Tingling

I do also have that tingling sensation, mostly located in the upper arm and to the back. I also agree it is enhanced when I'm swollen, even if at first look it may not appear by much. I was told to exercise my arms with light weight would help build muscles and provide natural draining. I must say that since I included a more structured program, my Lymphedema is mostly under control and the tingling is less frequent. It just feels strange to have the tingling while at the same time if I scratch at my upper arm, I almost feel nothing, like still under local anesthesia.

Mary Yes, I have. When this happens, I'm generally more likely swollen or "full " at that time. The best way I find relief from this is to lightly use a netted bath sponge that's on a long handle and gently massage -starting from my hand working my way up my arm, then over to the center of my chest. Once I'm finished with that, I put my compression sleeve/glove on for full relief. Unfortunately, pain meds don't help with this type of pain.

When my neuropathy began I told my Oncologist right away and she sent me to a Neurologist who did blood tests and other tests and a neuro-exam to make sure what I was having was related to the chemo that I had and that is was neuropathy. Symptoms of neuropathy include:
- pain, tingling, burning, numbness, loss of touch, and change in sensitivity to temperature in fingers, toes, arms, hands, legs, or feet
- constipation
- balance problems, difficulty walking, and weakness
- hearing loss
- jaw pain

People may begin to notice tingling and numbness in their fingertips and toes. The feelings gradually move to the hands and feet and the rest of the body. The bowels may also be affected resulting in constipation

If you suspect neuropathy please consult your physician and share your symptoms.

Here are some suggestions for dealing with neuropathy:
- Because of the side effect of loss of feeling, patients are prone to accidents and should be extra careful when cooking, in slippery areas, and in dark places.
- Keep the area with the symptoms warm and avoid extreme temperatures
- Good skin care and watch for cuts and burns
- Massage and physical therapy
- Make sure your diet includes the essential vitamins and minerals
- Stop smoking and exercise to improve circulation
- Moderate your alcohol intake Here are some suggestions for dealing with neuropathy:
- Because of the side effect of loss of feeling, patients are prone to accidents and should be extra careful when cooking, in slippery areas, and in dark places.
- Keep the area with the symptoms warm and avoid extreme temperatures
- Good skin care and watch for cuts and burns
- Massage and physical therapy
- Make sure your diet includes the essential vitamins and minerals
- Stop smoking and exercise to improve circulation
- Moderate your alcohol intake

When a physician treats neuropathy caused by cancer treatments, they treat the pain symptoms as well as prevention from worsening.

Pain relief options include:
- Over the counter - pain patches, topical creams, tylenol, etc.
- Prescription medications that might be effective are anti-seizure medications, lidocaine patch, and anti-depressants

Potential options to prevent the neuropathy from worsening are:
- If the medications are the cause, switching chemotherapy medications or dosage may be considered
- If a tumor is causing the problem, the tumor may be treated When a physician treats neuropathy caused by cancer treatments, they treat the pain symptoms as well as prevention from worsening.

Pain relief options include:
- Over the counter - pain patches, topical creams, tylenol, etc.
- Prescription medications that might be effective are anti-seizure medications, lidocaine patch, and anti-depressants

Potential options to prevent the neuropathy from worsening are:
- If the medications are the cause, switching chemotherapy medications or dosage may be considered
- If a tumor is causing the problem, the tumor may be treated

Neuropathy can be caused by the following treatments for breast cancer:
- certain chemotherapy medications - toxins from the treatments damage the nerves
- radiation therapy - radiation damages the nerves Neuropathy can be caused by the following treatments for breast cancer:
- certain chemotherapy medications - toxins from the treatments damage the nerves
- radiation therapy - radiation damages the nerves