@@vjjoseph4421 Maybe a couple of months after I completed chemotherapy that the neuropathy ended. It wasn't severe, just minor. No, I never took any meds.
I currently am in treatment here in AZ at cancer treatment centers of America. My oncologist was the one that told me about the importance of icing hands and feet during chemo. They provided the ice “socks and mittens” during each infusion. I don’t have any neuropathy so far thankfully. I am being treated for stage 3B triple negative breast cancer. I have double mastectomy surgery coming very soon. I am hoping and praying my scans come back with no Mets and that I will have pathological complete response!!
I am in az too going to MD Anderson in mesa az. I was just diagnosed in March 12. It’s March 17 now. I knew I had some kind of cancer since March 5th. I have stage 2b triple negative. Doing scans to rule out Mets before my first chemo starts on April 3 so they know what kind of chemo to use. 🙏🙏🙏 the scans are negative. And I pray they were for u too. I have a 6 year old to raise. Am a singleton parent. I have 6 mo total of chemo ahead of me. Update: I bought the stuff u said and a backpack cooler to help sustain the cold packs for the 5.5 hours of chemo weekly I’ll need. Ty! I’m still researching acupuncture
Taking L-glutamine supplement daily in a smoothie or cereal or perhaps juice was also recommended to me by my chemo educator at my cancer center and I think together with icing has helped a lot. I still have some neuropathy but it’s not terrible. I have 2 more Taxol treatments and then will begin radiation so I’m hoping it doesn’t get any worse. I wish everyone well out there! Hang tough. 💕
@@amazingautumn12 I was recommended 5 grams of L-glutamine, 3 times per day to prevent chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy as well as mucosal injury of the mouth and gut
wish i found you months ago just finished rchop 6 treatments talking to a survivor is valuable ,people who dont go through this just think your complaining. Please also speak of loss of breath ,constipation, emotional weakness and in the beginning the terror you endure when your body reacts to the treatment.My daughter is an Oncology nurse and she got me a watch that measures heart beat,respiration,and h2o levels.A game changer when your by yourself and sick.Thank You your for making a difference,Peace and Health,namaste.
Hi! So happy you’re here! Yes, survivorship is a “club”. We get it. The watch is a great idea! Thank you for sharing! I’ll look that up. Do you recommend yours? What brand? I use an Apple Watch.
I filled two hot water bottles, put them in the freezer and used them to freeze my hands & feet during chemo. Likewise a couple of bags of frozen peas can work
Finished Chemotherapy end of June and I have neuropathy-Tingling and throbbing in my toes and the top of my feet on both feet. I’ve been using a roller on my feet and that brings me some comfort.
I an starting my first infusion of vincristine tomorrow and I wasn't sure that I wanted to even go through with it because of neuropathy. This video popped up and I am so grateful 🙏.
I just found this channel, I am a breast cancer survivor of about 3 1/2 years. I am experiencing neuropathy in my hands and feet. I wish I had knew about the ice pack.They didn’t help me with nothing but chemo, I was in stage 3, I think they didn’t think I was going to pull through, FOR GOD BE THE GLORY, “I DID”. The social worker was telling me I need to get my business in order. I told her God has the last say so.
Amen to being a survivor! I’m sorry for your neuropathy. I feel like that is a hard symptom because it can sneak up and and come and go. I pray you keep healing.
Absolutely The Lord has the final word. Press In To Him.He will carry you.. 🙏 for healing healrh I am breast cancer survivor. Check our SQ1 Chris Wark he is cancer clon cancer. A great support & knowledge plant base diet
I am so happy to have found you! Your videos have been so informative, THANK YOU! I will start my first chemo very soon and I am overwhelmed and a little scare to be honest.
I’m so happy you found me! I know my videos can help. I’ll be doing a live tomorrow night if you want to watch and ask any questions. It will be at 7pm PST. One day at a time. ❤️
Oh yes, I have the same problem on my right hand only. My right thumb is the worst. And now my right foot has been acting up a bit. So far its been bearable, though. What has been more of a problem is the itching and burning of my hands. I‘ve noticed that I trigger it off when I use my massage glove on my feet when I shower. Or holding things too tight like the vacuum cleaner or sponge while cleaning. But wearing loosely fitted gloves while cleaning has really helped and I will need to get a massage brush with a handle for my feet. Can‘t touch no scratchy surfaces anymore. Thank you for the well appreciated tips.
Definitely going through this now. 2 more infusions. I know it takes time to get back to what you were use to. Appreciate your posts during this journey.
Thanks for your tips. I completed 6 rounds of chemo two weeks ago. I developed neuropathy on fingers and feet after 5th round. It seems to be improving but very slowly. I will also definitely pursue PT. But most of all, thank you for your assurance that time will heal these side effects, which is so true but so hard to accept when I desperately want to feel better soon. ❤
Personally, I refuse conventional treatment, but I still like to learn about it for the sake of insight into what others go through. 💜 Also, I will definitely share your delightfully informative videos!!
