I bet you’re wondering why this post is about Neuropathy?  I wonder how many of you reading this post have neuropathy?  And who is suffering with pain, numbness and other symptoms?  Are you getting any treatment?

According to the American Cancer Society, “chemotherapy-induced (chemo-induced) peripheral neuropathy may be called CIPN for short.  CIPN is a set of symptoms caused by damage to the nerves that are further away from the brain and spinal cord.  These distant nerves are called peripheral nerves. They carry sensations (feeling) to the brain and control the movement of our arms and legs.  They also control bladder and bowel, though these nerves are affected less often.  Chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy can be a disabling side effect of cancer treatment and is caused by some of the chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer”.

Do you have any of the following symptoms of CIPN?

• Pain
• Burning
• Tingling (“pins and needles” feeling)
• Loss of feeling (numbness or just less ability to sense pressure, touch, heat or cold)
• Trouble using your fingers to pick up or drop things
• Balance problems
• Trouble with tripping or stumbling while walking

In case you haven’t figured it out yet, I am writing about this because I have chronic CIPN in my left foot, which has caused nerve damage and hammer toes (don’t you just love that name?)  and has spread up my leg.  The pain is, at times, unbearable so I’m not only on pain medication but also see a neurologist/holistic health practitioner three times a week.  The National Cancer Institute has a very informative and interesting article entitled Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy.

Here’s some of what I’ve personally learned:

1. Medication/Therapy – As soon as you feel pain, tingling or numbness of your foot/feet/hands after a chemotherapy session, inform your oncologist immediately.  Why?  Because he/she will know how to treat it, whether by prescribing pain medication or over the counter non steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications, ordering physical therapy, or just helping you cope with the discomfort.
2. Maintain a Healthy and Balanced Diet -  We should be eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, since these foods can provide a rich source of fiber and if you are on pain medications, as I am, constipation is a major problem.
3. Avoid Extreme Temperatures – Extreme temperatures such as hot and cold can be harmful to the nerves and tissues within the hands and patients may inadvertently suffer from burns or frostbite upon exposure to extreme hot or cold. Chemocare.com recommends that patients suffering from neuropathy protect themselves by wearing gloves and other warm clothing in cool weather.  These protections cannot reverse existing nerve damage, however, caution can act as a preventative treatment against further neuropathy.  I actually use some of our aromatherapy animals, which can be microwaved or put in the freezer. I even have three favorites that can each be found at www.pinkribbongift.com.  Be sure to visit for more comforting ideas…

Comfy Critters “Hot Diggity Dog”,

Comfy Critters “Casey  Cozy Cat” and

“Spa Girl” Water Bottle

Additional treatments for neuropathy;

• Seeing a pain management specialist, usually a neurologist
• Going to a holistic health practitioner
• Using meditation to relax
• Of course, exercise.

I hope that you have found this informative and that, for those of you who suffer from neuropathy, you have found new ways to cope with this debilitating problem.

Another Informative Tidbit;

Have any of you heard of the Lotus Survival Foundation? The Lotus Survival Foundation was founded to provide education and access to resources meant to assist those who have been affected by, or are concerned about Breast Cancer. The LSF’s provides support through education and group healing retreats.  We believe that all three elements of mind, body and soul are crucial to holistic health and well-being.

I’m so excited to have been chosen as one of the Key Note Speakers at the Mind, Body & Soul Retreat from May 22 through May 26, 2011 . I’ll be speaking about the effects of Breast Cancer on the mind and the body. I will provide more information as it becomes available.  My material is also featured on my coaching site at Help You Heal Coaching.  Check it out if you can’t join me at the Retreat!