I’m about 6 months into my cancer journey - ILC & LCIS. I’ve had a single sided mastectomy with immediate diep flap reconstruction and axillary node clearance.
I have been told that I am going to have chemo and should meet with the oncologist next week.
I have two existing eye conditions. A rare form of inflammatory uveitis and narrow angle glaucoma.
I am worried about the side effects of the antihistamines and the steroids used in conjunction with the chemo.
Will they affect the eye condition? I’d like to know what questions to ask or am I just worrying for nothing.
Hi @cinnamonhb
I started chemo early March and will finish end of July. I too have a uveitis and at risk of glaucoma.
I queried the high dose of steroids and my oncologist tried to contact Moorfield, who have been monitoring me for years, and they have not bothered. I have to wait for my next appointment.
Unfortunately chemo has affected my’good’ eye and my eyesight is now blurry on both sides. My steroids have been reduced but my hospital does not seem concerned. I hope I won’t get a cataract which is my main worry.
I hope your hospital and oncologist will be more helpful than mine, raise your concerns and if you can reach out to your ophtalmologist. Uveitis is unfortunately not well understood.
Sorry if this is not helpful. I hope your treatment goes smoothly.
Take care
Marion
1 Like
Hi cinnamonhb
Thank you for your post.
It is understandable that you feel worried about the risk of side effects from chemotherapy with your existing eye conditions.
Like any treatment chemotherapy can cause side effects and it is important to have an initial assessment and discussion with your oncologist about your concerns and as @marionse25 also suggests. You can discuss the benefit and risks of chemotherapy before you agree on the best treatment for you. Before starting chemotherapy you should be given a 24 hour contact number or told who to contact if you feel unwell or have side effects during your treatment.
It may be helpful to note any questions or concerns in preparation for the oncology appointment and take any information around your eye conditions. If you are under the care of an ophthalmology team it may help to contact them for advice also.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile
networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK -prefix 18001).
If you would prefer one of our nurses to call you. To do this, please complete this form ticking the box agreeing to a call back.
Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday.
Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.
Best wishes
Stephanie
Breast Care Nurse
Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy
As we are unable to monitor for further replies, this thread will now be closed. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread, call our helpline, email us or request a call back.