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Re: Neuropathy
I think there are two different things going on here.
Neuropathy is the numbness/burning/pain/tingling sort of sensation, usually hands and feet are the worst, usually from a taxane ot platinum. There is usually nothing visible -- it's a nerve thing.
The nail issue can be caused by the same agents (taxotere for example) but is not necessarily accompanied by, or related to, the neuropathy. At least that's my understanding. I know people with really bad (dose-limiting) neuropathy who had no nail trouble, and vice versa.
There have been some reports that L-glutamine, in high doses, can help with neuropathy but it's usually thought of as preventive, rather than helping after-the-fact. Neurontin and related newer agents can ease the symptoms of neuropathy, sometimes helping a lot (and they might also help with hot flashes without affecting hormones -- what's not to like?). They do cause initial drowsiness for some people but most say that goes away as the body adjusts.
I don't know what to do about the nail issue, it sounds miserable. Has the infection cleared up on the antibiotic? If not, then perhaps it needs a different antibiotic -- they are not all created equal. Did he culture the mess? Does he know you're still hurting? I don't know how long it should take to clear up but it seems like it should at least be going clearly in the direction of improvement. There are wound specialists who might know more about how to enhance and speed up the healing process.
Keep us posted, and also let us know if you get any great hints that help relieve the misery.
Debbie Laxague
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