I have something very strange that happens that I have been afraid to ask about, and am not certain that it is related, but it would help to know if anyone else has ever experienced anything similar. Occassionally, while eating I will begin getting a very severe itchy, tingling, prickly feeling. It starts on my extremeties (palm of my hands and bottom of my feet), but spreads throught my torso and even my scalp. It will last for about 20 minutes and then start subsiding. It is not related to what I am eating, so I have ruled out any allergic reaciton. It definately is something happening to my nerve endings. It feels that every nerve in my body is on fire. The reason I am wondering if it is related, the first episode was prior to my diagnosis but I am sure the tumor on my hard pallet was already present. The strangest thing is that it does not happen every time I eat and I can go several weeks with out an episode , but when it happens it is very painful. I see my surgeon in Dec. and plan to finally mention this to him but thought I would ask if if anyone else has ever had a similar experience.
Sharon

Hello Sharon!

It's not a strange question at all, what you are describing sounds like Peripheral Neuropathy and can be caused by a tumor, chemotherapy or even vitamin deficiencies.

Here is a few links that may help.

http://www.chemocare.com/managing/numbness__tingling.asp

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/peripheral-neuropathy/DS00131

Definitely something to talk to your team about, hope that helps.

Eric

Eric,
Thanks for the links. I do see a lot of similarities in what I experience and their descriptions. I will certainly bring it up to the doctor. I wonder if this is possible even if you did not have chemo? I also wonder why eating triggers it?

Sharon

There are several causes for PN actually and listed on the Mayo's site. I'm not a Dr and even if I were I wouldn't be able to tell without an exam but it does sound very much like neuropathy (nerve pain) and could even be the result of a bulging disc that's irritated by the chewing motion...or something even more trivial, just speculating really.

It is something you'll want to discuss with your Dr about and push to find answers. It may not even be cancer/treatment related, just something that should be addressed.

Good Luck

Eric

I saw my surgeon today for a regular 6 month check up. I told him about the Neuropathy. He had not ever heard about a connection with my surgery or treatment but did think it needed to be checked out, so now I am going to be scheduled for a MRI. He does not think that it will show anything but wants to be sure. The next step would be a referral to a Neurologist. Now I got to psych myself up to endure the MRI!

Sharon, compared to what you've been through and MRI is a walk in the park! Easy for me to say of course, but I'm looking at your signature, and you're a hero!

Keep us posted.