Everyone must choose their own path. I’m here to bring hope to others, and share what it’s like emotionally to go through this and live well still. Be well! Happy you are here! ❤️
@@MarinaBlackford I agree. ❤ One must do what works for oneself. Thank you for being patient with me. Whether my chosen path is similar or not, I am genuinely happy to be here! Rest assured, I'm neither criticizing nor dismissing any of the other paths. It actually helps me a great deal to learn about the various cancer journeys of people from all different walks of life! Such insight is immensely helpful, both directly AND indirectly with regard to my own unorthodox cancer journey. I've suffered years of insomnia, and you've actually helped me to overcome it!!! You've also helped me by pointing out the necessity of doing things differently when circumstances demand a change in daily life, from moment to moment! 🤗 You validate the things I've already been doing for a healthy lifestyle, as well as educate me about other equally important things that I wasn't aware of before. Marina, you always put a smile on my face, and I am truly blessed to have discovered you on RUclips... 💛 I really mean it! Your channel is a gem, and I would recommend it to ANYONE, whether they know cancer or not! 💛 :)
@@claritytruth445 that is beautiful! Thank you so much! I changed my response to your first comment because I don’t think I replied correctly. My channel is truly here to bring hope and enlightenment to this journey! I’m proud of you or anyone who chooses to fight their cancer in their own way. You have done what I can hope which is to take what lessons you can from me and the information is share. I love it and love to you! ❤️🙏🏼
@@MarinaBlackford Thank you so much for a most delightful reply, and I think ALL of your responses are always very caring! 🤗 Do you know of Jiddu Krishnamurti? I've been gradually collecting the whole library of his beautiful, enlightening books! It has now been eight years that I have been enjoying what Jiddu Krishnamurti shares with the world. Wow! He had my type of cancer as well. If you don't mind my sharing one of his lovely quotes with you, I really think you would appreciate this humble, joyous wisdom as much as I do!!! 💛 Here is the quote: "We are so clever with words, and we think that by offering explanations we have solved the problem. Do you know what it means to learn? When you are really learning, you are learning throughout your life, and there is no one special teacher to learn from. Then everything teaches you - a dead leaf, a bird in flight, a smell, a tear, the rich and the poor, those who are crying, the smile of a woman, the haughtiness of a man. You learn from everything, therefore there is no guide, no philosopher, no guru. Life itself is your teacher, and you are in a state of constant learning." ~ Jiddu Krishnamurti 💜
8 months since off infusion chemo..but now taking Xeloda.. feet are better from neuropathy but need a cane for uneven surfaces…I hope I can get them back. I agree our health care system does not help us much with these kinds of things…Thanks for your channel!
Thank you for your videos! They have been so helpful and comforting in this challenging journey! I had my 3rd chemo taxol infusion this past week Tuesday and have been using the ice for head, hands, and feet, but so far I am finding my feet are numb and frozen the whole time without seeming to need to switch ice packs (though I still do change them 1-2x during the 60 min Taxol infusion). 🥶 Almost painfully so that I worry about frostbite because they're sensitive a few days after! Might try to wear a thin sock to add more direct protection in addition to the ice socks next week... 🥵 My head is hot though so I'm changing out Icekaps (I purchased several to freeze the whole thing with packs in, plus extra packs to swap out... Which is expensive! But I plan to donate them once done so feel it's worth it) every 20 mins! I have chronic migraine so the ice feels good/I'm already used to it on my head. My hands stay pretty cold with the gloves, changing every 30 mins, plus handling the ice packs to swap out head packs keeps them numb too! I was told to start icing my head an hour before the infusion itself, but that I only need to start icing hands/feet 10 mins prior (not sure why this is? Shutting down hair cells functioning vs. just reducing blood circulation?) So I have started icing my head once I get settled in the room because by the time they take labs, meet with my doctor, and start premeds (plus saline drip) it's been at least an hour before the Taxol infusion itself. Then they say to ice as long afterwards as possible while the drug is circulating heavily in the body, but I have focused on hydrating and have only done a half hour after at most with the cap because it's easier to keep ice on my head than icing hands (much less feet) on my way home. Though I ran out of cold packs the first time because I started using caps too early (before getting to my appointment). Have had no hair loss so far apart from the usual shedding pre-treatment so hoping it's working... The next couple weeks will be the test! 🤞 My cancer was caught at the end of May this year by a routine mammogram, which I started doing at age 32 after a benign dermoid cyst in my other breast- and if it were not for that, the doctors wouldn't have recommended I start yearly screenings until age 45 per the current "standard" recommendation-- I'm 42 now-- as there is only a distant history of cancer in my family!! I'm BRCA negative, hormone positive x2, and it (invasive lobular carcinoma) was caught early at stage 1a (pea-sized mass deep in my already dense breast tissue that I would have never felt until much, much bigger/worse!) so I did a lumpectomy, now doing 20 weeks of chemo, then radiation... Chemo was recommended because of my age and because I learned I have a mutation on the (autosomal dominant) CHEK2 gene predisposing me to higher likelihood of breast and colon (and prostate if I had one of those 😋) cancer... Colonoscopy was clean (phew) but again, I would never have known I had the gene mutation because it is not one of the standard genes they test for with breast cancer, but it was an "add-on" sequencing panel with 22 other potentially involved lesser-researched genes that I requested the genetic counselor do-- now my siblings know they should/could get tested and/or get screenings for breast, colon, and prostate cancer!! And my 8-year old son when he gets older, too. 🤔 My cancer clinic did not seem much informed about the icing/cold-capping (not upfront offering ice as part of the process at the clinic though they offer snacks/fluids, so I have a big wheeling cooler I bring and dedicated small freezer at home so no food smells) and I agree with you, Marina, that we need to be our own advocates, which also (sadly) includes doing our own research as the health care system (at least in US 😞) is just not invested enough in prevention or adequately informed enough... Thank you for bringing awareness to all these aspects of fighting cancer!! ❤️❤️❤️ Best of luck to you and your family, and to all who take the time to read this comment!
