Gemzar/Ambraxane
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Hello Sherry!
Marion asked if I would comment on this thread re: Peripheral neuropathy from chemotherapy, or the numbness/tingling, pain, loss of sensation that occurs with nerve damage from chemotherapy, diabetes, etc.
Here is some info for you:
CIPN (chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy) is a common occurrence with different types of chemotherapy medications such as the platinum agents (Oxaliplatin, Carboplatin, Cisplatin, etc.) taxanes (Abraxane/Paclitaxel, etc.). and others.
Dose reduction of the chemo agent can and may be ordered to reduce the severity of neuropathy, or the agent may be stopped all-together.
From what I know, neuropathy may improve over time but can definitely persist (for Abraxane improvement MAY be seen beginning around 3 months post treatment per the National Comprehensive Cancer Network [NCCN] but is also treated with medications such as neurontin/gabapentin, tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline and others), pain medications,or lidocaine patches (although I do not really see this).
CIPN is a side effect that seriously impacts quality of life and unfortunately, does not have many good treatment options and persists for many individuals.
I have read about clinical trials using Glutamine
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02215083 and there are also some actual publications on this treatment.Here is something from Dana-Farber as well:
http://www.dana-farber.org/Health-Library/Alleviating-Peripheral-Neuropathy-Symptoms.aspxThe Oncology Nursing Society has some great information here: https://www.ons.org/practice-resources/pep/peripheral-neuropathy
This link gives you information on scientifically proven methods of managing CIPN, treatments that MAY be helpful, treatments that are highly unlikely to be helpful, and treatments that should not be used.For the rash, cream with benadryl may help, or emollient lotions like bag-balm, or another unscented lotion.
I would love to hear more about your husband’s acupuncture treatments! I think it is wonderful to try other methods of healing.
-Karen RN, CHPN
Dear Sherry, eating becomes a major problem as no one has an appetite with all they are going through. I would suggest trying some nutritional drinks. Teddy really liked Carnation Instant Breakfast, the vanilla and I would blend in a banana. You can drink this in place of all meals or with a meal. Try more comfort foods like homemade soup, pasta, omelets, pudding, jello, and only put small amounts on the plate. When an ill person sees a large amount of food it appears insurmountable. Best of luck and glad he is almost done with his chemo.
Curious, have any scans or LABS been taken?sherry…..appears that the majority of side effects are caused by Ambraxzane. a compound not reported on this site. Side effects include numbness (peripheral neuropathy.) As far as I know there are currently no effective treatments, but rehabilitative exercise may preserve physical functioning. Please make sure to mention to physician.
Hugs,
MarionIs anyone else being treated with Gemzar/Ambraxzane regimine? My husband is beginning his 5th month . . . . . it seems that every month their is a new side effect. The latest side effects were numbness in his feet and we are worried about nerve damage and wondering if this will go away when he done with chemo. He has 5 more treatments left. He also did develop kind of a rash under his skin that the dr told him to use hydrocortisone cream which had no effect. I found him a natural magnesium/lavendar lotion that helped lessen the reddness. Last week was his week off and we don’t know if he has just recovered from chemo on his off week, or if the lotion really helped. Oh! He also just started receiving accupuncture . . . to help allow him to eat better . . . not sure if that has really helped, or is was better because of his week off.
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