Hope for Chemo- Induced Neuropathy (CIPN)
“I was diagnosed in 2021 with stage 4 breast cancer, and went through months of chemotherapy and radiation. I am lucky to be here.” shares Cheryl of Newnan. Life as a breast cancer survivor has its challenges. “I used to love walking around the lake with my girl friends, but now I am having difficulty walking around my living room!”
Cancer treatment saves lives, and we are beyond grateful for that.
However, it can also negatively impact your quality of life for years after completing treatment. Chemotherapy also damages healthy cells. Which is why 69% of individuals who undergo chemotherapy suffer damage to the delicate nerves in their hands and feet, known to the medical community as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy or CIPN.
For Cheryl this included searing pains in her hands and feet, burning and itching skin. She didn’t want to complain to her doctors, but when the “walking on glass” feeling started whenever she stood up, she knew she had to get help.
Peripheral neuropathy is degenerative. In a strong majority of patients, the nerves will eventually die and then the numbness sets in. Without treatment people are looking at immobility, and being confined to a wheelchair.
“I was on 3 different medications just for the pain in my feet!” Cheryl recalls “I was feeling overwhelmed, over medicated, and still in pain! I was close to losing faith.’
That was when Cheryl’s care manager at City of Hope recommended she have a consultation with Dr. Frank.
Dr. Frank has been successfully treating CIPN since 2012, seeing thousands of cancer survivors, most with a similar story; that they have been everywhere else, and have essentially given up hope of living a normal life.
“When I spoke to Dr. Frank during my consultation I just knew I had been directed to the right place,” remembers Cheryl, “I was ready to go down a different avenue for my treatment, and I am grateful every day that I did.”
People with CIPN can have a wide range of symptoms of differing intensity. That is why at Peachtree City Acupuncture, there is no one size fits all treatment. “We treat every patient as an individual,” shares Melissa, a clinical support assistant. “It just makes sense to meet patients where they are at, listen to their stories, and create unique treatment plans for every person. This is why we have a 86% success rate in reducing the symptoms of CIPN.”
Cheryl is not only thrilled with her results, she is now back to her life affirming walks around Lake Peachtree with her girl friends! “I am living my life and able to connect with my community. There is nothing more precious than that.”
If you or someone you know is suffering from the debilitating pain of CIPN, if you have given up hope, and are not sure where to turn, look no further. Call us today to set up your consultation 770-756-1979.