Thank you so much for sharing your story! I learn so much from people like you! Icing hands and feet 10 minutes prior to chemo sounds like it would work better. Everyone is different with the ice packs and what works so I always recommend paying attention to your body so you don’t cause harm. I’m glad you’re getting a feel for what works. You’re doing great! Let us be our own advocate and beat cancer well! Be well!
Love your post and girl I had a cooler every week. Lol I'm 4 months post chemo and I iced and still got neuropathy but praying it goes away soon. Well wishes on your journey.
@@vjjoseph4421 ugh so frustrating! I hope your neuropathy continues to get better. I still believe it’s worth icing to try and help or it could have been worse potential too. Much love to you!
Great tips Marina and always such an emotional boost watching your videos:) I'm done with chemo, did 4 AC plus 1 Taxol which I had a very bad reaction to and spent the week in hospital. So Taxol dicontinued and on to Radiation. Now I'm checking out your videos dedicated to your radiation therapy :)
Thanks for the tips. Having neuropathy on my feet is the most annoying/painful side effects of chemo for me. I don’t mind losing my hair, but the tingling on my feet is unbearable. I cried every time it happened. I’m having my 3th round on the 26th so I’m going to ice my feet and hands. Hopefully, it works for me🙏
You’re welcome! And I’m sorry to hear that! I know what you mean. It’s so uncomfortable. Yes, trying icing during chemo. I hope it helps you. Let your doctors know your symptoms too.
I also have neuropathy in my hands and feet 🦶🏾 but I DON’T have any pain . If it do come very very small pain about a few seconds every once in a while.
Hi Marina! Thank you for so many useful videos. I’ll be doing the chemo after next week. I’m so nervous about neuropathy. I’m a calligrapher & crafter. I use my hands a lot. I’m just wondering if you get neuropathy, will it happen all day long or on and off? I just want to prepare myself. Thanks in advance. Mona x
I had 4 rounds of platinum based chemo 15 yrs ago. Hospitalized twice during chemo for horrible pain all over. It was so bad that I only did 4 of the 6 rounds. Then I was fine until about 4 yrs after the chemo. Then burning fire nerve pain started in my feet. It progressed over the years and has spread over my whole body. Nothing stopped the progression of the fire. I did every kind of health protocol out there. Then 3 yrs ago it spread to my GI tract. Now my GI tract is almost non-functional. No medical help for me. Looks like I'll either die of toxicity from intestinal failure if I eat, or starvation if I don't. Hindsight, I would have never done chemo.
Oh wow. I’m so sorry that happened. My mother did chemo 17 years ago. It was hard. She lost hair and had some neuropathy but nothing like that. Everyone has a unique experience and they should always talk to their doctors immediately about these symptoms.
I just started Taxol treatments today. I iced feet and hands during chemotherapy, but I’m wondering do you also do it on non-treatment days. My nurse was so impressed on all the information I obtained from you. Thank you so much for doing these.
Hi Shelia! That’s so good to hear you were prepared. I imagine you could ice on and off the day of and after chemo. I was only told to ice during. I believe the most important time to ice is during and up to 90 minutes after if possible. That would be similar to the cold cap for hair loss prevention.
Ty I was onky told about the cold packs in the toes and fingers not the rest. I’ll be doing my first chemo in two weeks after finding out I have idc triple negative two weeks ago.
how funny how we are all so different. I didn't think it tasted like much of anything ha...either way Readers on here...worth a shot. @@MarinaBlackford
I asked the oncologist for a referral to a PT but they never got back to me. Chemo ended over 5 months ago and PN has actually gotten worse; at least the tingling and numbness, anyway. The pain subsided quickly, though.
I love your links and channel! So glad to have found you. The doctor and nurses said the ice gloves/socks were effective but only really used during taxel. Do you also recommend using it for A/C? I start that round next week (TNBC).
Hi! I don’t have personal experience with Xeloda. I had to google it. I see it’s a chemo. It does say it can cause something called “hand foot syndrome”. The effects are similar to neuropathy but could include blisters and cracking. To help it recommends keeping the hands and feet cool, moisturizer, and avoiding extra pressure. I found info here: www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-xeloda#side-effects
My Oncologist wanted me to take that, but I chose not to. I got a 2nd opinion and chose not to be in chemo for 6 more months. Like she said, do your research. Your body! Your life!!
Pain went away for me. I do still get some numbness. I’m sorry you have pain still! Do your best to have a healthy diet and exercise and beyond that medication like Gabapentin can be used. Neuropathy is a tough one. I wish you healing!
Icing didn’t help me🙁 I did it for every treatment. It has been 10 months and not better. 😢 I am wondering if my body is going to recover from it. I have it in my hands and feet. Some days it’s is unbearable for me and seems worse.
I’m sorry to hear this. I think it’s worth trying for most of us to ice during chemo. There’s no guarantee it will work, but it won’t hurt to try. I know they can prescribe Gabapentin to help with neuropathy. I hope you have some relief.
Hi! I was prescribed Gabapentin. I did not take it though because a side effect was fatigue and I didn’t want any added fatigue. The pain was not so bad that I couldn’t do anything. I had the pain in the morning for about 6 months after chemo.
