What is Peripheral Neuropathy & How Does It Cause Nerve Damage

Written By Lotte May
Founder of Comfort Crate & Cancer Advocate

What is Peripheral Neuropathy in Cancer Patients?

Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Think of these nerves as the communication lines that carry sensations to your brain and control the movement of your arms, legs, bladder, and bowel. This nerve disorder is a common side effect of chemotherapy, and in some cases, radiotherapy. When these communication lines are damaged, it can cause tingling, numbness, and strange sensations, often in the feet and hands—like your body is experiencing its own "internal interference."

What Causes Nerve Damage During Treatment?

Navigating the damage of treatment can be frustrating. While some people develop neuropathy, others do not. Often, the cause is the very drugs designed to target the cancer cells accidentally impacting your healthy nerve fibres. Other causes include:

1. Anti-cancer drugs: This is the most common cause of neuropathy during the chemo journey.
2. Tumour Pressure: If a tumour grows close to a nerve, it can press on it, causing symptoms in that specific area.
3. Surgery: Procedures can sometimes nick or damage nerves. For example, breast cancer surgery may cause tingling in the arm.
4. Radiotherapy: Rarely, nerves in the treated area can be affected months or even years later.
5. Paraneoplastic Syndrome: In some cases of lymphoma or myeloma, the body makes substances that accidentally target the peripheral nerves.

Common Symptoms of Cancer-Related Neuropathy

Symptoms often start as a whisper—mild at first—and can gradually get louder. Your medical team will monitor you before each round to decide if your dose needs adjusting to protect your "good guys" (your healthy cells). Watch out for:

• Tingling, pins and needles, or numbness
• Burning or "electric shock" sensations
• Muscle weakness that makes walking feel like a chore
• Difficulty with "fine-motor" tasks like doing up buttons or texting
• Balance issues, dizziness, or feeling light-headed when standing
• Digestive "stalls" like constipation and bloating

Understanding Your Nerves: Sensory, Motor, and Autonomic

To become an expert in managing your own side effects, it helps to know which communication lines are being affected:

• Sensory Nerves: These handle your sense of feeling. Damage causes pain, tingling, or a tight glove sensation.
• Motor Nerves: These control movement. Damage leads to heavy limbs, cramps, and difficulty with daily activities.
• Autonomic Nerves: These control the things you don't think about, like heart rate and digestion. Damage can cause dizziness, trouble swallowing, or sweating issues.

Managing Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy

While there isn't yet a way to completely reverse nerve damage, becoming an expert in your own care can help you navigate the symptoms.

Medical Support Options

• Pain Management: Your doctor may prescribe painkillers or antidepressants (like amitriptyline) that help quiet the pain signals in your brain. Be mindful that these can cause dry mouth or nausea.
• Capsaicin Cream: Derived from chilli peppers, this cream can help distract the nerves from sending pain signals, though it may cause temporary stinging.

Natural Remedies for Nerve Pain

If you prefer to avoid more medication, these life hacks can help you manage the discomfort:

1. Daily Checks: Inspect your hands and feet daily for cuts or blisters. Because your nerves are quiet, you might not feel an injury that could lead to infection. Wear soft, loose cotton socks and padded shoes.
2. Gentle Movement: Exercise stimulates blood flow to your limbs and lowers stress, which can help dampen pain levels.
3. Mindful Eating: High-gluten and high-sugar foods can sometimes flare up nerve pain. Try swapping white pasta and sugary snacks for anti-inflammatory options.
4. Nerve Massage: Massaging your hands and feet can improve circulation and loosen tight muscles that may be pressing on your nerves.
5. Pressure Awareness: Avoid crossing your knees or leaning on your elbows for long periods, as this can pinch already sensitive nerves.

Discover more expert strategies for your recovery here: Cancer Treatment Tips and Tricks.

Further Reading & Support for Nerve Health

Navigating the interference of peripheral neuropathy can be one of the most frustrating parts of the journey, but you don’t have to find your way alone. To help you become an expert in managing these sensations, I highly recommend exploring these trusted resources:

• Macmillan: Understanding Peripheral Neuropathy – A comprehensive clinical guide on why nerve damage happens and the medical treatments available in the UK.
• CMT UK (The Resource for Nerve Recovery) – While focused on inherited neuropathy, their advice on daily living with numb hands and feet is world-class for cancer patients too.
• NHS: Peripheral Neuropathy Overview – The essential UK guide for identifying symptoms and knowing when to alert your healthcare team.
• The Comfort Crate Side Effect Guide – Explore my full directory for more "survivor-tested" tips on managing the collateral damage of treatment, from "chemo brain" to skin changes.

Remember, your your healthy cells are resilient. By using the right strategies and seeking support, you can protect your nerves and live life a little more comfortably.

About the Author: Lotte May is a Stage 4B Hodgkin Lymphoma survivor and founder of Comfort Crate. Having lived through the inner storm of treatment, she is dedicated to helping others find their secret map to a more comfortable recovery. Read more about her mission.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for support and guidance only. It does not replace the advice of your medical team.