Oxaliplatinum Neuropathy and Accupuncture

Today I went to see an accupuncturist to see if she can help with a certain symptom of my chemo that I am not happy about. One of the chemo drugs I am on causes Neuropathy in the hands and feet. Mainly a tingling sensation or numbness which feels like your hand or foot fell asleep. It also can at times cause my hands to just not want to work so fast or precise. So far this has been transient, lasting only a few minutes at a time then disappearing. Oxaliplatinum also causes a nerve reaction to cold things and cold weather. When I drink something colder than room temperature, I get a freaky painful feeling in my mouth and throat similar to the tingling in my hands. When I reach into the refridgerator to get something, I get a frozen/burning feeling on my fingertips because they are so sensitive to the cold it is as if it is sub-zero temperature. I hear that in cold weather I could have a reaction like this too.

These feelings get stronger and stronger with each dose - and last longer. Many people have to stop treatment with this drug because the side-effects become too painful and are nonstop. After treatment ends, it can still take many months and even years before finally these feelings go away. And for 12% of patients these feelings never go away. The drug causes nerve damage. I have met many many people online who have problems from this drug.

Here is just one example of what people are experiencing, even after their treatment has ended Colon Club: How Long Should Neuropathy Last?

Needless to say this does not bode well with me. I am a guitarist and an artist. Loosing the abilities of my hands would be a big blow to me. It is of course possible that things will resolve naturally and I will have no permanent problems. That happens too. However I have done considerable research to see what I can do to ensure this.

For a time, Oncologists were giving patients interveinous Calcium and Magnesium. It seemed to cut down on the neuropathy quite a bit. That has recently been stopped because it has been learned that this interferes with the drug's cancer-fighting abilities. See Here

Barring that, there are a few things that can be tried: Taking vitamin B-Complex pills daily has been shown to help. L-acetyl-carnitine and L-glutamine powder are also something to try. Some people say Vitamin E helps too.

So finally, I went to see an accupuncturist this morning. I had been to see one in the past regarding carpal-tunnel problems I had and the accupuncture worked then. Having the pins stuck into you is actually very relaxing and enjoyable. They release endorphins into the body and I fell into a peaceful nap. I will have to do it for a while to get the most out of it.