cancer related cognitive impairment

[moowife]

Since my husband has chemo in 2018, he has memory issues, concentration issues and anger issues. He will be getting chemo again so these issues could get worse. I have asked his medical oncology and radiation oncology places to put everything in writing because he won't remember. No one listens to me. Any ideas on getting them to work with me?

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

Ask your husband to sign a HIPPA release stating that all information may be shared with you.

The hospital that I had my treatment at will allow one person to accompany the patient in for appointments during covid if the patient has cognitive issues. Contact the oncology social worker to help you get answers if your not getting answers you need. Also contact the nurse navigator for assistance.

[JanetteR57]

Tiredness/fatigue also impacts memory/cognitive function so it may not all be due to chemo but also hearing loss as chemo can impact on this - if a person hasn't heard anything, it won't have gone into their memory to recall later. this is a common issue in those diagnosed with dementia who actually have hearing loss which can be dealt with. worth him getting checked out for hearing loss which may help too as well as requesting to be dealt with as the person with 'his best interests' for patient information. good luck.

[moowife in reply to JanetteR57]

I think that he does have some hearing loss due to chemo (cisplatin). However, he won't get tested because he doesn't believe he has hearing loss

[JanetteR57 in reply to moowife]

yes that can be a real issue - my partner has worn hearing aids for over 18 years now - and says he finds it hard to understand how people will have an eye test and wear glasses but something as fundamental as hearing is ignored. he had NHS hearing aids to start with but now on his 3rd set of private hearing aids and they play directly via bluetooth from the tv and phone and make his life so much easier. he certainly wouldn't be able to work if he didn't have them. another colleague who has hearing loss from chemo years ago for breast cancer is now much more confident in taking part in meetings now she has her hearing aids - they're much more discreet if it's a vanity issue and can make such a difference.

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

Janette’s advice is excellent. Hearing loss is so isolating. And that would certainly not help the anger issues. One study showed that cisplatin remains in the delicate bones of the ear long after it has left the rest of the body.

Cisplatin also destroys the cilia (fine hair) in the ear which doesn’t grow back. This is related to tinnitus. The newer hearing aids somehow balance the tinnitus out. Does he complain about constant ringing in the ears? You might be able to use that to get his hearing tested.

[moowife in reply to Denzie]

he's never mentioned ringing