Understanding Neuropathy With Breast Cancer Treatment

The tingling, numbness, or burning pain in your hands and feet after treatment is real, and it’s called neuropathy. Many people experience it after chemotherapy or other breast cancer treatments. While it can feel frustrating or even frightening, understanding what’s happening (and how to manage it) can make a big difference.


What Is Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy happens when chemotherapy or other treatments damage the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. These nerves control how you feel sensations (like touch or temperature) and how your muscles move. These are the most common symptoms of neuropathy according to American Cancer Society: 

  • Tingling or “pins and needles” sensations

  • Burning or warm feeling

  • Numbness

  • Weakness

  • Discomfort or pain that feels sharp, throbbing, or burning

  • Sweating or chilling from decreased ability to feel hot and cold

  • Cramps in your legs and feet 

Other signs of peripheral neuropathy are:

  • Balance problems

  • Increased or decreased skin sensitivity

  • Muscle loss and weakness

  • Bowl and bladder problems 

Neuropathy can show up during treatment or even months after it ends. These sensations and feelings may show up in various parts of the body, it’s primarily experienced in the hands, arms, feet, and legs. 


What Causes It?

According to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, certain chemotherapy drugs, radiation treatments, and surgeries can sometimes damage nerves, leading to neuropathy. People who already have conditions like diabetes or peripheral vascular disease may experience neuropathy before cancer treatment begins.

These are the most common chemotherapy drugs linked to an increased risk of neuropathy:

  • Carboplatin

  • Cisplatin

  • Oxaliplatin

  • Taxotere (docetaxel)

  • Jevtana (carbazitaxel)

  • Velban (vinblastine)

  • Vincristine

  • Vinorelbine

  • Etoposide

  • Ixempra (ixabepilone)

  • Thalomid (thalidomide)

  • Revlimid (lenalidomide)

  • Velcade (bortezomib)

  • Pomalyst (promalidomide)

  • Halaven (eribulin)

  • Kyprolis (carfilzomib)

Living With Neuropathy

There are complementary ways to reduce the impact of symptoms and improve quality of life. These are some helpful ways to relieve symptoms according to the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy: 

  • Physical therapy or occupational therapy 

  • Low-impact exercises such as swimming or biking

  • Acupuncture

  • Meditation

  • Massage Therapy

  • Tai Chi

  • Eating a well balanced diet, avoiding alcohol or smoking

There are also a variety of treatments that can help ease symptoms and improve your quality of life. Below are some of the key options, according to the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy:

  • Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen

  • Prescription treatments for pain relief and inflammation

  • Topical treatments such as local anesthetics or capsaicin creams

  • Complementary/Non-drug therapies 

    • Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): A device sends small electrical pulses through the skin to block pain signals.

    • Scrambler Therapy (Calmare): This newer therapy uses changing electrical impulses to “scramble” pain signals.

    • Acupuncture: Thin needles stimulate the nervous system to release pain-relieving chemicals.

    • Biofeedback / Neurofeedback: These therapies teach you to control your body’s responses to reduce pain.

  • Supplements such as Alpha-lipoic acid, Acetyl-L-carnitine, vitamin D, or omega 3s 

Always talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new therapy, especially when combining prescription meds, supplements, or alternative treatments.


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