I was in treatment the otherday and was talking to the lady next to me who was experiencing peripheral neuropathy. I described what mine was like (no tingling, just numbness as well as tenderness in my fingers and numbness in my feet..seems contradictory--but that's what it is) and said that it was a common side effect of the Taxenes.
She was on Avastin, which is an entirely different drug. I suggested that she look deeper for the listing of side effects.
I also directed the oncology nurse to talk to her......and she was rather blaise about it (as seems to be this clinic's standpoint on side effects).
It did occur to me later that the numbness might not be related to the chemo, but if she had diabestes, it might very well be that. Ask about side effects, check online to see if there are less common side effects which don't show up on the "first page" of the drug manufacturer's list and keep in mind that while cancer is first and foremost in your mind, you are still at risk for the regular diseases and foibles of the human body. You might need to as your General practitioner in addition to your oncologist. Start with the oncologist, but follow up in other areas as well.
Lisa Quintana
