The problem that you describe is a condition called neuropathy. This tends to be caused by certain chemo agents, and tends to resolve over time. But, if the condition is very unpleasant, it is worthwhile taking some medication or therapy for it. The problem with oral medication is that there can be some side effects from the types of drugs that interfere with the nerve pathways- which is how the drugs work. These drugs are in the anti-seizure group of drugs, but all work by reducing the nerve conduction of pain or the other uncomfortable sensations. In addition certain anti-depressants work as well.

Other drugs called counterirritants such as capsacium and camphor applied ot the skin can help.

We have also found that massage (neuro-reflexology) and other soothing topical salves such as avocado and soybean oil can help. Some patients benefit from acupuncture done by someone familiar with the problem.

Lastly, some have found that drugs from the alternative medicine world such as acetyl-N-carotene, and alpha lipoic acid might be effective. Hopefully this will help you.

The problem that you describe is a condition called neuropathy. This tends to be caused by certain chemo agents, and tends to resolve over time. But, if the condition is very unpleasant, it is worthwhile taking some medication or therapy for it. The problem with oral medication is that there can be some side effects from the types of drugs that interfere with the nerve pathways- which is how the drugs work. These drugs are in the anti-seizure group of drugs, but all work by reducing the nerve conduction of pain or the other uncomfortable sensations. In addition certain anti-depressants work as well.

Other drugs called counterirritants such as capsacium and camphor applied ot the skin can help.

We have also found that massage (neuro-reflexology) and other soothing topical salves such as avocado and soybean oil can help. Some patients benefit from acupuncture done by someone familiar with the problem.

Lastly, some have found that drugs from the alternative medicine world such as acetyl-N-carotene, and alpha lipoic acid might be effective. Hopefully this will help you.

My Dad was diagnosed Christmas Eve 2008 with non-Hodgkins lymphoma in his spine. He had chemo from February - June 2009 which almost killed him. The cancer does seem to be gone, but he ended up being hospitalized for 8 months. 3 of those months he was in a coma on a respirator. He developed neuropathy and can barely walk as a result. In fact, He came home from his 8 month hospitalization this February, and 3 weeks ago fell (becuse he can't feel his feet) and broke his hip so he's hospitalized again. We have been told neurpathy is frequently permanent.

My Dad was diagnosed Christmas Eve 2008 with non-Hodgkins lymphoma in his spine. He had chemo from February - June 2009 which almost killed him. The cancer does seem to be gone, but he ended up being hospitalized for 8 months. 3 of those months he was in a coma on a respirator. He developed neuropathy and can barely walk as a result. In fact, He came home from his 8 month hospitalization this February, and 3 weeks ago fell (becuse he can't feel his feet) and broke his hip so he's hospitalized again. We have been told neurpathy is frequently permanent.

I too have neuropathy. Nothing really seems to help and I have been off the Taxol that caused it for about 1 years. Just when I think it is getting a little better it doesn't. I would heed the advice of the expert. I would not take any of the medications with side effects since I already take too much. I had 40 treatments with the chemos and Herceptin treatments. The massage idea seems like a great one and perhaps trying to get a bit of exercise to get things flowing would help. I have been told that in many people the neuropathy subsides, so I am hoping for that. Keep the belief up and be thankful that you have your dad. New treatments are out there daily, so do not despair.

I too have neuropathy. Nothing really seems to help and I have been off the Taxol that caused it for about 1 years. Just when I think it is getting a little better it doesn't. I would heed the advice of the expert. I would not take any of the medications with side effects since I already take too much. I had 40 treatments with the chemos and Herceptin treatments. The massage idea seems like a great one and perhaps trying to get a bit of exercise to get things flowing would help. I have been told that in many people the neuropathy subsides, so I am hoping for that. Keep the belief up and be thankful that you have your dad. New treatments are out there daily, so do not despair.

My foot doctor prescribed Metanx. Google it for more information. It did help. It is about $80. a month & of course since it is a prescription strength vitamin, insurance does not cover it. For me it is worth it. I had to stop all vitamins for 2 weeks prior to surgery (again) last month & the pain in my feet was coming back. Good luck. Hope it helps.

My foot doctor prescribed Metanx. Google it for more information. It did help. It is about $80. a month & of course since it is a prescription strength vitamin, insurance does not cover it. For me it is worth it. I had to stop all vitamins for 2 weeks prior to surgery (again) last month & the pain in my feet was coming back. Good luck. Hope it helps.

I too have neuropathy from chemo. Today I went to a Neuropathy Institute in Scottsdale, AZ. I will start laser treatments next week. I have researched it and it seems to be effective.

I too have neuropathy from chemo. Today I went to a Neuropathy Institute in Scottsdale, AZ. I will start laser treatments next week. I have researched it and it seems to be effective.