@@MarinaBlackfordthanks!!! I am with you! My doc prescribed me duloxetine to manage my pain. Same as you, I am a little hesitant to take the med because my pain is not that bad and it doesn’t prevent me from doing my day to day activities. Thanks for sharing! Super helpful! I am going to wait and see if the pain get worse and then I will consider that the med to help with the symptoms. 😊
Hi Marina, Thanks for ur lovely tips regarding to neuropathy i wanted to ask u we go to hospital early and chemo starts later so the mittens and socks will stay cold till then the fusion start plz guide me i wanna buy it
I was keeping my hands super cold during the infusion that I could barely tolerate it. Then, I started feeling strange sensation afterwards - I don’t know whether it was from chemo or hypothermia from gloves
It has been a year my hands pins and needles my feet feel I'm walking on Chanelle socks I have to walk on a cane my balance is off. Taxol did this to me before I start them nurse said not to do it it hasn't been proven so now I can not walk I'm 75 which is a problem as well.💔
The “pins and needles” feeling is so hard! I’m sorry. I think you should keep walking if you can. Circulation is good for you. Gabapentin is a medication that could help you. I pray you heal more everyday.
Does neuropathy lead to losing fingernails? My sister had 6 rounds of chemo and lost half of her nails on each finger, she also describes the sensation of having binder clips clipped onto her fingers all the time..we always wonder if the cold gloves would prevent the loss of fingernails or only prevent the numbing/tingling sensation
@@vjjoseph4421 I know it's the chemo that causes the nails to become loose but I always wonder if the cold gloves would help the nails stay attached, losing nails frustrates my sister way more than losing hair..
What kind of chemo? They did icing on my hands and feet when I did doxy, because it can cause a rash. But no one suggested it when I started Taxol. And yet now, after the first treatment, I’m having numbness in my feet and a little bit in my hands. Why would they mention it with one, but not the other?
Hi, I iced during taxol. I’m not sure why they wouldn’t mention it but I think it’s worth doing if you can. It could help prevent neuropathy. Also, make sure to tell them your symptoms.
@@MarinaBlackfordWhen did they begin to fall off...what week of chemo (taxol) and were you micro dosing or full dose chemo? Weekly or every 2 or every 2 weeks?
Dear marina,today is a very sad day for me.because my father got his biopsy result and got to know he has non hogging lemphoma.i feel sorry for my father.😭😭😭
I experienced neuropathy on my thumbs and a few toes. I completed chemotherapy in Dec of last year. Happy to say, no more neuropathy. Thank God!!!
Yay! Great news! Time can heal. 🙏🏼
How long would you say it lasted and did you take gabapentin?
@@vjjoseph4421
Maybe a couple of months after I completed chemotherapy that the neuropathy ended. It wasn't severe, just minor. No, I never took any meds.
@@annetterios8789 👍
I currently am in treatment here in AZ at cancer treatment centers of America. My oncologist was the one that told me about the importance of icing hands and feet during chemo. They provided the ice “socks and mittens” during each infusion. I don’t have any neuropathy so far thankfully. I am being treated for stage 3B triple negative breast cancer. I have double mastectomy surgery coming very soon. I am hoping and praying my scans come back with no Mets and that I will have pathological complete response!!
That’s great to hear that provide that! I pray you have complete healing!
That's my prayer also, no Mets in Jesus name . Amen
I am in az too going to MD Anderson in mesa az. I was just diagnosed in March 12. It’s March 17 now. I knew I had some kind of cancer since March 5th. I have stage 2b triple negative. Doing scans to rule out Mets before my first chemo starts on April 3 so they know what kind of chemo to use. 🙏🙏🙏 the scans are negative. And I pray they were for u too. I have a 6 year old to raise. Am a singleton parent. I have 6 mo total of chemo ahead of me. Update: I bought the stuff u said and a backpack cooler to help sustain the cold packs for the 5.5 hours of chemo weekly I’ll need. Ty! I’m still researching acupuncture
“My Jesus, My JESUS, I will be praying for you 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 “ TO GOD BE THE GLORY “🌹🌹💐💐💐.
@@sweetassugar8104❤
Taking L-glutamine supplement daily in a smoothie or cereal or perhaps juice was also recommended to me by my chemo educator at my cancer center and I think together with icing has helped a lot. I still have some neuropathy but it’s not terrible. I have 2 more Taxol treatments and then will begin radiation so I’m hoping it doesn’t get any worse. I wish everyone well out there! Hang tough. 💕
Thank you for sharing! Yes, I hope it doesn’t get worse either. You’re almost there! Hope all goes well for you!
How much of L-glutamine?
Thank you
Doesn't glutamine feed cancer?
@user-fo2cc7xx4y
It does. People, please 🙏 be careful of these internet advisers, they do more harm than good
@@amazingautumn12 I was recommended 5 grams of L-glutamine, 3 times per day to prevent chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy as well as mucosal injury of the mouth and gut
wish i found you months ago just finished rchop 6 treatments talking to a survivor is valuable ,people who dont go through this just think your complaining. Please also speak of loss of breath ,constipation, emotional weakness and in the beginning the terror you endure when your body reacts to the treatment.My daughter is an Oncology nurse and she got me a watch that measures heart beat,respiration,and h2o levels.A game changer when your by yourself and sick.Thank You your for making a difference,Peace and Health,namaste.
Hi! So happy you’re here! Yes, survivorship is a “club”. We get it. The watch is a great idea! Thank you for sharing! I’ll look that up. Do you recommend yours? What brand? I use an Apple Watch.
I filled two hot water bottles, put them in the freezer and used them to freeze my hands & feet during chemo. Likewise a couple of bags of frozen peas can work
A guy that was getting chemo with me used some coldpac gloves he found somewhere.I wish I had used them too.I got neuropathy and he didn't.
@@Michael-nx2he I’m so sorry, not everyone knows about it. I have a relative who works in cancer who told me
Finished Chemotherapy end of June and I have neuropathy-Tingling and throbbing in my toes and the top of my feet on both feet. I’ve been using a roller on my feet and that brings me some comfort.
