TCHP and eye twitching

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NotVeryBrave
NotVeryBrave Member Posts: 1,287

I've been having eye twitching for about two weeks - both eyes but thankfully not at the same time! At first I thought it was due to lack of sleep and stress from the relentless hot flashes every night. Now I realize that even with better sleep and less hot flashes - I'm still twitching.

I've read a few things about eye twitching and chemo. Anyone else experience this? How long did it last? Any help?

Comments

  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited March 2017

    No I ddn't have that iisue but would,suggest that you see an eye doctor about it - even if your Chemo Dr says "Don't worry".

    Chemo Drs (MOs) are not specialists in eye issues any more than an eye Dr is specialized in chemo. Eyes are VERY delicate and once 'lost' - - -?

    The only eye issue I had during Chemo was my eyes (and nose) poured like a faucet turned on. Since chemo, I've developed 2 cataracts (removed), 3 detached retinas, macular issues and just yesterday I had to have a lazer procedure done on one eye because a film was forming over the implant from cataract surgery. Would these issues have happened without chemo ever having been done - no way to know as we do get older. Sight is so precious and delicate - it should be protected rhe best we can.

    Knowing what has transpired visually, would I have done chemo - you betcha! Without chemo, I would not still be alive to deal with the eye issues today. I'd much rather have eye issues to deal with than not being here at all IF I hadn't done chemo - I'm alive, living/loving every second I have.

    An appt. with an Eye Dr can't hurt - especially one who has experience with BC women and their eye issues post TX.

  • TizzyLish
    TizzyLish Member Posts: 41
    edited March 2017

    I did TCHP and definitely had the crazy eye twitch. I too thought it was stress, but it's a reported side effect of one of the drugs, can't remember which. My good friend had TCHP too and also had the eye twitch. Mine stopped several weeks after the end of chemo. Best of luck to you!

  • BellasMomToo
    BellasMomToo Member Posts: 305
    edited March 2017

    Many years ago I thought I had an eye twitch in one eye. I saw an ophthalmologist. Turns out that I had dry eyes and my eyelid was catching on my eyeball. He suggested using eye drops for severe dry eyes. I did that and my eye stopped "twitching".

    After my 6th and final round of chemo, I developed eye "twitching" in both eyes. Routinely using eye drops made a big difference. The twitching is gone now.

  • argynis
    argynis Member Posts: 123
    edited March 2017

    I also have this same eye twitching issue since about my second THCP chemo. Super annoying. 2 more treatments to go.

  • pamaher
    pamaher Member Posts: 2
    edited March 2017

    I'm on the same regimen, and go through periods of eye twitching for sure!

  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited March 2017

    Kicks is absolutely right. Make an appointment with your ophthalmologist. Eyes are nothing to fool with.

    When I was in treatment my eye doc gave me samples of eye drops that cured the problem. Although she did tell me that sometimes they have to put a stent in the eye. Eeek.

  • NotVeryBrave
    NotVeryBrave Member Posts: 1,287
    edited March 2017

    Thanks to all of you for your replies. Sometimes it helps to just know that you're not alone!

    I was told last summer that I have dry eyes and I use an OTC eye drop to help with that. I never had any symptoms from it before except occasional eye irritation.

    I'm scheduled to see the MO on Friday and will discuss it with him then. If no change by then and no change in plan of care then I will call the ophthalmologist for an appointment.

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2017

    Hi I had eye twitching as well on Carbo and Taxotere, my NP said to make sure I was getting Electrolytes. I started drinking a Vitamin water every day (gatorade or whatever you can tolerate), and it really worked. I had watering eyes too, she said that was a side effect and dry eyes and recommended eye drops. All of it went away after I was done with chemo. But the vitamin water (i would put it in the freezer to get it "slushy" and drink with a straw- so it tasted better) definitely helped with the twitch.

    Good luck!

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