I’ve developed double vision for the last few days so reluctantly went to emergency eye hospital this morning...doctor wants a brain mri scan and I’m scared to death...I can’t do this any more
I assumed the vision problems were due to the oxycodone but I’ve tapered them off so not taking any
Barb xx
fingers crossed there will be an explanation and a treatment...
Oh, Barb...I’m so sorry for the stress, the worry, but good to have it addressed ASAP. Keeping good thoughts coming your way. kc
I had a bout of double vision while on taxotere, and was sent for an MRI. That was clear. Then it was on to an onc ophthalmologist. It turned out my eyes were extremely dehydrated and my ducts needed flushing (weird but didn't hurt). After that it was rewetting drops with the advice to use them all the time, as frequently as I wanted or needed. Solved the issues.
Try not to worry. Hugs. Hope all goes well.
Barb,
I totally understand your fear and I wish I could give you a giant hug! I was also suffering from double vision and dizziness and my oncologist ordered an MRI, I was petrified! When I went in for the MRI the nurse who helped me before the procedure was replaced by another nurse when I finished and she wouldn't look me in the eyes, so I went home with a pit in my stomach. The next day (Saturday) my oncologist called (which she never does) and my heart was literally in my throat until she gave me the good news that all was clear. I am sending love, positive energy and prayers that you receive the same positive news.
Happy anniversary!
xo Jade
Hi Barb
Sorry to read of this latest development. You did the right thing in getting checked out. I can imagine you were reluctant to go as you knew that a scan or test of some sort would be on the cards due to health, I know I would have been, I find its bitter sweet as you do want somebody to look at you for peace of mind but also you know you're doing another turn on that perpetual wheel of never ending tests and waiting for results. I'm on chemo after being diagnosed earlier this year with mets 5 years on from primary diagnosis and a few days ago I broke down and said I'm done, I can't do this, I don't want to do this! I can't offer you any words of comfort as I'm now more than aware that nothing can take the shittiness away of this disease but you are in my thoughts and I hope it's a good result!
Just curious bc a friend of mine told me she has a friend who said she has stage iv and is doing chemo. I was told (but I dont know much about all the different types of cancer) is that when diagnosed with stage iv (like I was), they do not do chemo, that that is not an option since the cancer has already spread out of the breast and that intravenous chemo would be useless. So sorry that this is a reoccurrence. I feel for those who went through this years ago and thought they were done with cancer only to find it has returned and now are stage iv.
Hi, yes as far as I understand, taxotere is given as first line treatment since being diagnosed with mets to try and shrink or as my oncologist put it 'get on top of' what's there and then continue with herceptin and perjeta infusions every 3 weeks. I am in the UK and I am on other forums and also follow other MBC ladies on twitter and this does appear to be the standard treatment here. I currently follow one lady who was diagnosed with MBC over 6 years ago and she received chemo at start and is still on her first line of treatment being H&P, very encouraging!
Oh, I am in the US and the breast cancer surgeon after my tests and when it was said it was stage iv because it was also in my lungs (and now my spine) she said we do not do chemo or radiation or mastectomy. Now, you will have to go to our cancer center and we treat the whole body.
Hi,
Yes, chemotherapy is still a treatment option for metastatic breast cancer patients here in the UK. When I first met my oncologist I had two options: chemotherapy or hormone therapy. I had just assumed that I would have chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy and then hormone therapy (when they thought it was early stage). But having the option of hormone therapy right away appealed to me, especially since my oncologist told me it's less toxic than chemotherapy, so I chose that instead. I've been on my first line treatment for 27 months.
Sophie
I am in US and this is what I was told by the breast cancer surgeon at Maimonides Breast Cancer after my tests came back and she told me I was stage iv and that they did not do a mastectomy, or chemo or radiation and that I would then be seeing an oncologist for life-long treatment at Maimonides Cancer Center which is around the corner. So I dont think here in the US that is a thing unless my friend's friend may have Triple Negative or Inflammatory Breast Cancer which is more severe than the estrogen kind of breast cancer I have. (I was told mine was the good cancer or rather what they I think they meant now is that treatment is easier bc they have a protocol). The other two forms of cancer I believe are harder to treat.