So happy you are done with chemo! Good to know a roller helps. I hope your neuropathy gets better for you!
I an starting my first infusion of vincristine tomorrow and I wasn't sure that I wanted to even go through with it because of neuropathy.
This video popped up and I am so grateful 🙏.
You can have some control in the matter but communicate your symptoms as you do treatment.
Just a quick thank you for making me feel like I'm not alone. I so appreciate you and the things you share. ❤❤❤
Thanks for being here Darlene! I appreciate your comment. You’re not alone! ❤️
I just found this channel, I am a breast cancer survivor of about 3 1/2 years. I am experiencing neuropathy in my hands and feet. I wish I had knew about the ice pack.They didn’t help me with nothing but chemo, I was in stage 3, I think they didn’t think I was going to pull through, FOR GOD BE THE GLORY, “I DID”. The social worker was telling me I need to get my business in order. I told her God has the last say so.
Amen to being a survivor! I’m sorry for your neuropathy. I feel like that is a hard symptom because it can sneak up and and come and go. I pray you keep healing.
Yes God is the giver and taker of life! Praise God! Your doctors are wrong.
Absolutely The Lord has the final word. Press In To Him.He will carry you.. 🙏 for healing healrh I am breast cancer survivor. Check our SQ1 Chris Wark he is cancer clon cancer. A great support & knowledge plant base diet
I am so happy to have found you! Your videos have been so informative, THANK YOU!
I will start my first chemo very soon and I am overwhelmed and a little scare to be honest.
I’m so happy you found me! I know my videos can help. I’ll be doing a live tomorrow night if you want to watch and ask any questions. It will be at 7pm PST.
One day at a time. ❤️
Oh yes, I have the same problem on my right hand only. My right thumb is the worst. And now my right foot has been acting up a bit. So far its been bearable, though. What has been more of a problem is the itching and burning of my hands. I‘ve noticed that I trigger it off when I use my massage glove on my feet when I shower. Or holding things too tight like the vacuum cleaner or sponge while cleaning. But wearing loosely fitted gloves while cleaning has really helped and I will need to get a massage brush with a handle for my feet. Can‘t touch no scratchy surfaces anymore. Thank you for the well appreciated tips.
Hi, thank you for sharing! It sounds like you’re paying attention to your body and seeing what helps. I hope it continues to get better for you!
romiegoj I'm experiencing neuropathy In my hands and feet From chemo therapy From calling cancer. Thank you for the advice very helpful
Yes, it’s an unfortunate side effect. I hope your cancer center can help you. You’re welcome!
Just finished chemo on Thursday! Yay! The neuropathy is doable but can't wait for it to go away.
Congrats on being finished with chemo! I hope all goes well for you!
Definitely going through this now. 2 more infusions. I know it takes time to get back to what you were use to. Appreciate your posts during this journey.
I pray you keep healing!
Thank you so much. I'm having itching in my hands and feet, which the nurse said is also the beginning of neuropathy from chemo.
Hi! Yes itching is neuropathy too. Good point!
Very informative. Thanks I completed chemo a month ago 😊
Thank you! 🙏🏼❤️
Thanks for your tips. I completed 6 rounds of chemo two weeks ago. I developed neuropathy on fingers and feet after 5th round. It seems to be improving but very slowly. I will also definitely pursue PT. But most of all, thank you for your assurance that time will heal these side effects, which is so true but so hard to accept when I desperately want to feel better soon. ❤
You’re welcome! I hope you keep healing!
Personally, I refuse conventional treatment, but I still like to learn about it for the sake of insight into what others go through. 💜 Also, I will definitely share your delightfully informative videos!!
Everyone must choose their own path. I’m here to bring hope to others, and share what it’s like emotionally to go through this and live well still. Be well! Happy you are here! ❤️
@@MarinaBlackford I agree. ❤ One must do what works for oneself. Thank you for being patient with me. Whether my chosen path is similar or not, I am genuinely happy to be here! Rest assured, I'm neither criticizing nor dismissing any of the other paths. It actually helps me a great deal to learn about the various cancer journeys of people from all different walks of life! Such insight is immensely helpful, both directly AND indirectly with regard to my own unorthodox cancer journey. I've suffered years of insomnia, and you've actually helped me to overcome it!!! You've also helped me by pointing out the necessity of doing things differently when circumstances demand a change in daily life, from moment to moment! 🤗 You validate the things I've already been doing for a healthy lifestyle, as well as educate me about other equally important things that I wasn't aware of before. Marina, you always put a smile on my face, and I am truly blessed to have discovered you on RUclips... 💛 I really mean it! Your channel is a gem, and I would recommend it to ANYONE, whether they know cancer or not! 💛 :)
@@claritytruth445 that is beautiful! Thank you so much! I changed my response to your first comment because I don’t think I replied correctly. My channel is truly here to bring hope and enlightenment to this journey! I’m proud of you or anyone who chooses to fight their cancer in their own way. You have done what I can hope which is to take what lessons you can from me and the information is share. I love it and love to you! ❤️🙏🏼
@@MarinaBlackford Thank you so much for a most delightful reply, and I think ALL of your responses are always very caring! 🤗 Do you know of Jiddu Krishnamurti? I've been gradually collecting the whole library of his beautiful, enlightening books! It has now been eight years that I have been enjoying what Jiddu Krishnamurti shares with the world. Wow! He had my type of cancer as well. If you don't mind my sharing one of his lovely quotes with you, I really think you would appreciate this humble, joyous wisdom as much as I do!!! 💛 Here is the quote:
"We are so clever with words, and we think that by offering explanations we have solved the problem. Do you know what it means to learn? When you are really learning, you are learning throughout your life, and there is no one special teacher to learn from. Then everything teaches you - a dead leaf, a bird in flight, a smell, a tear, the rich and the poor, those who are crying, the smile of a woman, the haughtiness of a man. You learn from everything, therefore there is no guide, no philosopher, no guru. Life itself is your teacher, and you are in a state of constant learning."
