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Certain chemotherapies damage the outside layer of the nerve. This part of the nerve is responsible for sending signals from the skin to the spinal cord and brain. The information sent to these higher centers, in the spinal cord and brain, is about temperature, pressure and pain. Chemotherapy can chemically damage these nerves, preventing this information from traveling to the next stop.
To some people, neuropathy feels like numbness, which could be partial or complete loss of sensation. To others the actual sensation is one of intense pain described as pins and needles or a burning feeling like when you walk on hot coals. Other people describe the sensation as waves of electric current or sudden electric shocks. Whatever the sensation, it is not permanent. The damage to the nerve endings is also not permanent. It is important to observe your own particular sensation and describe its quality to your care team so they can recommend the best intervention.
Glossary:
Chemotherapy – cancer treatment that uses strong chemicals to destroy cancer cells
Neuropathy – damage to nerves that can cause unusual sensations such as numbness or tingling
