This is a bad situation. How much damage will be repaired and how much is permanant will depend on whether the nerves were destroyed or merely damaged.

Physical Therapy can help restore some use of the limbs by encouraging the use of what's left and training other nerves to take over. Only time will tell. You may have a long road ahead of you. A lot will depend on his attitude about it. If he just "gives up", he may never recover any use of those nerves.

Talk to his doctor. See what his/her opinion is as to the possibilities. Then, it's up to your son as to whether or not the outcome is worth the effort.

I am curious about one thing. Did his doctor discuss the possible side effects of the chemo? Was your son aware that this could happen?

As a remnant of my chemo I also have neuropathy. In the beginning I had trouble with hands, arms, lips and of course my feet. Gradually it improved and the only remaining problem are the soles of my feet, but not enough to impair me. This most likely is permanent, since I also got since then diabetes 2 which also may cause neuropathy. For about a year I ran around with a couple of squishy balls which I used while walking, watching TV etc. I never heard of loss of the use of limbs. Is it possible to have your son seen by a Neurologist? Oh, if he has trouble walking, make him wiggle his toes as much as possible while sitting, I do this to this day and my doctor says it has a lot to do with the fact that I still can walk as fast and much as I do.
Hope he feels better soon.

It's likely the radiation caused the inability to move his limbs, and the chemo the neuropathy.
As aggie said....talk to the docs.
And prayers to your son and blessings to you for helping.....ain't easy!!
Linda C

(((Shilty and son)))) I agree with all that's been said. I will add, chemo is different for everyone. What affects one, may not affect another. Don't give up!

Shilty, I can't offer any advice or suggestions, but please know that your son and you are in my prayers.

I too have severe periphal neuropathy caused by chemo. I have regained about 85% use of my hands but the motor nerves in the lower legs are destroyed. It is amazing how the body learns to compensate from the damage. The particular drug that caused the damage was vincristine although it was the one that saved my life. We are praying that your son will be able to recover from most of the nerve damage.