Am new to the forum and newly diagnosed, March 2016.
I began treatment with Velcade IV and dex twice weekly for 2 weeks on, one week off. On the next cycle, Revlimid 25 was added for 14 days.
I seemed to tolerate the meds well until the Thursday before Mother's Day. I experienced a gritty feeling in one eye and then the other with redness and swelling of eyelids and styes within 4 days. My myeloma doctor prescribed warm compresses, eyelid scrubs, and Ilotycin (erythromycin) ointment at bedtime.
Symptoms escalated, so was placed on doxycycline 100 mg twice daily, leaving me with gastro distress, depression, and loss of appetite.
Had a two week med vacation and am about to start Revlimid 25 and dex today. The Revlimid will be for 14 days.
My eyes have responded somewhat. Anyone else have comments or suggestions?
I am 74 and interested in what this age group has experienced in general.
Forums
5 posts
• Page 1 of 1
Re: Velcade and blepharitis (eyelid swelling and styes)
I too am newly diagnosed. I have been treated with Velcade weekly. My last chemotherapy was May 6 as I am now in remission.
I too have the condition with my eyes that you have described. My treatment has not been particularly aggressive. I was told to apply a hot (not warm) compress four times per day and use lubricant eye drops after each compress (I used the "Refresh Tears" brand). That provided considerable relief, but did not cure the problem.
I am now in my second week of chemo-free remission (and hoping that this will last awhile cause I feel great). The eye condition remains, but is gradually subsiding. I woke up this morning with no crust and relatively free of swelling.
I read a Beacon research report recently that described this condition and indicated that it takes several months to get rid of the condition when treated.
I am 77 years old, an avid reader, and until this diagnosis a 4.5 tennis player despite my advanced years. The condition is a pain, I know, but consider the alternatives. Hope this helps.
I too have the condition with my eyes that you have described. My treatment has not been particularly aggressive. I was told to apply a hot (not warm) compress four times per day and use lubricant eye drops after each compress (I used the "Refresh Tears" brand). That provided considerable relief, but did not cure the problem.
I am now in my second week of chemo-free remission (and hoping that this will last awhile cause I feel great). The eye condition remains, but is gradually subsiding. I woke up this morning with no crust and relatively free of swelling.
I read a Beacon research report recently that described this condition and indicated that it takes several months to get rid of the condition when treated.
I am 77 years old, an avid reader, and until this diagnosis a 4.5 tennis player despite my advanced years. The condition is a pain, I know, but consider the alternatives. Hope this helps.
-
Andrew Hesse
Re: Velcade and blepharitis (eyelid swelling and styes)
I am on subcutaneous Velcade. I start my 6th cycle this coming week. Almost as soon as I started this treatment, I developed eye problems. I went to my eye doctor, who prescribed the warm compresses, eyelid wipes, etc. I have not had swelling but have had styes. I'm assuming this is going to continue until I stop Velcade, which will be after this cycle. It has been a PITA but tolerable.
I guess since Velcade has brought me into response, I'm willing to put up with it.
I guess since Velcade has brought me into response, I'm willing to put up with it.
-
Christina - Name: Christina
- When were you/they diagnosed?: June2005
- Age at diagnosis: 52
Re: Velcade and blepharitis (eyelid swelling and styes)
Thanks, Andrew and Christina, for you reassurance.
I finished my course of seven days of doxycycline last Monday, and by Thursday, my right upper eyelid was swollen with what looked like a potential sty. By Saturday it was huge and on Sunday began to drain. At this time me left upper lid began to develop swelling, which I am sure is sty formation. I have continued with compresses, lid scrubs,etc. this is so stubborn.
I re-started Revlimid and dex on Tuesday, I see my myeloma doctor the first week in June to get on track with Velcade, which did a great job. I just wish this eye problem was not so severe. Thank heavens for dark sunglasses.
If indeed this is more of a side effect than reported, it may get more attention, and better remedies may be found. Anyone else out there with any suggestions, love to hear from you.
I finished my course of seven days of doxycycline last Monday, and by Thursday, my right upper eyelid was swollen with what looked like a potential sty. By Saturday it was huge and on Sunday began to drain. At this time me left upper lid began to develop swelling, which I am sure is sty formation. I have continued with compresses, lid scrubs,etc. this is so stubborn.
I re-started Revlimid and dex on Tuesday, I see my myeloma doctor the first week in June to get on track with Velcade, which did a great job. I just wish this eye problem was not so severe. Thank heavens for dark sunglasses.
If indeed this is more of a side effect than reported, it may get more attention, and better remedies may be found. Anyone else out there with any suggestions, love to hear from you.
Re: Velcade and blepharitis (eyelid swelling and styes)
Hi,
Sorry to hear of these eye problems. Just wanted to mention that while on Revlimid, Velcade, and dexamethasone, I had no skin or eye issues. However, now on post transplant 10 mg Revlimid only, I have had what I call skin bumps and a couple of them have been on my eyelids.
The eyelid bumps are like styes, but they appear in other places too.
It seems both of these drugs can be causes of eye issues.
Best! BN
Sorry to hear of these eye problems. Just wanted to mention that while on Revlimid, Velcade, and dexamethasone, I had no skin or eye issues. However, now on post transplant 10 mg Revlimid only, I have had what I call skin bumps and a couple of them have been on my eyelids.
The eyelid bumps are like styes, but they appear in other places too.
It seems both of these drugs can be causes of eye issues.
Best! BN
-
Bar-none - Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 3/14
5 posts
• Page 1 of 1
Return to Treatments & Side Effects