Numb toes, is it typical side effect with Her/Taxol/Carbo

[Lyn]

I have been getting numb toes and sometimes fingers, since on this combo Herceptin/Taaxol/Carboplatin and nurse is concerned that it may continue up my legs? Should I be worrying or is this temporary with this combo, had 10 treatments now and just scraped through with the blood count on Friday, by bad management only, I forgot to have my blood test the day before because I was with the heart specialist, all good there LV 72% best it has ever been and I had heart failure last October, and barely hear the additional 2 heart valve leaks, instead woke up in the middle of the night with an expletive when I realised for the first time I had forgotten, so my blood was taken before treatment started and just got through by about 2 points. My memory is mush as well, tried pouring corn flakes in my tea cup, too late to stop that mid air, just a small part of what I am doing wrong lately, how much chemo can our bodies tolerate, I haven't really had a break since 1998.

Lyn

[Elisabeth]

Lyn, I have some numbness in my fingers and toes from taxotere (same family). It has not got beyond my toes and finger tips but has not improved since I stopped it 6 weeks ago. I am currently on a 'chemo' holiday for the summer and I am just taking herceptin. However, we've discovered brain mets since then and I am in the middle of rads. As for the chemo brain, I've done my share of silly things too.
Blessings, Elisabeth

[Meg]

Hi Lyn,
I was on Taxotere/Carboplatin/Herceptin and took 100 mg of B6 each day and did not have the numbness. Try it I think it will help.
I have had chemo brain too...if you find help let me know!
Meg

[Sandy H.]

Lyn: The numbness of the toes and fingers, burning of the feet and hands are a big concern with the doctors. I have it from the same combo and have been off chemo for 4 months and still have it. I also took B6 and glutamine powder and if it worked I would hate to see what I would have been without it! This is neuropathy (damage to the nerves). Many have told me that neurotin works this is what the diabetics use. My husband uses it (he is not a diabetic but has neuropathy from an injury) and it works some what for him. I have asked my oncologist for it and they say it doesn't work so would have to get it from the Primary physician. The others have. I had chemo brain very bad when I was getting every 3 weeks combo. Had to stop and think what my name was, where I was would get lost coming from the grocery store!! With the weekly I didn't have it as I only had 12 weeks of treatments but did have the neuropathy but not as bad. Sounds like you need a break if you can get it. Some of these side effects can be permanment but I believe are livable. You may need some other medication for comfort. I hope this helps. Hugs, Sandy

[Kitty]

Lyn,

Please try the B6 I took 100 mg twice a day, plus 30 grams of glutamine powder mixed with juice (10 grams three times a day). I suffered no nerve damage to my fingers, toes, etc. and the second time around I was on TCH 32 consecutive weeks. Good luck!!!!
Kitty

[Lolly]

Lyn, When I had Taxol several years ago I had numb fingers and toes and also soles of feet numb but hurt at the same time, very weird. I took a B complex supplement but it wasn't as high in the B6 as some of the ladies say they're taking, which is up to 100 mg's. Anyway, my onc also prescribed Neurontin which I would start taking the day of treatment and continue for several days after until the pain and tingling subsided. Most of the numbness dissapeared over time, but don't know if it was due to the B or N or a combination. Now I'm having the same problem since I've been on Navelbine, but with muscle cramps thrown in, even though I take the B complex, so I'm going to add more B6 and see if that helps, after checking with my nurses. They've told me to be sure and keep up with the Vit B to protect from nerve damage, but didn't recommend a specific amount, so I'll find out what they think.
Love, Lolly

[Sandy]

I was told by 2 doctors not to take more then 150 mgs. of B6 a day. It can cause some severe neurogicial problems. I have known of some that take up to 200 mgs a day. Hugs, Sandy

[al]

Another option for "chemo Brain": DMAE.
I give my wife 1 gram per day and it really seems to work. DMAE is a naturaly occuring neuro-peptide, found in sardines and a few other things. DMAE was originally marketed as DEANER, a drug for ADD to compete with ritalin, guess who won? You can buy it in health food stores; twinlabs makes a very good product. The Europeans have been using it for years in an analogue called "LUCIDRIL" for age associated memory imparment. B-6 100 mg / day is a must. Other cognitive enhancers? Besides amphetamine, there is one called mondafinil (Alertec in Canada and Provigil in the US.)This is a great drug with anti-depressant properties which doesn't have the "EDGE" of traditional stimulant drugs. Provigil is scheduled in the US but not in Canada. It is also being used (off label?) to combat fatigue in M.S. patients.

[Alicia]

I had the same combo and also did the L-Glutamine 30mg a day. I also took a b- complex. I had very little numbness. I did 10 sessions every three weeks. I really think the glutamine helps. You can get it at gnc or on the envelopes in convenient packets, easy to travel with!!!www.baxternutrition.com

[Lyn]

Thanks guys and gals, I am off to the Health shop today, I will need a trolly soon to carry all of my life support potions and pills. I keep them all in a 2 tia lunch box, morning and night so I tell the family if I get taken away, grab the lunch box.

Love & Big Hugs Lyn