It's been 1.5 years since being diagnosed with breast cancer. Now, my mind is occupied with "what if I have recurrence?" I have recently had prisms-kaleidoscope like lights in my field of vision. This occurred once after my 3rd treatment with AC chemo..lasted only 10 minutes, but enough to scare me. I called my oncologist and she said if it occurred again, she will refer me to an ophthalmologist/neurologist. Nothing of the sort happened again, until 6 months after my last chemo treatment. I would get those prisms of light in my field of vision once every other month accompanied by loss of vision in the left eye, and feeling lightheaded. Now, I'm a wreck...I find that my mind is occupied of cancer recurrence (in the brain?) I get so worked up that it's probably anxiety attacks at this point. Did anyone out there ever have any "vision" problems during or after chemotherapy?
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Q: Is it normal to start becoming anxious or having panic attacks 1.5 years after breast cancer?
Hi Hope - For sure, chemo does odd things to all of us - and we each have our own "special" side effects. Your vision issues may simply be your own reaction to these powerful chemicals. If you find yourself tremendously stressed by this, perhaps you could speak to your oncologist about getting a brain scan... it would make you feel better to know all's right with your brain.
It's not at all unusual to become fixated on the possibility of recurrence; even many years later. The mind is a strange and wonderful thing, very powerful, and it has a way of trying to control our souls. But remember, your chance of a recurrence is probably exactly what the doctor said, after you'd finished treatment. Which would be, what? 15% chance of recurrence, something like that? (If he didn't tell you, ask.) That means you probably have a nearly 9 out of 10 chance of remaining cancer-free. Focus on that statistic; see the glass as half full.
Also, there's nothing wrong with seeking professional help for your fears. Speaking to a therapist, and getting some coping mechanisms, can work wonders.
Best of luck to you - PJH
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