Yes, I was also told that triple negative is a harder breast cancer to treat. Chemotherapy is used to target that, but I don't know what other treatments it responds to.
Sophie
That sounds so scary.
But you have been on a range of new, strong meds in a heatwave. That could cause all sorts of things to go wonky. I know I get very dehydrated from the meds which makes me almost pass out dizzy and fatigued in the heat. I worried it was something serious but turned out I need to drink lots of water with electrolyte tablets added per my doctor. Not saying that’s what you’re experiencing, but it’s surprising how a simple thing can be at the root of something scary.
The doctor ordered the scan out of an abundance of caution I imagine. Better that than telling you to just put your feet up! It might be the worst case scenario, in which case you’ll figure out a plan, but more likely it will confirm it’s not the worst so you can rule that out.
Even so what a shitty way to spend your anniversary. 
And let us know how it goes. I hate to think of you not only in pain but now worried about the unknown.
Xoxo
Oh Barb. It’s always something to worry about. I hate you’re worrying. It’s probably nothing. Will say some extra prayers.
Stacy
Barb
its best to know what the situation is so you're fully informed and can make decisions. Hopefully it will be the meds or some other minor cause.
I hope you're not left waiting long for the mri.
Keep us updated.
Best wishes
Louise
Xx
Keeping you and all in my thoughts and prayers. Know your are resilient! All the meds and chemo we take can affect vision. So can dry eye syndrome. Brain MRI is a good thing to do. Stay calm!
Barb I'm so sorry you r going through this. Prayers sent that all is clear. Chemo can reek so much havoc in our eyes! Keep us posted!!!!! Much love, Lori
Oh Barb, I’m so sorry you’re going through this.
Here’s my thought – you had a significant reduction in your CA15-3 marker just weeks ago, so hopefully, your double vision is unrelated to your cancer and there’s some other explanation, as the other ladies have suggested.
Hoping you get answers and a plan tomorrow.
Barb
Sending you positive energy to get through this and discover it was a reaction to the meds or dehydration! 🙏
Keep your chin up sweetheart, thinking of you xx
Thinking of you Barb and sending lots of love . Hope all turns out ok x
Come on Barb. Your an inspiration to us all. You can do this. Your meds may still be in your system and maybe they are causing double vision. We are all with you. Let us know the results
Cheryl
Praying for you Barb. I pray it’s a simple solution & for comfort for your body & mind. You’ve been through so much xoxo❤️🙏❤️
I’m sorry for the stress you are being subjected to. But as Barbara said, your tumor markers have been going down so it means your current medication is working. If there was something serious going on in your brain, your tumor markers would have risen and doubled like mine. Prayers and well wishes for you❤️ Maria
Prayers coming your way🙏
Thinking of you ❤️
Totally understand the fear. I had to have head ct a few weeks ago when I was in hospital as they thought my pain and leg issues were coming pressure on my brain, in other words to check for spread to brain. I was stuck in hospital on my own, no visitors cos of horrid covid, with all sorts going through my mind. at times like this,our imagination is our worst enemy. Thankfully it was clear.
No good saying dont worry.because you will but think about all the other things it could be then works out the odds. Thats what I did and it calmed me down. I was frantic in the morning but by the end of the day, id calmed myself down. Try it, it might help. Best wishes and best of luck. X
I am sorry living with MBC is so stressful I could understand you perfectly
I am been so stressed too
I will keep on my prayers
I understand you are worried about what the scan could reveal. Remember it could be good news too! Keep reaching out! We are here for you just as you are here for us.
Thinking of you barb. Please "keep doing it". We're all here for you. ❤️
OMG, Barb, my heart clenched when I read your post but I think the responses from Sky-Writer and Wintervt are very encouraging! Fingers/toes crossed and all good vibes sent your way!
