Cause of neuropathy

[lu ann]

I've had neuropathy in the left arm and hand for several months now. I had a pet scan which showed a small spot where an enlarged lymph node is. I will be having an MRI of the neck and shoulder to find out if there is another source for these symptoms. Has anyone else had any numbness and tingling to their hands? Thanks, Lu Ann.

[RobinP]

HI, i just wanted to say that if the tingling is in your arm that had lymph nodes removed, it is probably due to lympedema rather than cancer mets or some other problem. Good luck with the MRI, I hope eveything is fine and they find the reason for the one enlarged node.

[R.B.]

This seems to be an informative link.

http://www.her2support.org/vbulletin/newreply.php?do=newreply&noquote=1&p=121744

rb

[Alice]

Hi,

I have had neuropothy in both arms, hands, legs and feet since I started chemo almost 1 1/2 years ago. The chemo affected my nerves more than usual so my case is probably not the best senario to compare to. I think you should look into whether or not it could be lymphodema like the last post suggested. If I am correct it would be unusual to have it confined to just 1 arm. This leads me to think it may be something else. Good luck with the MRI, maybe it will give you more info.
Alice

[hutchibk]

Luann- it can also be attributed to different chemo treatments. I don't know what treatments you have had, but I get numbness and tingling in both arms and hands, on my surgery/lymphedema side and the other side too. I was on Taxol for 9 months and it caused neuropathy in my joints, wrists, fingers, knees, ankles and toes. I think most of my chemo treatments have contributed in some way...

[lu ann]

Thanks for the replies. I had my mastectomy 16 years ago with tram flap reconstruction. Twenty two lymph nodes were removed. All were clean. I was dx. with recurrance three years ago to my spine and mediastynime (area between breasts). I also have had pleural effusion for the last three years that was not drained until this last Dec. The fluid is back and worse.

My left lung is about 80% collapsed. I going in next Wednesday to have fluid removed and lung talced (acts like glue) to the pleural lining to prevent fluid from collecting there. The Doctor isn't confident this will work as the lung has been compressed too long and scar tissue might prevent the procedure from working.

I asked him if he thought the pleural effusion was causing the neuropathy. He doubted it as it is affecting the bottom of my lung.

I feel a tightness between my arm pit and the reconstructed breast. It almost feels like my breast got bigger or like something is pushing on it from the inside. Couldn't the fluid be pushing on tissue underneath the flap and causing it to pinch a nerve?

I have been on the following chemo., and other treatments: cytoxin, methotrexate and 5fu (16 years ago), taxol, carboplatin, zometa, herceptin, gemsar, navlebine, and xeloda (2004-2006), 4 treatments of doxil (Dec. 06-March 07). It seems like the neuropathy was more noticable since being on the doxil.

I'm scheduled for the MRI on the 10th to locate the possible source of this condition.

Thanks for all of your replies.
Lu Ann

[hutchibk]

I also get the tightness between the armpit and the recon breast. My lymphedema physical therapist tells me that it is potentially swelling from truncal lymphedema... http://www.lymphnotes.com/article.php/id/149/

Also, you have had several chemos that probably contribute to neuropathy. My nutritional doctor suggests glutamine powder (2 tsp) 2-3 x a day in a shot of juice. It is good for neuropathy. I am pretty sure that it helps me.

[Bev]

Luann, I can't help with info. Only good thoughts and prayers sent your way. Why did your lung collapse? What was going on? Bev

[Lolly]

Hi Lu Ann; I've had alot of nerve pain in my right shoulder, arm and hand from axilla node involvement and lymphedema. Now that I've started Abraxane last week, and Tykerb this week the pain is almost gone. I didn't have extra tingling or numbness, just achey nerve type pain radiating up and down my arm. So I do think it could be pressure from fluid buildup, but also could be a lymph node between your breast and axilla that is enlarged.
Hopefully the new treatment will alleviate the symptoms and you'll start feeling better soon. Best wishes on Wednesday, I'll be keeping you in my prayers.

<3 Lolly

<3 Lolly

[RobinP]

Luann, I just want to say think positive that this new problem will be simple and will resolve. I just have a feeling your MRI will turn out fine- praying for you-keep the faith.

[lu ann]

.....I suppose the lung collapsed because of all the fluid on the outside in the pleural lining. I had an out-patient procedure done Dec. 2006 to remove the fluid and I think the lung can collapse if too much fluid is removed. Lu Ann