Memory problems slowly getting worse

I had Stage 4B Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkins lymphoma when I was 17.Lucky me I didn't have it in the liver or bone marrow, but did have it in the left lung. I am now 46, and for the last 15 or so years I have been getting bad migrains and slowly losing short term memory to the point that 20 or more times a day I forget what I am doing or wanting to do. I even got a pad to write things down on and forget what I wanted to write down bye the time I get to the pad or forget where the pad is even when I keep it in the same place. I only had extremely heavy doses of the M.O.P.P. regimen because I had a severe allergic reaction to the Adriamycin in the A.B.V.D. regimen, and was told I couldn't have radiation because it would have killed me on the first treatment. Has anyone else had memory problems after Chemo. If so please let me know what I can do to stop or slow down the loss. Or point me in the right direction. I have no Insurance and have been denied Social Security 3 times now because they said I am not bad enough the first and second time and the last time they said because my injury happened during the commission of a felony that they have no record of. I told them that's because their is no felony on my record, I have never even been arrested or done anything to get arrested for. I have no money, no job for the last two years and no insurance. I am desperate for help!!!!

Comments

  • illead
    illead Member Posts: 884 Member
    You must be reading my mind

    My husband Bill has Mantle cell lymphoma and had chemo, finished a year ago and is now starting his 2nd year on rituxan maintenance.  He is a year in remission.  I have been wanting to write with your exact question as he is having the same problem you describe.  Not quite as bad but it may get there.  We will discuss something, make a plan to carry it out and in a short time time he will ask what we are going to do etc.  Last night we were at dinner and we stopped at the store on our way home and all he could talk about was that he couldn't remember what he did with his change and handful of spare keys.  He thought for sure he left them in the restaurant,  when we got back to the truck there they were.  Like he says, he does responsible things, he just can't remember.  I haven't a clue if there is anything to do about it and we too would like to know if anyone else has had this problem.  I am sorry for all your other problems, it probably seems overwhelming.  Don't give up looking into any kind of programs available. 

    Best Wishes, Bill and Becky

  • allmost60
    allmost60 Member Posts: 3,178 Member
    illead said:

    You must be reading my mind

    My husband Bill has Mantle cell lymphoma and had chemo, finished a year ago and is now starting his 2nd year on rituxan maintenance.  He is a year in remission.  I have been wanting to write with your exact question as he is having the same problem you describe.  Not quite as bad but it may get there.  We will discuss something, make a plan to carry it out and in a short time time he will ask what we are going to do etc.  Last night we were at dinner and we stopped at the store on our way home and all he could talk about was that he couldn't remember what he did with his change and handful of spare keys.  He thought for sure he left them in the restaurant,  when we got back to the truck there they were.  Like he says, he does responsible things, he just can't remember.  I haven't a clue if there is anything to do about it and we too would like to know if anyone else has had this problem.  I am sorry for all your other problems, it probably seems overwhelming.  Don't give up looking into any kind of programs available. 

    Best Wishes, Bill and Becky

    Mine has gotten better...

    My memory really took a hit during my first line chemo-R-CVP. I definetely had many chemo brain moments. I'm 62, so I expect to have some memory lapses, but during chemo it was much more extreme than just getting older. I do see improvement now, and even though I did the Rituxan maint for 2 years, I don't think my memory has gotten any worse because of it. I do write alot of notes, and try to read daily to keep my mind active. My grandmother lived to be 99 and she always said..."use it or lose it" meaning to stay active physically and mentally. Sue....(FNHL-2-3A-6/10)