Cancer and, more frequently, its treatment can cause nerve damage. Since many different nerves can be damaged, a variety of side effects are possible. Here are some patient descriptions of neuropathy, or nerve damage: a sensation of numbness or tingling like light electricity or “pins and needles;” extreme sensitivity to touch, cold or warmth; a burning feeling in different parts of the body or reduced sensation as if wearing gloves or stockings. If the nerves to the muscles are damaged, you may experience muscle weakness, spasms, muscle control and physical balance challenges, as well as changes in other basic physical functions. If the nerves to your internal organs are damaged, you may experience constipation or diarrhea, difficulty urinating and visual changes, headaches or dizziness and sexual problems.
The nervous system is your communication system, passing messages and signals throughout the body. When damage occurs, depending on the location and extent of the nerves involved, that message could be interrupted and may cause that muscle or organ to malfunction. Your doctor may be helpful in determining any underlying causes and may be able to relieve some of the neuropathy by, perhaps, changing your drugs to more aggressively treat the tumor or prescribing certain vitamins. Mind-body techniques customized to target any neuropathy-affected muscles and other areas that are based on the philosophies of Tai Chi, Yoga, Chi Kung or other modalities like cancer massage or acupuncture may also help. The encouraging news is that neuropathy from cancer and its treatment sometimes dissipates over time. Once you have completed your course of cancer treatment, your body may eventually heal any damaged nerves.