I just completed my 7 week chemo (Erbitux) and radiation treatment for a Squamous Carcinoma tumor on the back of my tongue.

About 2nd-3rd week I ended up with drop foot in my right foot. 3 years ago I had drop foot in my left foot from Sciatica and it's taken this long with walking and PT to get it back to about 90-95%.

My question to anyone who also has ended up with drop foot from their Chemo: have you gotten back to full use yet? How? How long?

Hi and welcome to OCF. I've never heard of drop foot, but searching on it I see Paul B has commented on it before. Search on "drop foot" and look for the thread "Loss of sensation in extremities?"

All the best with your recovery.

Chemo is systemic, and can cause peripheral neuropathy (though this is generally cisplatin - not Erbitux which is not really considered to be a chemo though it is definitely systemic) so I can see how it would effect you and cause drop foot (radiation mat be the culprit too - depends on where that beam is aimed), this early on I would get to physio as soon as possible to try and prevent it from becoming a long term issue. If it has been caused by radiation (much like l'hermittes sign - it may only be temporary and will subside as your heal, but I would still push for physiotherapy.

I had complete foot drop, it's only slightly now, but still have toe drop in both big toes. With real foot drop you will not be able to stand on your feet. This was my case 5 years ago with just chemo with high doses of taxotere, cisplatin and 5-FU, no radiation. This caused horrific side effects to nearly kill me, lost 110lbs and hospitalized me for 6 months, including paralysis of both legs, foot drop after a while, and no sensory or temperature feeling in the feet, legs. I had to learn to walk again, which took almost a year, but still required use of a walker, and now cane. I still have no true answer what was the cause. Although, I had so many life threatening illnesses, it wasn't at the top of the diagnosis list, but the inability to walk then, and still having difficulty effects me greatly since I can no longer drive or walk far. I did come across gallium barr syndrome, possibly a cause based on some symptoms, but that's my own, and difficult to prove mainly with a spinal tap.

I had Erbitux, but with taxotere, which was cut out due to causing to worsen the neuropathy, necessitating the use of a walker. My kidney doctor said great strides have been made with targeted therapy, but said one common side effect is the neuropathy, so now I wonder if it was the Erbitux.

I also noted you mention sciatica, which I had for 30 years, but only the left leg from herniated discs in L4, L5. Mine is from weight lifting. My legs are not chicken legs, more like tree trunks, and we're very strong, so that was a wake-up call when chemo knocked me down and literally out. I don't know if this pre-existing condition has any effect with chemo, but may worsen it.

So far I only spoken about the effects of chemo, but my surgeries, maybe radiation too, has caused some slight head drop, probably from my neck muscle being removed, and atrophy of the left trap, and nerve damage to the brachial plexus.

As mentioned, your best bet is to see about physical therapy. I was doing it, but right now I have other issues, cancer treatment related, to deal with that it's not a priority,

I also wear socks 24/7, which hold the toe in place, so it doesn't catch on the ground, even sheets, except when getting out of the shower. I do still have hand and foot stocking syndrome, neuropathy, so the socks help with that too. Idk if a sturdy stocking would help with the foot drop, but PT would know best.

Good luck

Welcome to OCF. Yes others have been thru this too. Its not too common but I have seen it discussed here before.

Since you just finished your treatments a short time ago you still have a long way until you are fully recovered. A complete recovery can take 2 full years. Most patients are doing much better about 3-4 weeks post rads. There will be noticeable improvements in your sense of taste and fatigue in the first 3-6 months post rads. Best thing you can do to help your body rebuild itself is to focus on your intake. Every single day for at least the first year take in a minimum of 2500 calories and 48-64 oz of water. If you can push more in thats even better and can only help make your recovery easier.

Best wishes!

My diagnosis came after an EMG from the neurologist. But she said that the nerve (behind my knee) would "probably" rejuvenate, but it could take year as they rejuvinate approximately 1 inch per month . After 4 months with this, I can slightly lift my big toe (hopeful), but am wearing a brace, with my compression stockings to keep from stumbling and falling.