Neuropathy

Neuropathy is damage to your peripheral nervous system that affects nerve function. (Your peripheral nervous system is made up of the many nerves that bring signals from the brain and spinal cord to other -- peripheral -- parts of the body, such as the hands and feet.) This nervous system damage affects the way the body sends signals to muscles, joints, skin, and internal organs. At first, most people notice a change in the feelings in their fingertips and toes. The change of feeling gradually moves to the hands and feet.

Symptoms of neuropathy include:

• pain, tingling, burning, weakness, tickling, or numbness in arms, hands, legs, and feet
• sudden, sharp, stabbing, or shocking pain sensations
• loss of touch sensation
• balance problems and difficulty walking
• clumsiness
• trouble using hands to pick up objects or fasten clothing
• hearing loss
• jaw pain
• constipation
• changes in sensitivity to temperature

Neuropathy can be caused by the following treatments for breast cancer:

• surgery
• chemotherapy
• radiation therapy
• Faslodex (chemical name: fulvestrant), a hormonal therapy
• Arimidex (chemical name: anastrozole), a hormonal therapy
• Avastin (chemical name: bevacizumab), a targeted therapy

Managing neuropathy

If you suspect you have neuropathy, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. If your neuropathy is caused by chemotherapy, your doctor might be able to switch chemotherapy medications to ease your nerve problems. Your doctor also may be able to prescribe medicines, pain patches, or topical creams that can help. If neuropathy isn't treated, it can become a long-term problem.

If you've been diagnosed with neuropathy, consider the following tips to protect yourself from injury:

• Handle sharp objects carefully to avoid cutting yourself accidentally.
• Be careful when moving. Walk slowly and use handrails if they're available.
• Put no-slip bath mats in your tub or shower to avoid falling.
• Remove objects from areas where you frequently walk, such area rugs, cords, toys, and other clutter, to reduce your risk of tripping and falling.
• Consider using a cane to steady yourself.
• Protect your feet from injury by wearing shoes or slippers as often as possible.
• Check water temperature with a thermometer or wear gloves to avoid burning yourself when you're washing yourself or cleaning.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Consider complementary medicine techniques such as acupuncture and massage to help stimulate and restore feeling in your nerves.