~ Jiddu Krishnamurti
💜
8 months since off infusion chemo..but now taking Xeloda.. feet are better from neuropathy but need a cane for uneven surfaces…I hope I can get them back. I agree our health care system does not help us much with these kinds of things…Thanks for your channel!
Thank you for being here! Be well!
❤🎉 the best info...feeling very hopeful n praying n creating positive energy 🙏
Good! Here’s to all of that!
Hello Marina
Had my 2nd treatment today and I took ice packs for my feet and hands. Your advice is such a blessing
Thank you.
Wonderful Laura. Take control of your situation.
Hi, recently I have undergone my first chemo and now I am experiencing pain in both of my calf muscles and neuropathy
I am doing stretching
Hi! Stretch is great. Hydrating and possibly taking Vitamin B and magnesium as needed. Ask your doctor.
Thank you for your videos! They have been so helpful and comforting in this challenging journey! I had my 3rd chemo taxol infusion this past week Tuesday and have been using the ice for head, hands, and feet, but so far I am finding my feet are numb and frozen the whole time without seeming to need to switch ice packs (though I still do change them 1-2x during the 60 min Taxol infusion). 🥶 Almost painfully so that I worry about frostbite because they're sensitive a few days after! Might try to wear a thin sock to add more direct protection in addition to the ice socks next week...
🥵 My head is hot though so I'm changing out Icekaps (I purchased several to freeze the whole thing with packs in, plus extra packs to swap out... Which is expensive! But I plan to donate them once done so feel it's worth it) every 20 mins! I have chronic migraine so the ice feels good/I'm already used to it on my head. My hands stay pretty cold with the gloves, changing every 30 mins, plus handling the ice packs to swap out head packs keeps them numb too! I was told to start icing my head an hour before the infusion itself, but that I only need to start icing hands/feet 10 mins prior (not sure why this is? Shutting down hair cells functioning vs. just reducing blood circulation?) So I have started icing my head once I get settled in the room because by the time they take labs, meet with my doctor, and start premeds (plus saline drip) it's been at least an hour before the Taxol infusion itself. Then they say to ice as long afterwards as possible while the drug is circulating heavily in the body, but I have focused on hydrating and have only done a half hour after at most with the cap because it's easier to keep ice on my head than icing hands (much less feet) on my way home. Though I ran out of cold packs the first time because I started using caps too early (before getting to my appointment). Have had no hair loss so far apart from the usual shedding pre-treatment so hoping it's working... The next couple weeks will be the test! 🤞
My cancer was caught at the end of May this year by a routine mammogram, which I started doing at age 32 after a benign dermoid cyst in my other breast- and if it were not for that, the doctors wouldn't have recommended I start yearly screenings until age 45 per the current "standard" recommendation-- I'm 42 now-- as there is only a distant history of cancer in my family!! I'm BRCA negative, hormone positive x2, and it (invasive lobular carcinoma) was caught early at stage 1a (pea-sized mass deep in my already dense breast tissue that I would have never felt until much, much bigger/worse!) so I did a lumpectomy, now doing 20 weeks of chemo, then radiation... Chemo was recommended because of my age and because I learned I have a mutation on the (autosomal dominant) CHEK2 gene predisposing me to higher likelihood of breast and colon (and prostate if I had one of those 😋) cancer... Colonoscopy was clean (phew) but again, I would never have known I had the gene mutation because it is not one of the standard genes they test for with breast cancer, but it was an "add-on" sequencing panel with 22 other potentially involved lesser-researched genes that I requested the genetic counselor do-- now my siblings know they should/could get tested and/or get screenings for breast, colon, and prostate cancer!! And my 8-year old son when he gets older, too.
🤔 My cancer clinic did not seem much informed about the icing/cold-capping (not upfront offering ice as part of the process at the clinic though they offer snacks/fluids, so I have a big wheeling cooler I bring and dedicated small freezer at home so no food smells) and I agree with you, Marina, that we need to be our own advocates, which also (sadly) includes doing our own research as the health care system (at least in US 😞) is just not invested enough in prevention or adequately informed enough... Thank you for bringing awareness to all these aspects of fighting cancer!! ❤️❤️❤️ Best of luck to you and your family, and to all who take the time to read this comment!
Thank you so much for sharing your story! I learn so much from people like you! Icing hands and feet 10 minutes prior to chemo sounds like it would work better. Everyone is different with the ice packs and what works so I always recommend paying attention to your body so you don’t cause harm. I’m glad you’re getting a feel for what works. You’re doing great! Let us be our own advocate and beat cancer well! Be well!
Love your post and girl I had a cooler every week. Lol
I'm 4 months post chemo and I iced and still got neuropathy but praying it goes away soon.
Well wishes on your journey.
@@vjjoseph4421 ugh so frustrating! I hope your neuropathy continues to get better. I still believe it’s worth icing to try and help or it could have been worse potential too. Much love to you!
Great tips Marina and always such an emotional boost watching your videos:)
I'm done with chemo, did 4 AC plus 1 Taxol which I had a very bad reaction to and spent the week in hospital. So Taxol dicontinued and on to Radiation.
