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  • 1.  Red-light therapy for mucositis and peripheral neuropathy

    Posted 07-08-2026 17:29

    For anyone who may be experiencing mucositis or peripheral neuropathy, an article in Nature mentioned the use of red-light therapy for mucositis, as well as for PN.  I havent't had mucositis, but I archived information about the use of red-light therapy, approved by the FDA.  If I ever have mucositis, I might order the device indicated below.  Otherwise, my oncologist has given me a prescription for a special brew to be made up by the pharmacist.  I haven't looked into the boot advertised below for PN.  I might try the idea of applying ice suggested by @Alwayslearning.

    A few years ago, I used low-intensity laser and red-light therapy on my wrist after an operation in which a plate was screwed into my fractured radius (slipped on the ice - ouch!).  I was rather desperate at the time because I wanted to be able to go back to my keyboard playing.  Found a therapist recommended by a clinic in Toronto.  The treatments worked wonders.  Or at least I think they did, not having a control wrist to be able to compare (thank goodness). To this day, I am 100% pain free and back to total normal use of my wrist.

    BTW, I first discovered the medical usage of light via Norman Doidge's book The Brain's Way of Healing (https://normandoidge.com/?page_id=1042) A fascinating read for anyone who is interested.  It was because of this book that I decided to contact the clinic mentioned in Toronto. They gave me a reference for laser therapy locally (Montreal).

    https://bioflexlaser.com

    The surprising science behind red-light therapy - and how it really works

    Nature Briefing

    • 25 March 2026

    Experts warn that there is considerable hype about red-light therapy. But a growing body of legitimate science has been exploring the benefits for several conditions. Clinical studies have reported improvements in peripheral neuropathy1, retinal degeneration2 and certain neurological disorders. For some indications, expert groups now recommend red-light regimens1.

    /…/

    … since 2020, red-light therapy in the mouth has been included in clinical guidelines for preventing and treating cancer-therapy-related oral mucositis - painful mouth ulcers that can limit treatment and disrupt nutritional intake.

    https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-026-00878-1

    Mouth and teeth

    Clinically Proven to Restore Gums and Reduce Inflammation - Right From Home

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    NOVAA LIGHT BOOT – 360° Foot & Ankle Relief

    https://novaalab.com/products/novaa-light-boot



  • 2.  RE: Red-light therapy for mucositis and peripheral neuropathy

    Posted 07-08-2026 23:45

    Hi @Soleil ... thank you for sharing all of this information. There was also a past discussion on laser light therapy in the forum. If anyone wants to search try "laser therapy for peripheral neuropathy". How amazing that the therapy worked in your wrist surgery. Hopefully it has some positive impact for your PN if you choose to utilize it for that.

    As for ice. We used ice available in the chemo clinic area. My hubby brought lots of ziploc bags and we used those filled with ice along with some small hand towels. It helped to provide a slight buffer between the bag/ice and my feet and hands. I kept the bags resting on my hands and feet for 15 minute intervals. I did read up on PN gloves and booties available on Amazon. We went the 'low tech' option instead. 

    I hope whatever you explore provides some relief for you.

    #Treatmentandsideeffects




  • 3.  RE: Red-light therapy for mucositis and peripheral neuropathy

    Posted 27 days ago

    Hi @Alwayslearning.  Thanks for the idea of ice during chemo for PN.  I had heard of it and wondered.  You are the confirmation that it is worth trying.  I definitely would give it a try, but I don't think I'll be able to logistically.  No ice is provided where I'm being treated.  They explained that it became impossible for them given staff shortages, etc.  Also, I'm there alone (this time around), which makes extras a bit more complicated.  However, it's really good to know that it does work.




  • 4.  RE: Red-light therapy for mucositis and peripheral neuropathy

    Posted 23 days ago

    @Soleil you are most welcome. If you have ziploc bags you could put water in them and freeze them ahead of time to take in a cooler bag to your infusion session. We used to bring a small 'shoulder carry' freezer bag with us. I was always very hungry and needed protein so we'd bring food along. I honestly don't know if there is any science to support it relative to PN however it seemed to work for me so if there's no harm, why not give it a try right!?

    When is your next infusion?

    #Treatmentandsideeffects




  • 5.  RE: Red-light therapy for mucositis and peripheral neuropathy

    Posted 23 days ago

    Hi @Alwayslearning.  The idea of filling ziploc bags with water and freezing them is a good one.  However, I'm not sure that I'll be able to manage the logistics all by myself.  Fortunately my PN is not too severe.  It does not seem to be getting worse in the round of treatments so far. 🤞 I haven't invested in the red-light booties that were advertised for PN.

    On another note, I'll be trying to fast again for 60 hours.  My infusion is on Wednesday, July 29, so I'll start fasting after dinner on Monday, July 27, until breakfast on July 30.  Fingers crossed that I can hold out!




  • 6.  RE: Red-light therapy for mucositis and peripheral neuropathy

    Posted 23 days ago

    @Soleil good luck with the fasting and of course the treatment itself 🤞

    #Treatmentandsideeffects




  • 7.  RE: Red-light therapy for mucositis and peripheral neuropathy

    Posted 07-09-2026 05:55
    For what it’s worth I use red light therapy daily - just for overall healing and mitochondria support. I also
    Find the ritual relaxing and I try for a few minutes of mediation at the same time x
    Sent from my iPhone




  • 8.  RE: Red-light therapy for mucositis and peripheral neuropathy

    Posted 27 days ago

    Hi @hgtv.  Thanks for the information.  How do you do your light therapy?  A relaxing ritual of red light therapy combined with meditation sounds wonderful.  Something I wouldn't mind trying.  I really need to relax more!




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