Anyone ever experience...

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BBK
BBK Member Posts: 53
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
REALLY dry eyes during AC treatments?!?! It seems to be worst during the 3rd week, just prior to the next treatment. I"m having issues with dry everything -- my mouth is dry, my lips are dry, my eyes are annoyingly dry (and artificial tears don't help for very long), dry vaginal area (which I expected, as this chemo--AC-- will hopefully push me into early menopause; although, I'm only 43 and so far, I'm still as regular as clockwork, so no sign of anything stopping yet!). If you've had trouble with dry eyes while on AC Chemo, maybe you have some helpful hints. My doctor hasn't been overly helpful... Thanks.

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  • jamjar62
    jamjar62 Member Posts: 135
    #2
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    Hi BBK...to answer your question "YES"! I wish I could tell you something that works for dry eyes but everything out there is a temporary fix. There is a mouth rinse called Biotene that helps with the dry mouth and yucky feeling in your mouth without drying it out any further. I had one period after my first AC and then that was it. No more periods. My GYN had me start taking 1500 mg of calcium a day just in case I have gone into menopause to guard against osteoporosis. Back to the dry eyes, once my eyelashes fell out (and it took awhile) my eyes teared all the time and solved the dry eye problem but I don't recommend this method of treatment! How many cycles of AC have you had because it seems that with each treatment, your body adjusts to the side effects and they don't seem as bad. Or maybe I'm just in DENIAL! LOL. God bless, Karen
  • BBK
    BBK Member Posts: 53
    #3
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    jamjar62 said:

    Hi BBK...to answer your question "YES"! I wish I could tell you something that works for dry eyes but everything out there is a temporary fix. There is a mouth rinse called Biotene that helps with the dry mouth and yucky feeling in your mouth without drying it out any further. I had one period after my first AC and then that was it. No more periods. My GYN had me start taking 1500 mg of calcium a day just in case I have gone into menopause to guard against osteoporosis. Back to the dry eyes, once my eyelashes fell out (and it took awhile) my eyes teared all the time and solved the dry eye problem but I don't recommend this method of treatment! How many cycles of AC have you had because it seems that with each treatment, your body adjusts to the side effects and they don't seem as bad. Or maybe I'm just in DENIAL! LOL. God bless, Karen

    Thanks, Karen. I was beginning to wonder if I was losing it... but, the dry eyes drive me crazy! Naps seem to help...but, again, it's temporary. I've had two AC treatments of 4. I go for my third treatment on 4/13. I've had two periods, with no sign of any changes -- still the same PMS stuff, 28 days to the day, regular as clockwork, they still are of the same duration and same intensity. Of course, according to my oncologist, the next step will be surgery to remove my ovaries and PUT me into menopause. Not looking forward to that...but, if it takes care of the cancer, I suppose I'll endure. As for side effects of AC...I think they're intensifying with each treatment...nauseous for longer, hair still falling out (losing eyebrows, pubic hair, and eyelashes now), headaches, dry skin, dry everything, bothersome dry eyes... For me, the first week, I'm nauseous (thankfully, haven't hurled yet -- that, to me, is the absolute worst!); the second week, I'm exhausted; and the third week, I'm dry, dry, dry! Then, we start it all over again! But, as of Monday, I'll be 3/4 of the way there! The world thinks I have the greatest attitude about all this. As I say, "Fear and Faith cannot reside in the same heart!" My faith and trust in God to care for me makes all the difference. But, I still have my moments! Like wanting to rip my eyes out! Took a nap this afternoon, so maybe I can get through my daughter's soccer game in an hour! I hope! Thanks, for letting me know I'm not the only one who's experienced this. I'm open to hear what others have to say, too! Thanks all!
  • hummingbyrd
    hummingbyrd Member Posts: 950 Member
    #4
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    Ughh! AC 'the red devil' hated it, makes Taxol feel like a cake walk, or it did for me anyway! My suggestion for the dry eyes, believe it or not, is a LOT of water. Measure your intake and see how much you drink, then aim for 8 - 8 oz glasses of water a day. I could do it the day before treatment and that was about it, but any increase should help.
    I was 38 at diagnoses and had a hysterectomy at age 40, since periods came back while on tamoxifen. For me it was the best thing I ever did!
    As for faith I agree completely! I had to have surgery, chemo and radiation, but it was my faith in God that kept me alive. You are invited to visit us at Conquering Cancer Through Christ. The address is www.urcctc.com typed into the address bar. There are quite a few of us who are 'regulars' on both sites. Good luck and God bless. hummingbyrd
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #5
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    I also have had dry eye problems done now with chemo since Feb 7. Still dry. I went to the eye Dr. becasue I can't wear my contacts anymore and would like to. So I'm trying the eye drops - not helping completely but some. She did tell me about another possibility if they don't "heal" or get back to normal in the next 2 months. You can put plugs in the side of your tear ducts which keep the natural tears in your eye longer. $75 dollars an eye - not covered by my insurance. She also sayd I should try a collagen shot first to see if the plug would work. Collagen shots work for 2 weeks. $35 where I live. Oncologist told me to wati to months befoer I do anything.... Hopefully your symptoms will decrease when you are done. I agree that lots of water may help. Helped my skin a little at least!
    Good Luck!
  • bullfrog13
    bullfrog13 Member Posts: 213
    #6
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    BBK. Your not going crazy, only feels like you are. I had 4 rounds of the ''red devil'' AC myself. Lost every hair on my body, including my eyelashes, which didnt help. they itched all the time and we wont even go in to that dirt taste in my mouth. There is a REASON why we are given nose hairs and eyelashes ( and no it is not so we can slap on mascara) its coz they have a purpose - and being w/o these hairs makes it hard. It will pass, but I never found anything that was long term fix. I was told by nurses to drink lots and lots of water, so I did. It couldnt hurt. God Bless and Big hugs your way.
    JB

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