I was just wondering if any of you have suffered with blocked tear ducts? I also get a dry mouth and wonder if that’s connected too? I completed my last Xeloda cycle on 23rd October and just before then I started having problems with my contact lenses. It felt like there was grit in my eyes and could only stand wearing them for about an hour. I am also waking up with swollen eyelids. So if anyone has any advice to offer I would be extremely grateful. I hate having to wear my glasses all the time (vain I know!!). Just wondering when I can expect to get back to ‘normal’.
I am sure you will receive some replies to your query very soon, in the meantime you may find our factsheet about xeloda helpful to read as it gives information about common side effects of this treatment one of which is sore mouth which might explain the dry mouth you are experiencing at the moment. The following link will direct you to the factsheet:
I know you have also mentioned that you have concerns about blocked tear ducts too, so it is advisable to contact your specialist team to ask for advice on this.
You are also very welcome to contact our freephone helpline for further support and information on 0808 800 6000 Monday to Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday 9am-2pm.
I wasn’t on the same chemo regime as you (I had Epi/CMF), but suffered terribly with a dry mouth. I used to drink as much water as I could (felt like I was drowning lol) and chewed sugar free gum throughout the day. My eyes were ok, but I used to put eye drops in and they were fine. Hope it gets better and congrats on finishing the chemo.
I, too, suffered terribly with streaming eyes due to blocked tear ducts. I had 4 EC and 4 Tax. I finished chemo on 3 August. Towards the end of EC one eyelid started to swell and water. While on Tax it got much worse and affected the other eye too. My eyes were red, puffy and sore and constantly streaming. I couldn,t read, drive or do anything that involved bending my head down. My onc said it would go eventually and that he could give me something for it but I was reluctant to take any more medication. It stopped about the end of September and I was so relieved.
Regarding the dry mouth, I still have that problem. The dentist said that my salivary glands on one side seem to be damaged - they are a very dark colour - probably because of the chemo. He prescribed Oral Balance Saliva Replacement Gel by Biotene which I don’t use very often because I don’t like how it feels in my mouth. At the moment I’m just drinking lots of water and putting up with it although I, too, would be grateful for some remedies.
Hi Carol,
I am suffering from very dry and sticky eyes, got some eyedrops off G.P called Viscose Tears they are good and have helped. I also find that at night a little Vaseline on the eyelids stops the sticky dry feeling alot. Hope this helps.
Love
Jillx