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  1. Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
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  2. How can my patient get relief from the symptoms of neuropathy?

How can my patient get relief from the symptoms of neuropathy?

Ivy43 asked...

My patient is suffering from symptoms of neuropathy due to strong doses of chemotherapy. She is complaining of shaking in the body. This has been going on for ten years, and this is becoming more and more difficult for her to experience increased mobility. What options are open for her to get the relief that she so desperately needs? Whatever assistance that you can give to us will be gratefully appreciated. Sincerely, Ivy Medina, CHHA, PCW

Expert Answer

Senior Editor Melanie Haiken, who is responsible for Caring.com's coverage of cancer, general health, and family finance, discovered how important it is to provide accurate, targeted, usable health information to people facing difficult decisions.

Neuropathy is the pain caused by nerve damage from chemotherapy drugs. Chemotherapy drugs are not "smart" drugs -- they kill all fast-growing cells, which include nerve cells. The hands and feet, particularly fingers, toes, palms, and soles, have many nerve endings, which is why neuropathy commonly afflicts these areas. 

Some supplements, such as vitamin B6 and L-glutamine, are thought to help with neuropathy. There are many other ways to cope with neuropathy as well.Â