Do Cold Gloves and Socks Help with Chemo Side Effects?

I wore them during taxol treatment. I did end up the some neropathy anyway

Thanks Laura B. I’m okay when I think about the upcoming surgery, radiation and endocrine therapy but the chemo and having a port? That really makes me uneasy.

My wife used the frozen gloves and booties for all her chemo treatments. 12 weeks since a week. Her neuropathy is bad anyways but who knows maybe it would have been worse without. I put them in a cooker with ice and dry ice to make sure they were very cold, almost too cold. Good luck!

They have found compression and cold help prevent neuropathy

I Heather. I am receiving taxol weekly also. During my first 4 cycles I used the cold gloves and socks but they didn’t stay cold enough long enough so I stoped. I was also told that it doesn’t always work. It was recommended by my doctors to stay hydrated and maintain a well balanced diet limit sugar and breads. Also staying active . I try walking at least 3 miles 3-4 times a week and when I’m to fatigued I make sure to do hand and feet exercises while lying or just sitting to keep good blood flow water exercises in the pool or hot tub are great too. So far I have been blessed to have no neuropathy. I have 3 cycles left. Also remember to try and stay positive. Everyone’s body is different. What works for one may not work for everyone. Try as many things as you can to prevent or lessen side effects as long as your doctor approves.

Thank you Ric, Maggie S and Jenny B! I thought about what I do when my hand falls asleep which is to press on it so I bought compression gloves to wear with the cold gloves. I also like to wear compression socks from a company that uses cool patterns (to keep morale up) if I’m sitting for long periods of time. So I’ll wear those under the cold socks. And my doctor approved my neuropathy lotion that I know works. I’m hoping all of this will work. I’ll also have to increase the exercise. Time to dust off the treadmill.

Exercise really helps. Your center may have a “CORe” program which helped me a lot! Cardio oncology rehab program. 2 times a week for 1 1/2 hours. Was great to get out, have something to do and made me feel better! Also was around people w something in common

The idea of the port was pretty daunting at first, but after I had it, I was so happy I did it. You will forget it’s even there.

I wore the gloves and booties, stayed hydrated, kept moving throughout treatment and had no neuropathy issues.

Thank you! It doesn’t seem as daunting now.

Can you share the name of the neuropathy lotion?

@Jodee it’s called Wise Men Healing Balm

Many cancer patients have found cold gloves and socks (cryotherapy) helpful for reducing peripheral neuropathy during chemotherapy, and it's encouraging that your oncologist is being proactive about prevention strategies. The experiences with these cooling devices can vary from person to person, so it would be wonderful to hear from others in the community about their experiences with this approach during treatment.