Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

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Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
June 18, 2009 Lindsay Kohn, MPH Public Education
Program Manager, MOCA
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What is Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral
Neuropathy?

• Damage to the peripheral nervous system (the
  ends of your nerves, usually in hands and feet)
  caused by chemotherapy agents that are neurotoxic
• This system transmits information between the
  central nervous system (e.g. the brain and spinal
  cord) and the rest of the body

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Symptoms Onset

• Numbness, tingling or burning sensations
• Symptoms start in the fingers or toes and may
  progress into a stocking and glove pattern
• Allodynia things that were not normally painful
  are now painful (e.g. touching cold things)
• Onset of symptoms varies

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Commonly used chemotherapy agents associated with
peripheral neuropathy
http//www.oncologypt.org/mbrs/factsheets/CIPN-Fac
tsheet.pdf Cancer, Vol. 66, Issue 8, p.1697-1702
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What can I do?

• Talk to your health care provider
• Report symptoms right away
• Prescription drugs
• Altering the drip on your chemotherapy drugs
• Be your own advocate!

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Things that can be done at home

• Keep environments free of clutter and well lit
• Remove slippery rugs from the floor
• Be careful to avoid burns or frostbite
• Handrails and a non-skid mat in the bathtub
• Test your bath water with a thermometer! It
  should not exceed 110 degrees F!
• Wear protective gloves and use hot pads
• Avoid caffeine

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Other tips

• Exercise
• Get a handicap tag for your car
• Use the electric carts in stores
• Watch for cuts or blisters on your feet
• Take it easy!
• ADA job-related disability status
• Consider complementary therapies

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Resources

• Minnesota Neuropathy Association Support Group
• Meets the last Thursday of the month at 7pm
• Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church,
• 511 Groveland Ave., Minneapolis
• June 25th Circle of Conversation
• July 30th Dr. Leland Scott, neurologist
• CancerCare Connect Telephone Education Workshop
• Understanding Peripheral Neuropathy
• Thurs., July 16, 1230-130 p.m.
• 1-800-813-HOPE to register

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Resources, continued

• Conversations! Newsletter
• http//www.ovarian-news.org/neuropathy.html
• ACOR LISTSERVE OVARIAN Problems List
• www.acor.org

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