Now I'm checking out your videos dedicated to your radiation therapy :)
Good to hear I can help! Keep going! Hope the rest of your treatment goes well! ❤️
Thanks for the tips. Having neuropathy on my feet is the most annoying/painful side effects of chemo for me. I don’t mind losing my hair, but the tingling on my feet is unbearable. I cried every time it happened. I’m having my 3th round on the 26th so I’m going to ice my feet and hands. Hopefully, it works for me🙏
You’re welcome! And I’m sorry to hear that! I know what you mean. It’s so uncomfortable. Yes, trying icing during chemo. I hope it helps you. Let your doctors know your symptoms too.
I found that compression socks helps with the neuropathy in my feet. It won’t take it away but it almost stopped all of the sharp pains.
I also have neuropathy in my hands and feet 🦶🏾 but I DON’T have any pain . If it do come very very small pain about a few seconds every once in a while.
@@sweetassugar8104 Mine was painful, but thankfully it went away few weeks after i finished my 6th round.
Big inspiration you are, love from Pakistan 🇵🇰
Hi Marina! Thank you for so many useful videos. I’ll be doing the chemo after next week. I’m so nervous about neuropathy. I’m a calligrapher & crafter. I use my hands a lot. I’m just wondering if you get neuropathy, will it happen all day long or on and off? I just want to prepare myself. Thanks in advance. Mona x
Hi Mona! I messaged you back on insta. ❤️
Thanks a lot for your videos 🤗🤗
I had 4 rounds of platinum based chemo 15 yrs ago. Hospitalized twice during chemo for horrible pain all over. It was so bad that I only did 4 of the 6 rounds.
Then I was fine until about 4 yrs after the chemo. Then burning fire nerve pain started in my feet. It progressed over the years and has spread over my whole body. Nothing stopped the progression of the fire. I did every kind of health protocol out there. Then 3 yrs ago it spread to my GI tract. Now my GI tract is almost non-functional. No medical help for me. Looks like I'll either die of toxicity from intestinal failure if I eat, or starvation if I don't. Hindsight, I would have never done chemo.
Oh wow. I’m so sorry that happened. My mother did chemo 17 years ago. It was hard. She lost hair and had some neuropathy but nothing like that. Everyone has a unique experience and they should always talk to their doctors immediately about these symptoms.
I just started Taxol treatments today. I iced feet and hands during chemotherapy, but I’m wondering do you also do it on non-treatment days. My nurse was so impressed on all the information I obtained from you. Thank you so much for doing these.
Hi Shelia! That’s so good to hear you were prepared. I imagine you could ice on and off the day of and after chemo. I was only told to ice during. I believe the most important time to ice is during and up to 90 minutes after if possible. That would be similar to the cold cap for hair loss prevention.
Thank you.
Ty I was onky told about the cold packs in the toes and fingers not the rest. I’ll be doing my first chemo in two weeks after finding out I have idc triple negative two weeks ago.
I iced hands and feet and I know that helped me. I hope it helps you! I had the same diagnosis. I hope everything goes well for you!
Glutamine!! my integrative wellness doc highly suggested taking this daily during chemo! I used it along w/ the gloves/booties and I did not get it.
Yes, this one isn’t mentioned a lot. I took it. It tastes terrible, but it’s worth trying!
how funny how we are all so different. I didn't think it tasted like much of anything ha...either way Readers on here...worth a shot. @@MarinaBlackford
I asked the oncologist for a referral to a PT but they never got back to me. Chemo ended over 5 months ago and PN has actually gotten worse; at least the tingling and numbness, anyway. The pain subsided quickly, though.
So frustrating! Maybe you can find a PT and see if they can contact your cancer center if a referral is needed.
Thank you!
You're welcome!
I love your links and channel! So glad to have found you. The doctor and nurses said the ice gloves/socks were effective but only really used during taxel. Do you also recommend using it for A/C? I start that round next week (TNBC).
Hi, I’m so glad you found me! If you can ice during A/C you might as well give it a try. Definitely do it during taxol. Good luck!
Thanks, Marina!
Thank you for your tips. I’m a month plus from my last chemo and my neuropathy in my feet are pretty bad. Six months For it to get better 😮
I pray it gets better!
Hi Marina, please share any tips about Xelodax....Thank you for all your videos.
Hi! I don’t have personal experience with Xeloda. I had to google it. I see it’s a chemo. It does say it can cause something called “hand foot syndrome”. The effects are similar to neuropathy but could include blisters and cracking. To help it recommends keeping the hands and feet cool, moisturizer, and avoiding extra pressure. I found info here:
www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-xeloda#side-effects
My Oncologist wanted me to take that, but I chose not to. I got a 2nd opinion and chose not to be in chemo for 6 more months. Like she said, do your research. Your body! Your life!!
Thank for sharing all that onformation I am going to start my chimo soon🙏
Best of luck!
I'm so happy I found this video because this neuropathy is about to take me out..smh. I wish I iced my hands an feet..
Neuropathy sucks! I’m sorry. Hopefully some tips here will help you. Keep healing!
Thank you!
Great advice
Thank you
You’re welcome!
I guess I will go with time🙂! I used the gloves and still got neuropathy, mostly in my feet. Dry needling! No thanks, don't need anymore pain😅
I pray "time" helps you!
Gift of time...I've had Neuropathy for nearly 2 years now also due to chemo. In arms, legs, hands and feet. Will this pain ever go away?
