CAPOX - aching eyes when crying

Hi. I didn’t have aching eyes but discovered that I couldn’t open my eyes when I woke up in the night & had to touch them with my fingers to ease them open. I called into the opticians and they gave me a free nhs eye health test. They said I had dry eyes and a very early stage of blocked tear ducts. I bought some eye drops that they recommended which are really gentle and have helped. The optician was also lovely and reassuring. I have read that dry eyes (&mouth & nose) is a side effect of the capecatabine tablets., I’m now on day 2 of my 2nd round of Capox. Good luck and for now just look forward to your 1st week off the tablets. 

Hi Ki21  yes I had this! Very inconvenient and painful as I also feel emotional and prone to crying! It did wear off and for me was linked to the infusion. I also had v tired eyes, like it was a struggle to keep my eyelids open! They felt so heavy. 

Try and take it a cycle at a time or it just feels overwhelming.  Good luck xx

Thank you so much for the reply! I Might see if it wears off after a few days - if not I’ll head to the optician or call the helpline. Hope you don’t feel too bad for cycle 2. I’m finding it all a bit overwhelming but maybe once I know what to expect it might become easier xx

Yes I feel like I need to have a good cry but just can’t!! How long does it take for the effects of the infusion to wear off would you say? Overwhelming is definitely the right word! Thank you and thanks so much for the reply xx

Hi, well, some effects last weeks for me, the pins and needles in cold and sore arm, but the eye stuff diminished after maybe a week? 

You will get used to a rhythm with it. I ended up accepting I was in bed for 5 days post infusion then slowly got better. 

Sending a hug, it really is a challenge! Xx

Thank you Arial88 hopefully the eye will start to feel better: Thanks for your support as always xx

It should wear off soon. I found that when I yawned, I couldn't open my eyes fully after the yawn  my face also got stuck, holding some weird expressions...but this only lasted for a few days after infusion. Good luck on your journey, it'll be over before you know it!

Thanks Nevermind ! There are some very strange side effects indeed. I didn’t  take your advice on not having the sandwich at the RUH. I ended up being there nearly all day - it wasn’t so bad just a bit dry . Hope you are doing ok xx