Dear Barb
I understand how worried and scared you most be feeling.
I hope you get your scan done as quickly as possible and whatever it is that it can be sorted.
Thinking of you and sending you a huge hug.
Jo xx
Good luck, I do hope there's another explanation. I'm going to Optician's today due to sight issues. Thought it might be the medication. Fingers crossed here too.
Hi Beryl
Wishing you all the best at the opticians. My eyesight is not brilliant so perhaps I ought to get it checked out too! It’s a full time job looking after ourselves ...
Jo x
You' re right. Went for a lymphodema appt Friday, new therapist. New approach. Got to go weekly for six weeks. Thinks he can wean me off elastic sleeve. Would be good in this hot weather! I figured I might as well spend my cash as I probably won't be spending my old age in a residential home! 😂
Hi
I’ve got the lymphedema clinic next Monday! I’ve avoided wearing me sleeve in the hot weather...
Also, due at the hospital most of day this Thursday for tests relating to the clinical study I’m on...
Keeps me busy...
Jo xx
Is that like a compression sleeve? Does it hurt? I am going to a vein surgeon tomorrow because my left leg has swelled up so much and primarily the ankle foot. My leg is also so discolored bc of poor circulation and its blood pooling up or so I am told. Somebody told me I may have to wear a compression sock for a long time. I am a bit worried bc I am told they are hard to get on and off. And I live alone and have no help. I hope I do not have to but if I do, I have no choice. I just imagine it would be very very uncomfortable but my foot is swollen, I cannot just ignore anymore.
No problems with my sight, I can tick that one off, thank goodness.
Hi Barb,
You did the right thing going to see the doctor. I’m sure there has to be a reasonable explanation for the double vision and that it can be treated. When are you having the MRI?
Sophie ❤️
Hi Barb
I’m so sorry you are going through this, hopefully it’s meds related, sending a big hug and prayers 🙏🏻
Anne
oh man Barb, double vision, oh crap. So sorry you are going thru this. I am sure they will find out what's up and come up with a solution. Sending many hugs.
Oh boy, you are having a rough time. Everything going on! I am sure they will find a solution very quickly. Hold on and get some help with those pain meds. I would think that is what is messing you up. Thinking about you.
Cheers, June S.
I can’t add anything to what these wonderful ladies have said, but I’m thinking of you, Barb. I’m hoping it’s just the meds, but I can’t imagine the stress. Virtual hug 🤗
Barb, remember how many side effects we can get from these medications. I too had a brain scan because of severe dizziness, headaches and such in 2018. Absolutely nothing showed up. Not one thing had changed since my scan in 2013. The Afinitor and Aromasin I
was on affected my eyes. I had a totally different eye glasses prescription in the morning than I did in the evening. Every single day. I will be praying for you.
Here's to not having to wait long for the MRI and results...and to this happening from something completely benign.
Praying for u Barb...But also look into other route causes...other meds or supplements...and I hate to say it but can u rule out CoVid? It causes headaches as well...it may be all but gone where u are...but we are still leaders of the pack here in Ohio! 😂
Hi Barb, thinking of you. Virtual hugs ,keep at it. Here's to a simple reason for those symptoms. Amazing replies from our friends on this board. We are all rooting for you. Fayx
Of course it's the oxycodone, the vision problems didn't start until you started taking that, right? They just have to check EVERYTHING out to be sure, but I'm sure you are fine, relax! Easy for me to say, I know, but I feel it in me waters, as you all say over there in the old country <grin>. God bless you and heal us all in Jesus name, amen <3 xo
Oh Barb, you have had too much stress. Hoping it is nothing that can’t be fixed with a smile and good nights sleep. Keeping my fingers crossed for you as you go through this. Hugs, Elaine
I am stepping up to be counted as one of your admirers. Bless you! If you read my post today you will learn the terror I experienced before having the dreaded MRI with contrast and the exaltation I had when learning that there was NO cancer up there in the brain. This, "no cancer up there in the brain", is my fervent wish for you.