Pain went away for me. I do still get some numbness. I’m sorry you have pain still! Do your best to have a healthy diet and exercise and beyond that medication like Gabapentin can be used. Neuropathy is a tough one. I wish you healing!
Icing didn’t help me🙁
I did it for every treatment.
It has been 10 months and not better. 😢 I am wondering if my body is going to recover from it.
I have it in my hands and feet. Some days it’s is unbearable for me and seems worse.
I’m sorry to hear this. I think it’s worth trying for most of us to ice during chemo. There’s no guarantee it will work, but it won’t hurt to try. I know they can prescribe Gabapentin to help with neuropathy. I hope you have some relief.
Unfortunately your links do not work :( I’m trying to get the link to the ice gloves and socks
All products can be found here:
www.amazon.com/shop/marinablackford
Thanks for sharing!! I am going thru chemo and having neuropathy now. Did your doctor prescribe medication to manage the pain?
Hi! I was prescribed Gabapentin. I did not take it though because a side effect was fatigue and I didn’t want any added fatigue. The pain was not so bad that I couldn’t do anything. I had the pain in the morning for about 6 months after chemo.
@@MarinaBlackfordthanks!!! I am with you! My doc prescribed me duloxetine to manage my pain. Same as you, I am a little hesitant to take the med because my pain is not that bad and it doesn’t prevent me from doing my day to day activities. Thanks for sharing! Super helpful! I am going to wait and see if the pain get worse and then I will consider that the med to help with the symptoms. 😊
Hi Marina, Thanks for ur lovely tips regarding to neuropathy i wanted to ask u we go to hospital early and chemo starts later so the mittens and socks will stay cold till then the fusion start plz guide me i wanna buy it
Hi! I took my ice mitts and socks frozen in a small cooler. Or ask if they can give you bags of ice during chemo to use.
@Marina Blackford thanks for ur reply u r always helpful may God bless u with good health and long life
Thank you so much
I was keeping my hands super cold during the infusion that I could barely tolerate it. Then, I started feeling strange sensation afterwards - I don’t know whether it was from chemo or hypothermia from gloves
Cold is good to prevent neuropathy but yes, you don’t want pain from the cold. I hope you’re feeling okay.
Hi Marina I hope your well I just wanted to ask what supplements you take to stay NED 🙏🙏🙏🇦🇺💚
I take the “Pure” One Multivitamin, an omega 3 fish oil, and turmeric every morning and ashwaghanda at night.
That’s why I asked because oncologist said not to take a multi because of heavy metals? 😔
Organic Tart Cherry Juice NOT FROM CONCENTRATE
This helps your joints?
@@MarinaBlackford neuropathy & sleep
It has been a year my hands pins and needles my feet feel I'm walking on Chanelle socks I have to walk on a cane my balance is off. Taxol did this to me before I start them nurse said not to do it it hasn't been proven so now I can not walk I'm 75 which is a problem as well.💔
The “pins and needles” feeling is so hard! I’m sorry. I think you should keep walking if you can. Circulation is good for you. Gabapentin is a medication that could help you. I pray you heal more everyday.
Does neuropathy lead to losing fingernails? My sister had 6 rounds of chemo and lost half of her nails on each finger, she also describes the sensation of having binder clips clipped onto her fingers all the time..we always wonder if the cold gloves would prevent the loss of fingernails or only prevent the numbing/tingling sensation
It's the chemo that cause the nails to fall off. ;(
@@vjjoseph4421 I know it's the chemo that causes the nails to become loose but I always wonder if the cold gloves would help the nails stay attached, losing nails frustrates my sister way more than losing hair..
@@francesleung5938 oh sorry. I thought you were asking if the neuropathy made them fall off.
@@francesleung5938 same here. I can wrap the head, but wearing the black compression gloves are almost uglier than not having the nails
@@vjjoseph4421 do compression gloves help with neuropathy? I hope your side effects will subside soon!!
What kind of chemo? They did icing on my hands and feet when I did doxy, because it can cause a rash. But no one suggested it when I started Taxol. And yet now, after the first treatment, I’m having numbness in my feet and a little bit in my hands. Why would they mention it with one, but not the other?
Hi, I iced during taxol. I’m not sure why they wouldn’t mention it but I think it’s worth doing if you can. It could help prevent neuropathy. Also, make sure to tell them your symptoms.
Cold cap did not work for me
So sorry to hear that.
Hot showers help. The pain moves up my arm and that's what help with pain killer
what about balance issue from chemo
I did not have problems that I know of. Just fatigue which could effect balance I suppose.
All the amazon ice gloves and socks I see say it only stays cold 20 minutes so what to do I am confused
I take extra cold packs in a smaller cooler to switch out. The gloves stay pretty cold for about 2 hours.
How long after chemo did your eyebrows and eye lashes grow back?
They start to grow back about 4 weeks after. I find that they grow, then shed again and start a new hair cycle.
@@MarinaBlackfordWhen did they begin to fall off...what week of chemo (taxol) and were you micro dosing or full dose chemo? Weekly or every 2 or every 2 weeks?
I meant to type every "3" weeks...not "2" twice.
What of electrotherapy.?
I have not heard of or tried that. I have not needed it though.
which cancer chemo drugs was she on?
I had A/C chemo and taxol. And carboplatin and taxol with my second cancer journey.
Where is your loving kids
Hi! Thanks for asking! I filmed with them today so look for my next vlog this weekend!
Dear marina,today is a very sad day for me.because my father got his biopsy result and got to know he has non hogging lemphoma.i feel sorry for my father.😭😭😭