eye tearing - aftermath of 5-FU

shmurciakova
shmurciakova Member Posts: 906 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
I was just wondering if any of you have had persistant eye tearing as a result of being on 5-FU or Xeloda. I had two rounds of chemo - the last one ended 1 1/2 years ago, but I am still having problems w/ my eye. I am scheduled to undergo a procedure to possibly have a small tube inserted in my tear duct on Tuesday. Has anyone else been through this? If so, please write and let me know what you did and if it was successful in correcting the problem.
Thanks, Susan.

Comments

  • FRANTIC
    FRANTIC Member Posts: 106
    #2
    YES. I HAD THAT PROBLEM WHEN I WAS ON CHEMO.
    I DO NOT KNOW IF IT WAS THE 5FU OR THE CPT11.
    I WENT TO THE EYE DR.AND SHE SAID THE TEAR DUCT GOT CLOGGED. SO SHE DID THE PROCEDURE IN THE OFFICE. IT SEEMED TO DO THE TRICK. GOOD LUCK TO YOU. FRAN
  • nanuk
    nanuk Member Posts: 1,358 Member
    #3
    Sue: this may or may not be related to chemo..my mother had a chronic tear duct blockage for years, and she didn't have cancer or chemo- anyway, the procedure will probably correct the problem. Nanuk
  • goldfinch
    goldfinch Member Posts: 735
    #4
    Susan,
    I had trouble with persistant tearing and severe sensitivity to light with the 5 FU a year ago. They diagnosed chemical conjunctivitis. They gave me some steroid eye drops and adjusted the dose of 5 FU. I am on 5 FU again along with Camptosar. Although my eyes are a bit more sensitive and I don't wear my contact lenses I am tolerating it fairly well now.
    Mary
  • RunnerZ
    RunnerZ Member Posts: 185
    #5
    I had the same problem after 5-FU. It slowly went away over the years, but cold weather and a cold breeze when I run in the morning still causes me to tear up more than I used to. However, the 6 years off chemotherapy have helped tremendously. Give it some time, it may clear up on its own!
  • slammer
    slammer Member Posts: 120
    #6
    Hi There, I too got the weeping of eyes during 5-FU treatment, but seemed to come in waves like end of series of chemo. NOe that I am doing chemo again I did get it once last month, but can't say any more on it lingering past chemo. MIne was from the corners of my eyes, always a kleenx in hand or pocket, but would go away, hope mine doen't do the same but good to know it may be a clogged tear duct, Thanks & best to you
    love Amy
  • CAMaura
    CAMaura Member Posts: 719 Member
    #7
    Hi there, Susan,
    Yes I have eye-tearing. To be honest, I thought it was from a new eye pencil, but my nurse spoke of it to another patient just beginning her FULFOX regimen yesterday. it isn't really bothersome, but I do wipe my eyes a fair amount. I also have a bit of a runny nose too.....don't quite know it is related.
    Also, in CA, we have hayfever season beginning.....so some of the eye tearing may be due to a lot of blossoming......

    Best wishes and good look. Keep in touch,

    Cheers, Maura

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