HomeAnswersInternal Medicinebreast cancerWhy do my hands feel numb after cancer treatment?

My hands feel numb after cancer treatment. Should I visit ER?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Sivanath

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At October 28, 2016
Reviewed AtDecember 18, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am finishing the last part of my treatment for breast cancer. About a month ago, I started having numbness and tingling in arms and hands. It wakes me up through the night. I just recently started working in a grocery store, which is very physically demanding. It lands me with endless knots in my back, neck and shoulders. I was rubbing the knots out of my neck tonight and I got a little dizzy. It went away, but now three of my fingers on my right hand feels numb and painful. I am wondering if I should go to the emergency room. My oncologist is about two hours away. I am a 48 year old female. I had a lumpectomy before two months with a partial node biopsy.

Answered by Dr. sivanath

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com. If you are on a weekly regimen of Paclitaxel chemotherapy, the numb feeling you are experiencing could be a side effect of the treatment. Kindly inform us if you are undergoing any other chemotherapy as well. If the numbness significantly affects your daily life, I recommend considering Pregabalin to alleviate the discomfort. Additionally, it is essential to bring this symptom to the attention of your oncologist, as we may need to adjust the medication or discontinue it if the severity surpasses a certain grade. To address potential deficiencies, Vitamin B12 supplementation is suggested. While some of these side effects may only be partially reversible, it is crucial not to neglect them and prioritize appropriate management with your healthcare team.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. sivanath
Dr. sivanath

Internal Medicine

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