1 1/2 years later

By csurvivor06 Tuesday, October 21, 2008

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Well I thought that after a year and a half after the bilateral mastectomies and chemo I would not have to worry about anything but to watch out for more cancer returning but I was wrong. I just recently learned that when I had my chemotherapy that the chemo has caused some nerve damage and I am now in constant pain from this. I was also told that the effects of chemotherapy can last a lifetime so I will be fighting this battle for the rest of my life. I know that I have to be strong so I go the physical therapy twice a week to battle the side effects of the chemo. Well I just wanted to share this with u all so you may understand that there may be some side effects from your chemotherapy (depends on what type) that may last longer than you think so I would ask your doctor when they start you on chemotherapy.

Comments (3) | Add comment

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

10/22/08 7:17am

Hi - The current state of medical research and knowledge will be constantly changing and always improving. I think there's hope - really good hope - that you won't be in pain forever. With the new survivorship clinics springing up, and the growing awareness that cancr is a lifelong challenge, I think more attention than ever will be paid to these treatment "lasting effects," as they're called. Keep your eyes on the horizon - there's hope for your future, truly. - PJH

Phyllis Johnson, Health Guide

10/26/08 7:36am

When my hands and feet started hurting about a year after I finished chemo, my oncologist said I had ,"Taxol toes." Of course, she went on to explain that a more accurate term is peripheral neuropathy, which means nerve damage in the extremities--hands and feet. There are quite a few drugs that can help neuropathy, mainly in the anit-seizure family like Neurontin and the anti-depressant family. In my case, I've decided that enduring my level of pain is better than coping with the side effects from the meds I've tried. However, I know other people who are very happy with the results of their medications. I've learned to ignore the tingling in my hands and feet, and to compensate for the numbness by being very careful when walking on uneven surfaces and to hold on extra tight to small objects.

A neurologist is a good doctor to talk to about possible ways to reverse the damage. Some people do get over it.

csurvivor06

10/26/08 6:58pm

Thank you so much for your help. I see my onocologist in about 3 weeks and I will discuss this with her. I am seeing a orthopedic specialist also who has got me into light physical therapy twice a week to see if something there might help me also. I had that test recently that said I too have nerve damage to my legs and feet and they think in my hand also. Hoping something works.

1 1/2 years later

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