So I’m experiencing another good day. Yesterday I got by with just two extra strength Tylenols and a half a gummy. So far today, I’ve just taken two extra strength Tylenols . Hans was delighted that I made us omelettes for breakfast, cleaned the kitchen, vacuumed, mopped, and still had enough energy to design some custom buttons for my dad’s memorial. If you’ve never used Zazzle, it’s a great site for making custom items. Affordable and user-friendly —the idea for the buttons came to me last night when apparently, after drinking too much ice tea at lunch, I could not sleep. I created a custom button for each member of the family, 14 at all, with a picture of themselves and dad at various times of our lives. 

Now I’m relaxing in the garden with the dogs and puppies, and we’ll get myself over to the library to cast my votes in this important election.

Bedtime. One of the annoying side effects of my chemo is numbness and tingling in my feet, also known as peripheral neuropathy.  I actually had a mild  case in both feet long before I knew I had cancer.  My acupuncturist was able to relieve my right foot but not the left one. Fortunately, it’s not really painful… Just incredibly annoying. Tonight my left foot is really tingly. Time to do some  research!  

Here’s what I found so far…Prevention and treatment options for oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy are limited; approaches include scheduled drug holidays, magnesium and calcium infusions, and pharmacologic interventions including anti-depressant and anti-epileptic agents.  Ugh! Treatment is mostly given to relieve the pain that can come with CIPN. Some of the drugs used include: Steroids for a short time until a long-term treatment plan is in place. Patches or creams of numbing medicine that can be put right on the painful area (for example, lidocaine patches or capsaicin cream)

More info found….Turmeric will help address peripheral neuropathy because it contains curcumin, a strong antioxidant. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic properties. These combine to relieve peripheral neuropathy symptoms (numbness and tingling) in the hands and feet and prevent chronic pain. Common Names: turmeric, turmeric root, Indian saffron….

And more info….Vitamins B-1, B-6, and B-12 have been found to be especially beneficial for treating neuropathy. Vitamin B-1, also known as thiamine, helps to reduce pain and inflammation and vitamin B-6 preserves the covering on nerve endings. I feel like I’m playing bingo. 

I have So much to learn! I’ll call the doctor tomorrow and see what I should try.