In a recent post I outlined some chemo/radio side effects (and many thanks for all the replies)- one of which was the change in the way I walk.
As an ex-sprinter and wing three quarter, balance and footwork was always something I always worked on and was very concious of.I've been on cisplatin now for 4 weeks and over the last 10 days or so I became aware of what started as a subtle change in my walking to one that's now obvious (well - obvious to me).
On my right foot my contact is the normal heel to toe roll - on the left (where my cancers/surgery/treatment is) I seem to be just slapping the whole foot down flat at once.This is much more evident if I try to increase my pace and I do feel a little unbalanced on that side and my left leg as a whole feels 'different' or weak.
In my ignorance,in the previous post, I described it as a sort of flat footedness.This was no doubt complete rubbish (I did consider using other words there but thought I better not swear.)I've not got flat feet and the arch in my foot is fine.
My Physiotherapist sister has done her bit and seems certain that I have a form of peripheral neuropathy.A little bit of wider research seems to back that up,though I wont be able to put that to my Consultant Oncologist for a couple of days yet.
I just wonder if anyone out there has similar problems and any view on it's development - I'm told it could fade away or be with me in some form for quite a time.

Hi, Brendan.
I am a physical therapist, as well. I have treated a few cancer patients that have suffered from peripheral neuropathy. It's true that it may just have to run its own course, but that doesn't mean that while you're waiting you have to suffer or have compromised mobility. It sounds like you have classic foot drop, which is a problem with the peroneal nerve. The peroneal nerve is a branch off the sciatic nerve and becomes superficial as it wraps around the head of the fibula (just below the outside of your knee joint). Although the nerve is most likely being affected by the chemo treatments, it is possible in cases where people have lost a lot of weight and cross their legs often and for prolonged periods, tend to put excess pressure on the superficial part of the nerve, causing foot drop. Either way, you can get fitted for a custom AFO (ankle-foot orthosis) which is a brace that will aid in keeping your foot from slapping on the ground and improve your safety by helping to prevent you from tripping over your own foot. If your balance is really off, consider using a cane for a short while, until you feel more sure-footed. Physical therapy sessions can help, as well, but I'm sure you're entirely busy with a million other doctor appointments. In this case, you're fortunate to have a sister who is a physical therapist. She has probably already given you some suggestions, although it can be difficult to take advice from family memebers . As the saying goes, "First things first." and I wish you the best with your treatment. We're all here to help.
Be well,
Kerri

Kerri - many thanks for your post.
I saw my Consultant Oncologist yesterday who confirmed (after a suitable examination), that I have peripheral neuropathy.He said that in the last 7 years I'm only the third person he's treated with this condition.
I'm due to get some physiotherapy soon, but was wondering if you have any insight into the long term implications (if any) of this condition.

Kerri:

I have a similar problem with my left foot and I lost an awful lot of weight with my treatment. I also have what I consider major issues with my hands. They just don't work like they used to! Some days it takes forever to button a shirt or to pick something up and I'm concerned (since I live alone) about being able to open even some of the simplist things. Any advice?

Cathi

Hi Bendon,
You have already had some good responses and may get more. In the meantime you might like to put neuropathy in the search box at the top right hand corner.
There are 7 pages of posts including one which was also titled peripheral neuropathy.
Some of them are to do with neuropathic pain which is where I found my own post when I put neuropathic in the search box.
Best of luck finding a solution to your particular issue.
Gabriele