memory loss

leap29

My husband is being treated for a third breast cancer recurrence. It has been 6 years of: masectomy, chemo, radiation, injections and constant meds. He sees an oncologist and neurologist but no one has addressed his memory loss. He is losing words unable to find the label for things, memories, directions to familiar places... I am feeling so frustrated and know something is happening as his memory deteriorates. I've been told it's 'chemo brain'. Any advice as to what I can do? My husband won't talk about ALZ yet his mom died from it.

SDianeL

welcome. I think I would get a new Neurologist. I had chemo last year and I’m 76 years old. Chemo brain is a real thing but more like brain fog not memory loss for me. If he has dementia the chemo could make it worse however. If he has dementia I would want to know because it’s progressive and no cure and you may have some very difficult decisions to make in the very near future. Come here often for info and support.

bjtm1969

I am new to this forum but experiencing some similar issues. My husband was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment almost six years ago. Four years later he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer. As he was getting ready for a stem cell transplant, our main home had a house fire. There have been changes in health care providers and a move to a different state. The first neurologist we saw was not really good with memory care patients so we sought out a different provider who specialized in memory. We did the same thing when we moved to a different state. So first I would encourage you to find a new neurology team that is interested in working with patients and families with cognitive/memory issues. We currently see a nurse practitioner working with a neurologist. They also provide a social worker and other resources. Can your primary care physician assist you in advocating for more testing and help you find a different provider? Secondly, It has been my experience that the oncology team does not always look at the whole person. I am constantly questioning them about side effects of the chemo drugs. I have had to fight to keep my husband on supplements that help his heart and brain health prescribed by his neurologist . I remember saying to a nurse early on in his cancer treatment, "So let me get this straight, the cancer will be under control but he won't be able to remember anything?" My husband receives treatment every five weeks but the myeloma will return. When it does, our family doctor and neurology team want to be included in treatment options so I have some support in looking at what is best for my husband's overall health. I hope this is helpful.