While there is no cure for peripheral
neuropathy, signs may improve or go
away once you have completed your
chemotherapy course. It is important that
you tell your healthcare team how you
are feeling so they can make decisions
about your treatment. Your doctor may
decide to change your medication dose
or offer other measures to improve or
deal with your numbness or pain.
Safety is an issue when you have
numbness in your hands or feet. You are
at a higher risk for tripping or falling and
you may not notice a foot injury right
away.
To Protect Your
Hands and Feet
• Wear gloves when you are working
outside or in the kitchen.
• Wear shoes indoors and outdoors.
• Check your feet for cuts each day.
Use a small mirror or ask someone to
check for you.
• Report any problems to your doctor or
nurse.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a feeling of being tired. You
may:
• Experience lack of energy for doing
daily activities
• Have trouble thinking clearly or
paying attention
• Not want to do activities that you
normally enjoy
• Feel washed out or weighted down
• Have legs that feel rubbery or like
jelly
Cancer-related fatigue may be caused by:
• Low blood count such as anemia, a
decrease in the number of red blood
cells that carry oxygen to tissues
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Trouble sleeping
• Stress, anxiety, and distress
• Problems with nutrition
• Cancer treatments such as surgery,
chemotherapy, or radiation
• Cancer
To Prevent Falls
• Remove clutter and throw rugs from
your home.
• Put up rails as needed and use slip-
proof mats in your bath.
• Wear sturdy, well-fi tting shoes.
• Take extra care when walking outside
of your home. You may want to use
a cane if you fi nd your balance is
affected.
To Avoid Burns
• Use hot pads in the kitchen to protect
your hands from burns.
• Have someone check your bath or
shower water or use a thermometer to
make certain the water is not too hot.
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