X O
Scans always make me so anxious and then the waiting for the results . I have now starting calling my medical dr to see if they have received my results instead of waiting for my next oncology appointment.
Sending positive thoughts your way for a positive out come.
Luann
Hope you get your results soon. The waiting is terrifying. But think positive results.
Oh Barb, I could just cry for you. You have had more than your share of disappointments lately. Hopefully, this will turn out to be something simple.
I will be praying for comfort, good results and peace. Blessings, Hannah
Oh Barb. I am so sorry for all you are going through. This damn disease sucks. I will be praying that there will be a simple fix to your vision. We are all here for you.
💗kim
I’m praying for you Barbs. Hope all will turn out ok. Could it be elevated sugar or diabetes? Think positive and I know it’s scary. We are here for you. 🙏❤️🌹
Sandra is right. Our minds go only one way.
I hope you have had the MRI already and maybe even the results. Hang in, we all need you and so does Bugsy and that husband of yours! How would he manage without you. You are going to be alright.
It is so frustrating when we haven't got the right doctor. Good thing you went to the emerg. Never feel bad or hesitate about going. They know you are not a whiner. They have seen plenty of those. You need some answers and some fixes.
Cheers, June S.
Have you ever had oxycodone before? I mean even for dental work or any prior surgery. I never heard that being a side effect but who knows. I have now been on 40 mgs. (Upped last month from 30 mgs. per day). I have not had double vision, but sometimes it makes me itchy which is a known side effect. But you did just start switching over to that pain med, correct so that was a good idea to stop.
Don't stress until you know for sure. I have things going on with me also and we always assume it is from the cancer when sometimes it is just something else going on that is not even related to the cancer. Let us know how it turns out but do not worry until you know for sure what is causing it. I had really bad headaches for like a week two weeks ago. And then they just went away. And I never get headaches.
Tomorrow I am going to a vein surgeon. My leg looks awful and it is so swollen. It is all discolored from the blood not circulating. I could care less what my leg looks like at this point, all I went is the swelling to go down so that I can put a pair of closed sneakers on me so that by fall I can start doing some walking and possibly lose some of the weight. Something as simple as being able to put on sneakers is my desire.
Don't stress (easy for me to say),it could be something very simple and not related to the cancer at all. Let us know how things turn out. Even with my legs, I do not believe it is from the cancer but of course it is a side effect of my not being more active bc of problems from the cancer. Prayers!
It could be dry eyes so maybe see your ophthalmologist. The unknown is always stressful.
Sending prayers your way.
Mimi
Oh geez. Keep us posted. We care about you! Faith
Sending a hug ((❤️)).
Thinking of you lovely lady
Dear Barb, Try not to think the worst. This is likely something quite fixable. Drugs can do weird things but that doesn't mean that your cancer is in your brain. Drugs are known to cause hallucinations so double vision might just be something very temporary. Even migraines can cause vision problems. I think it is a good thing that your emergency doctor is acting quickly and getting you an MRI. You are strong and you will get through this. You have helped so many of us by sharing your story and all of us are here with you now and feeling your fear. But, please try not to worry. Let the doctors take care of you. They are going to want to know what is going and will help you. Stay hopeful. Hugs and best wishes Marlene
Dear Barb
You cannot help but spend so much time with worry. I am so sorry hat you have to go through this. Hopefully, you will see the doctor very soon and the it is just some other little side effect of one of the drugs you are taking. I am praying for you.
With love
XXX OOO
Hi barb,
How did you get on? Sending loads of prayers and 💓. Praying it’s not the brain, don’t give up! Thinking of you
Faye
Hoping to get some good news from you . Much love Ruth Xx
69 replies thus far! I can’t add anything to the wisdom already offered, but know that you are loved and respected by this group. Prayers for positive answers and peace.
How are you doing barb? Sending hugs.....
