Any1 else had worrying headaches, dizziness etc on chemo?

Hi ladies
just after a bit of advice really. I’ve been feeling a bit rough for a few weeks now + was initially putting it down to tiredness as I’m nearly at the end of my curse of carboplatin. I’ve also had a really busy few weeks. Anyway, been feeling a bit dizzy + faint at times. Also had some headaches but mainly twinges in my head on + off. Also had increased motion sickness. Told onc on weds + expected to be wisked in for a head scan but she played it right down saying she’s confident it’s chemo related. Now I obviously hope she’s right as the alternative explanation is unthinkable. But I’m thinking the unthinkable as even with a week off chemo this wk (low bloods), I’m still experiencing these head symptoms. They’re not severe but I’m aware of them most of the time. I’m having none of the obvious brain mets symptoms like lack of coordination etc, which is an obvious relief but being triple neg, I can’t help worrying.
Just wanted to check if anyone else has has similar symptoms whilst on chemo which have eventually subsided?? I’m scared to book our holiday for next mnth although my onc actively encouraged it. Thnk I’ll hold back + see how I am ove the next week or so.
Any advice would be welcome :slight_smile:
thanks in advance
tina xx

Hi Gingerbud,

Have you had your Bp tested recently ? i have been having same & was found to be getting low Bp not all the time but every now & then, just spent 4 days in hospital as fell & hit my head & they found out that at different times through day my Bp would drop resulting in dizzy spells & a headache, worth checking as they said defo chemo related.

Sarah.xxx

Hi Tina!

I get dizziness sometimes due to my anti-dep. tablets, esp. if constipated (!). Do you take them ?- that could account for the symptoms you describe. Sinus probs. can also cause dizzy feelings and headaches.

All the best, Sarahx

hi tina, i had horrible heads on chemo but also if your bloods are still low dont think you will truly feel u know until they are back up and also i find stressing makes mine worse even now if i have weird heads i stress(of course we will!)and yes low bp or iron is known for what you describe,wish i could magic it away for you take care love rachel x

It sounds chemo related - they are poisoning you after all. It may well be low blood pressure - I found that I was often dizzy when on Tax chemo. Also I felt woozy and odd and could not concentrate properly on Fec.

Go for that holiday - you need it.

Best wishes Stella xx

Hi, I’m another who had dizzy spells resulting from chemo-induced low blood pressure. I suffered most from them during the second week of each cycle. I had a few headaches throughout. Some existing aches and pains, such as a dodgy knee and a bit of osteoarthritis seemed to be worse during chemo as well. I’d say that dizzy spells were one of the most unpleasant SEs for me, as they made it very difficult to get out of the house while they lasted, as well as being an unpleasant and sometimes frightening sensation.

My last chemo session was 4 weeks ago. The dizzy spells stopped at the end of week 2 and haven’t returned, to my great relief.

Have you tried keeping a diary of SEs? If they tend to recur at similar times, that would suggest they are chemo-related. You were right to bring it up with the oncologist, though.

I hope it clears up soon and doesn’t interfere with your holiday.

Cheryl

I had terrible eye problems (weird focusing issues) and headaches on chemo and was wozzy on and off throughout. I was convinced I had a brain tumour and I don’t think this helped the headaches as I’m sure they became stress induced in the end.
I did have a brain scan after chemo finished and all was normal. The onc said that she thought it was all down to the steroids.
I really hope it’s nothing. Maybe a brain scan would put your mind at rest. I was conivinced laying in the MRI machine that that was it for me, but felt I’d rather know than go through the torture of wondering the whole time.
thinking of you
cat

Hi there I get a headache for a good 10 - 14 days after chemo. I said to my onc she said that it can happen also I have the injections in tummy and that always makes my head worse. I do find my eyes going blurred at time and feeling like I’m coming out of anaesthetic, so much so that I don’t drive anymore
BD xx

Hello Gingerbud,

I had very unpleasant dizziness whils on tax, with weird noises in my ear too. And blurry vision sometimes. I think that chemo just does us in generally in sooomany ways.

Love

Mo

Hi Gingerbud - my chemo was quite a long time ago now but I had terrible headaches, was so dizzy that I found it hard to go down the stairs sometimes and didn’t drive at all during my chemo time.
I had co-codamol maximum dose for the headaches throughout my treatment.

I think the dizzy feeling took about 6 weeks to pass after treatment. Although the headaches stayed longer.

All of that does pass. Personally I’d delay the holiday a little if you can so that you feel stronger that way you’ll probably enjoy it a lot more. Elinda x

Thanks for all your encouraging posts ladies :slight_smile:
reassuring to know others have experienced headaches etc on chemo.

I’m having a stinker of a headache as I type + I’m well fed up coz meant to be out with hubby later :frowning:

I am worried as I sailed through the 1st 4 cycles felt great except for the first few days but all of a sudden I feel crap, really weary, foggy + quite unwell. It’s nearly 4wks since my last chemo so I really should be feelin ok surely?
Will speak to onc again on weds when I go for chemo if no better.
Fingrs crossed I pick up soon
thanks ladies
tina xx

don’t forget that the effects of chemo tend to be cumulative. I found it took me longer and longer to pick up each time. Elinda x

Yep - I had very strange headaches on Tax and just like you kept imagining the worst - but they want away after finished the chemo. Iv even went to GP for tablets to calm down the nerves in my head - they were an anti-depressant so think they helped just by calming me down a bit as anxiety always makes pain worse. Hope the Onc helps you.
Do you do any relaxation/meditation/yoga breathing etc to help you to relax? - I’m doing lots of this and it does help to control pain and anxiety.
Thinking of you