Chemotherapy Neuropathy

If you have been diagnosed with cancer, the shock and the unknown can be overwhelming. Who has time to think about peripheral neuropathy? There are specific chemotherapy modules that have a high percentage of triggering this horrible damage to your nerves. So many cancer patients have a great chance at beating cancer, but then they wake up with peripheral neuropathy for the rest of their lives which for some can be debilitating if not addressed properly.

Peripheral neuropathy is a set of symptoms caused by damage to the nerves that are outside the brain and spinal cord. These distant nerves are called peripheral nerves. They carry sensations (a feeling in different parts of your body) to the brain and control the movement of our arms and legs. They also control the bladder and bowel.

If you have peripheral neuropathy, you may notice some of these sensations in your hands or feet:

• Tingling (or a “pins and needles” feeling)
• Burning or warm feeling
• Numbness
• Weakness
• Discomfort or pain
• Less ability to feel hot and cold
• Cramps (in your feet)