After my chemo began, my doctor mentioned neuropathy – and asked if I had been noticing anything. I always said no. For some reason, I equated numbness and tingling – similar to carpal tunnel syndrome with what neuropathy was. That was incorrect. Over the last weekend I thought I’d stubbed one of my toes – which is why it was sore. Then by Monday, I realized ALL of my toes felt sore – as if they were recovering from being stepped on, as were ALL of my finger tips.

I Google neuropathy –

From Wikipedia:  Those with diseases or dysfunctions of their nerves may present with problems in any of the normal nerve functions. In terms of sensory function, there commonly are loss of function (negative) symptoms, which include numbness, tremor, gait abnormality. Gain of function (positive) symptoms include tingling, PAIN, itching, crawling, and pins-and-needles.  Pain may become intense enough to require use of opioid (narcotic) drugs (i.e., morphine, oxycodone).

Great. The pain part has now officially sunken in. More fun with the side effects of chemo. It’s right up there with the burnt tongue, blood in the tissue, nausea, diarrhea and hair loss.

If I look at my hands, specifically my nails – I can see the insult that the chemo has left on my body (thanks carboplatin). Like my hair, my nails show the signs. I have strange discolorations in the “new” nails that are growing out. It’ll be nice to be beyond this all some day.