SJAS Posted December 4, 2004 Share Posted December 4, 2004 We're reeling a bit at this point. Steve has had a sudden severe vision loss. Found severe bleeding - edema in both retinas. The opthamologist was stumped - said it didn't fit what he knew of radiation retinopathy. Called a retina specialist who also seemed surprised by it. He will see Steve probably on Monday (of course, we had one of those late Friday p.m. appts. which just let you worry all weekend). Has anyone had any experience with this? He did ask about shielding of the eyes during WBR, but it was our understanding that the WBR just went down to the top of the eyebrows. Also wondering if this could be connected with the Iressa. Any help would be appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimblanchard Posted December 4, 2004 Share Posted December 4, 2004 I can't address bleeding but I know treatments can damage the eye. My husband has a cataract in his R eye and is legally blind in that eye. The doctors said decadron and radiation probably did it. I have also read here of people with bleeding episodes in different areas. Hopefully the experts will know how to address this. Best wishes, Margaret Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowflake Posted December 4, 2004 Share Posted December 4, 2004 Joyce, Check on the Iressa. I remember one of the side effects being something to do with the eyes... I took Iressa for two months, and toward the end of that time my eyes seemed to be pressurized and hurt all the time. They felt like they were bugging out like a cartoon character and were very, very irritated... It's one of the "rare" side effects, like the issue Lucie had with pneumonia. Talk to the oncologist prescribing the Iressa and if you aren't satisfied with the answers, contact the drug company yourself. I believe they have a website... Good luck! Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAnn Posted December 4, 2004 Share Posted December 4, 2004 Joyce, I agree with Becky. One of the first things I thought of while reading your post was Iressa. I think I remember reading about eye problems (serious) with Iressa. Go to their website, I think I saw this under their side effects section. I know how scary this must be for you both. What does the doctor propose to do? Please know you and your husband are in my prayers. TAnn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fay A. Posted December 4, 2004 Share Posted December 4, 2004 One of the consequences for those of us who have undergone cancer treatments is the possible development of detached retina(s). I've known numerous folks over the years who have had this happen. Need to be seen by an Opthamologist ASAP! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa O Posted December 5, 2004 Share Posted December 5, 2004 A rare side affect of Iressa can be bleeding... I don't know specifically about the retinas but the oncologist should know. I did have a small bleed in my eye but it was more like a burst capillary type of bleed that was attributed to the Iressa. It was not so serious as an edematous or bleeding retina though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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