Question: I am a breast cancer survivor and it has been 8 years since my diagnosis and I seem to be cancer free. But I have a lingering symptom of numbness in my fingertips. I think it is from the chemo. Is there any treatment for this?

Dr. Hibberd's answer:
Numbness can be caused by nerve damage by breast cancer treatments: surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or may be something else developing related to circulation problems that may need attention. Most of our chemotherapy used for breast cancer induction of remission and treatment also causes numbness in fingertips and feet. Use potholders while cooking to avoid burning because you don’t feel the heat, wear gloves while washing or gardening, inspect your hands for cuts and bruises. Try to talk to your doctor if physical therapy will help, and let them evaluate you for other conditions that may be contributing to your numbness.