Leukaemia and Memory.

[DrunkJam_UK]

Hi, me again, DH has had his regular CLL monitoring recently, and met his Clinical Nurse Specialist. He has also been referred to the memory clinic. I had definitely noticed his memory getting a lot worse. Obviously, the memory clinic is there to help, and support such issues, but, of course, it is a worrying development.

I was wondering whether there is a link between his cancer and memory issues? it could, of course, be an entirely separate issue. The nurse says that, it could be due to him not emotionally processing his cancer diagnosis well? Any experience? And ideas of things I can do to be useful?

[Christiana_]

Stress/anxiety can have a profound impact on memory. I’m not saying that’s definitely it but, speaking from personal experience, I can say it’s debilitating at the time and can improve just fine again. It’s so hard to work it out when there are so many other possible reasons.....

All the best

[lankisterguy]

There is a condition among cancer patients sometimes called "Chemo brain"

mayoclinic.org/diseases-con...

cancer.org/treatment/treatm...

And even if DH has not had chemo, there is some thought that the cytokines that cause us to feel like we are sick and fatigued may also affect the brain causing cognitive issues.

I hope the doctors can help you deal with this problem and it is temporary.

Len

[DrunkJam_UK in reply to lankisterguy]

Thanks for this, I had never heard of this at all. He hasn't had any treatment yet, but this does sound possible for him. Although his is quite marked, and very noticeable.

[Jlee123]

I was diagnosed 3 weeks ago and I ain’t on treatment either

[Hopeful123 in reply to Jlee123]

Hi Jlee how are you coping?

[Jlee123 in reply to Hopeful123]

I am ok I still can’t believe my diagnosis it’s like the not knowing what will happen and how it will progress which Leukemia have you got

[Christiana_ in reply to Jlee123]

Be confident in your consultants, they’ll be making certain they have the right diagnosis, you don’t want to end up on the wrong pathway it could hamper future accurate treatments.

However if the wait is getting hard speak to a nurse on the team... they’ll be able to check and fill you in on the process.

Take care.

[DrunkJam_UK in reply to Jlee123]

How are you doing? I hope you are being supported through this. I can only echo the speak to a nurse if you find it hard to cope with the uncertainty, they have been super helpful for us. Wishing you all the best. Do let us know how you get on.