taker, the person whose life was put on hold, disrupted because of cancer. I cannot say I truly understand your anger, because it was not my husband, it was my sister. However, the anger I felt was real. Please seek help. A minister, counselor, to help you deal with your anger. And, if there are children get help for them also. Wine is a temporary fix, the headaches aren't worth the bottle. Sedatives, and other meds are also not the answer or long term fixes. Please get help for yourself and family.

Sent by Sue Chap | 6:30 PM ET | 05-05-2008

Hi Leroy and others,

I have used L-Glutamine with great success. I mix it in orange juice in the morning (1 Tablespoon). I can't taste it at all and it WORKS! I have to go to a vitamin specialty store to find it.

I've been on chemo since 2005 and am grateful there is at least one thing I can control that doesn't have an even worse side effect ;-)

Sent by Karen D. | 8:37 PM ET | 05-05-2008

Leroy - I too took glutamine during chemo to ward off neuropathy. I don't know if was due to the glutamine or not, but my neuropathy was pretty mild and now, 2 years later, I don't have any at all.

Sasha, I hope that being able to express your feelings here helps you make it through this really rough patch. And I have to agree with Nikki too - wine is not the answer and will ultimately make you feel worse. But I can tell that you are really suffering right now - please know we are all here for you.

Sent by Gretchen Hoag | 10:34 PM ET | 05-05-2008

Leroy,
I took L-Glutomine powder while going through chemo and I guess it helped. I thought it did b/c I didn't have tingling. I later realized the pain I felt if I stood on my feet for a few minutes was a form of neuropathy. That eventually subsided and only happens now when I'm run down. I do however have some tingling when I hit the gym. It's a strange reminder of how lucky I am to not be in active cancer world anymore. I hope L-glutamine powder and/or crocs help you. Some good suggestions have been made above. Love your blog. I like how you add humor... Did I say it is annoying? I agree with you.
Hugs from CA

Sent by Jennifer in CA | 1:01 AM ET | 05-06-2008

Sasha

In the good book it says Lose your life for His sake and you will find it. This time you are going through is your honor that you are taking care of someone who needs help.

Do your best and look each day for some small way to love him- a flower, a memory, a smile, a tv show, a conversation, a thank you, looking at pictures together, just bide your time together with each other. Prayers for you both.

Sent by Irene | 1:29 AM ET | 05-06-2008

For what it's worth, I had a little of that and luckily, thankfully, it eventually went away. Hoping that yours will, too..

Sent by Linnea | 5:11 AM ET | 05-06-2008

So sorry about the neuropathy Leroy. It has been my bane for 2 years now.

For all considering glutamine; please consult your onc. It may stimulate the growth of some kinds of tumors. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10468648?dopt=Abstract

(((Sasha))), I have been where you are, and worse. Yes, "your husband needs you," but that is what has helped put you where you are, so to hear it now only adds to your guilt. Try to think of the oxygen rule: put your own mask on first, so you will be able to put masks on others. Please try to focus on yourself and understand that the wine is in truth only making you feel more tired, lonely, sad, and helpless.

Sent by Venita | 9:09 AM ET | 05-06-2008

After four different kinds of chemo treatments in four regimes, I too have battled with vaying stages of nueropathy. The really fun one is the "chill-blain" sensation that move from a tingling to the hot pain that feel like it's been numbs from the cold and is just waking up...but it never does wake up. My doctor told me taking Glutamine can help. I have found it to be helpful for me. Now I'm down to feeling I'm walking on sand or grit most of the time...but my fingers and hands are better. Best of luck to you. Your blog says so many things that I feel. I read it daily, but this is only the second time I've posted.

Sent by Kim Madsen | 3:17 AM ET | 05-08-2008

Neurontin completely took away the pain and tingling. Some numbness remains.

Sent by Dave Mochel | 5:31 PM ET | 05-09-2008

It's National neuropathy week, neuropathy.org has some helpful information. I finished folfox treatment in October, my neuropathy became nonstop in August though. I have tried lots of drugs and suplements it's getting worse. Neurontin is like heroin and am told it destroys memory. I am trying to get off of it. Nancee is right, hands on warm dashboard,glutamine powder is the pits. Hot baths are the absolute best!!!

Sent by Ward Arneson | 4:43 PM ET | 05-13-2008

Your comments are appreciated although I'm sure you would like to wake up tomorrow, like I would, and the pins and needles would be gone! I have them in right and hand and right foot making it tough to walk as you said. The tingling goes away if I sit or stand still. My doctor has put me on some pills as I told him I cannot stand it anymore. I can type with my right hand but it is weird feeling every time I punch a key. Little finger is most sensitive, may 10 times pins in thumb or index finger.
Anyway I hope my doctor can do something for me.

Dave

Sent by dave arndt | 2:15 PM ET | 05-23-2008

Hi! My name is Ellen NS. We are new to this life changing in our lives. My spouse was diagnosed on May 12, 2008, with adneocarcinoma of the esophagus, had 5 weeks of radiation, chemo and surgery on Monday August 11, 2008. We are both dealing with the idea of what happen and is trying to move forward which at times is pretty rough. Neuropathy..I guess that is what my spouse is experiencing. Numbness and tingling in the foot and legs. Is this common with those that has gone thru chemo or surgery? From reading all the above letters I as a spouse and caregiver are looking for a group to connect with and learning of how to adjust. The first week after we came home from the hospital, my whole life has changed and is so chaotic that all I do is leave the house and cry so that my spouse won't see. I have no problem with the work involved it's the emotional status seeing and witnessing everyday that my spouse is deteriorating. At times what keeps me going is that I have my Lord God. I ask my Lord God for guidance, patience, love and forgiveness not only for my spouse but for all those that has someone in their lives that needs comfort. Thanks and God Bless! ENS

Sent by ELLEN N S | 5:25 PM ET | 09-21-2008