losing feeling in finger tips on taxotere
 

Hello,
An HER2+ woman in our support group is losing feeling in the tips of her fingers and toes and the onc is suggesting stopping treatment. She's only a few into it and was supposed to have 9 now talking about 6. She gets it and Herceptin every 3 weeks. I was on Taxol every week for 6 months had severe nail problems and other things but not this. she's nervous since this is a recurrence and it's beyond the breast now - sternum area and hip. anything to do about this finger and toe problem? she wears the cold gloves. Is there less problems like this on Taxol than Taxotere and where does Abraxane fit in? do you think she should ask about doing it weekly?
thanks
sarah

Re: losing feeling in finger tips on taxotere
 

A friend of mine lost feeling in her toes after 12 weekly Taxol. Another friend also had neuropathy problem with taxol and her ONC switched her to Abraxane and it was ok for her. Wish the best for your friend.

Re: losing feeling in finger tips on taxotere
 

For what it's worth, I had the same. And then my finger nails turned black and lifted off the nailbed.

I forged on. In '98-'99 I got 4 wks on and then 2 wks off. That was the protocol. And I remained on for about 9 mnths. Worst 9 mnths of my life, but
-- I went into remission! Felt like Taxotere nearly killed me and -- helped save my life.

Plus my supplements, meditation, guided imagery, the power of my thoughts, Love, gratitude....................

Re: losing feeling in finger tips on taxotere
 

Is she taking L glutamine? Here's a link to a study out of Dana Farber:

http://www.dana-farber.org/Health-Li...-Symptoms.aspx

I'm in my 3rd week of taking it (started week 6 currently finished week 9) and I've had very mild neuropathy that lasts about 1-2 days per cycle and not even all day - very transient. She needs to make sure it is high grade / pure (which can get expensive).

Also, a B complex vitamin with high doses of B-6 and B12 also taken daily helps as well. Good luck to her!

Linda

Re: losing feeling in finger tips on taxotere
 

Neuropathy is common with all the taxanes, but the damage isn't necessarily permanent. The doctors need to be kept aware of the extent of the problem., but it is a case of balancing cost/benefit...The nails aren't the problem; that will heal, but nerve damage is more significant. After 2 years, I still fumble a bit with buttons and ear rings. What is important is to keep the once informed.
Best wishes.... Pam

Re: losing feeling in finger tips on taxotere
 

Hello,
Thanks for these answers. I think they must be worried about nerves and feeling. I basically lost my nails on Taxol, particularly on my feet and my feet and ankles swelled up and I had horrible skin problems but they weren't too worried so I think I may have continued to have feeling in the tips of my fingers and feet. I had mentioned Abraxane to her to ask about, so it's still around and used.
She's also lost a ton of weight, very,very skinny although she's now worked out how to eat on the 3rd week to gain back the weight she loses in the first 2. She has tremendous mouth sores and none of the usual stuff has worked, she's tried everything plus she can't bear to look at food. She walks 7 km fast every other day!!! ah those Vikings!
Thanks again will mention the advice you've posted.
health and happiness
sarah

Re: losing feeling in finger tips on taxotere
 

I second the l-glutamine. I had the same problem and the l-glutamine stopped it in it's tracks. I've been on 7 chemos and have slight neuropathy but very mild, nothing that interferes with my life.

As for the mouth sores, I brushed with biotene and used biotene mouthwash. I assume she has tried the magic mouthwash the doctor can give her?

I am too thin too, and eating has become an issue for me. I have chemo induced anorexia but I eat enough to keep my weight in the mid-90s. Best I can do.

Re: losing feeling in finger tips on taxotere
 

thanks, cool, will pass this along
be well and hope you get your appetite back
wishing you good health
sarah