Eyesight issues on chemo

Hi Londonmumof2

J had 3 x FEC then 3 X Docetaxel + Herceptin

Mid way through Tax she noticed slight blurring and mentioned it and was told it was a fairly common side effect and her eyesight would improve post chemo.

It did improve gradually and she contacted the onco unit to ask about retesting and was told to wait 3-4 months post Tax before getting her eyesight checked. She did need to go up one number on her previous optical script but that was around 18 months back so may have been down to normal deterioration.

One thing she was pre-warned about is if eyesight changes significantly during chemo, to contact them asap.

As you have only just had your first dose, maybe you should give them a ring to get it checked out tomorrow before your 2nd session ?

Maybe Taxane isn't for you and ask about alternative chemo types before stopping it altogether ?

G n' J

I don't think that it is for me,  and I'm glad I asked to change to weekly as the usual fortnightly dose for ER+ would have been about 230% this one. There really isn't anything else as I'm ER & PR 8/8 and HER2-. I've already had a full course of EC which my oncologist said is the most important one for my type of breast cancer,  and will be on Letrozole next as well as infusions for my bones.  I don't want to mess them around so need to let them know today, though need my PICC line dressing changed tomorrow. My oncologist isn't in on Tuesdays,  and my next appointment is next Monday. 

It's further complicated emotionally,  as I've just checked my work email from home and the school head sent an email out to all staff this morning informing us that our secretary/PA, who had a mastectomy the same week as me in April has a rare breast cancer which has not responded to any treatment and also is spreading fast..... quite a shock! 

I had Docetaxel, I can’t say it agreed with me. My eyes were red, itchy and watery, slight blurring the first time. I was ok for the next 2 although I got Hand Foot Syndrome and lost toenails and taste, however the eyes and taste recovered after chemo within a couple of weeks x

Thanks Beachwalker19 . I had my weekly chemo 2 weeks ago now and they are still blurry.... they improved with the EC, but not this. 

Glad you recovered in the end xx

I've just finished 6 rounds of FEC and I noticed blurring of my eyes on each round, only for a day or two and then it got better again.

XOXO

I've had blurred vision since my first FEC and it's got progressively worse...I only wore my glasses for driving and watching tv before but wear them most of the time now, also only wore reading glasses for threading a needle but need them more now too or a magnifying glass. I'm really hoping it improves now my chemo is finished.

That's a shame about the effects of Pax...as you know I found it a bit easier...but it's definitely had cumulative effects this last week...instead of one or two days feeling shaky I've been feeling a bit rubbish all week...feel as if all my nerve endings are agitated including numb lips. To top it off had another reaction to my Herceptin (Trastuzumab) infusion yesterday which had to be stopped for a while and I was given another dose of IV steroids and Piriton!

Sad news about your colleague...hearing news like that sends my mind into overdrive and I find it hard to be positive about all this. Personally, if I was you, I'd try and stick it out for another couple of doses but understand your doubts x

Thank Fee. I'll try one more today, and if it's the same or worse then I'll stop as it's really going for my eyes, and I've had headaches most days too, even with the extra week. 

I'm sorry to hear that it's finally getting to your, but at last you're nearly there well with the chemo now., Just the rest to go, and surgery! X

Hi, I am due 5 of 9 Taxol tomorrow - my eyes have been dry and a bit blurry during EC, but since starting Taxol they seem more blurry and I’ve had headaches every week. I started with a bit of photophobia this week, bright light causing me to get distorted vision - like when I have migraines - but doesn’t last more than a few minutes. I have an appt with my oncologist tomorrow before treatment, so hopefully she will set my mind at rest, at the moment I’m imagining it’s something more serious as I only found out last Friday that instead of the planned lumpectomy I now have to have a mastectomy when my chemo finishes. 
Eilern x

I' finished my chemo last week. My paclitaxel was weekly and carboplatin 3 weekly. I think I benefitted from weekly paclitaxel as it reduced side effects. I have nerve damage but I understand this is a common side effect.. I do use Google a lot to try and understand what to expect and is it ,',normal' for this medication