The Falling, Wandering and Crashing Business of Cancer Treatment Side Effects
Neuropathy is a common and often unexpected side effect of platinum chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. Some studies suggest up to 100% of patients will develop nerve damage, sensory, autonomic and motor*. The damage is usually reversible but long lasting, frequently for several years.
The effects are little discussed, probably because they are so distressing. This article by Sherry Hanson in “Cure” is brilliant. She talks of the “twitch” causing breakages, weakness, can’t open the wine bottle and falls, giving up roller blading at the age of 75!
The story should be compulsory reading for those about to enter the world of platinum chemo. She writes well, tells it as it is, with black humour - “But I’m still here”.
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