Hearing loss/ side effects of R-chop or methotrexate?

Jim M

Hello everyone,

 I had 2 cycles of R-Chop ( but instead of doxorubiciin I get epirubicin), 2 cycles of intrathecal methotrexate and I am experiencing increased tinnitus ( buzzing in ears) and mild pain. I have had tinnitus for years but I believe the chemo regime is increasing it. Or I may have an ear infection. I need to wait until tomorrow to get it checked out.

  Has anyone else had these side effects while on R-Chop or methotrexate? Reversable? Any hearing loss? What other recommendations can you give me?

Than you very much,

Jim M

po18guy

Tinnitus generally only gets worse.

Those drugs are not known particularly to cause tinnitus - Cisplatin is worst - but anytihng is possible. You need a doctor with more time to explain, or write these questions down and ask them at your next visit. Have a read at this link for chemo-related hearing loss: http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/side-effects/hearing-problems-dizziness-and-ototoxicity.aspx

Evarista

Ear infection

Hi Jim.  I had clear ear infections after two of my rounds of R-EPOCH.  Low grade itchy tenderness the rest of the time.  Some of the problem was outer ear tissue swelling.  But I assume this had to do with weakened immune system rather than direct result of the drugs themselves.  You should have the nurse or doc take a look...Antibiotics if needed.  All is well now that I'm done chemo.

mossback99

I realize this is an old thread but reviving it in case the OP might see this and have any updates. I'm on my third round of R-CHOP and just a few days ago noticed a slight ringing in my left ear. It's subtle but it's there. I have my forth treatment next week and I'm concerned it will make it worse. I have not noticed any hearing loss- just the tinnitus. So I'm curious if anyone else noticed any tinnitus while on treatment and if it got better at all afterwards?

My best wishes to all.

PBL

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1724577#Comment_1724577

Hi mossback99,

This may be neuropathy due to Vincristine. Make sure you inform your hematologist before your next infusion. They should check you out and may decide to lower or withhold the Vincristine altogether. Even so, this should not compromise the success of your current treatment.

Do let us know how this turns out.

Kind regards,

PBL

mossback99

Hi PBL. Yes, I will update this as things progress. And will discuss with my doctors for sure. Apparently three out of the five components of R-CHOP are known to cause hearing related problems. Very unfortunate. But not all patients experience problems or to the same degree. I guess only time will tell.

My best wishes to all.

TonyF747

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1724599#Comment_1724599

I too have tinnutis and hearing loss. Pretty sure it was due to the treatments I've received over the years. Six rounds of MOPP-ABVD in 1993 for Stage II Hodgkins. Two rounds of R-EPOCH plus four rounds of R-CEOP last year for Stage IV Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Got hearing aids about 3 years ago and that solves the problem while they are on. But at night it sounds like I'm sleeping in the middle of a forest with millions of insects buzzing about. I have a white noise machine bedside to help with that. I never realized the degree of my hearing loss until I got the hearing aids.

mossback99

Tony, sorry to hear about all the chemo you've endured. And very sorry about the tinnitus and hearing loss too…

I spoke with a ENT doc and he suggested a hearing test to establish a baseline for future comparison. My hearing is essentially normal for my age. So my issue is the mild tinnitus. I've noticed it does seem to change day to day. My hematologist said it is not common with R-CHOP to have this side effect but it can happen. So he did reduce the dose of Vincristine on my last cycle. And will likely reduce it further for the last two cycles.

Will update again as I know more.

TonyF747

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1724664#Comment_1724664

Mossback99, Thank you for that. The way I feel about is, if that's the price I have to pay to live, so be it. I'm sure we are all thankful for each and every day we get. I really don't think too much about it, but on the other hand I'm thankful that we get to share on this site our individual trials and tribulations. As has been said on here before, it's hard to explain the feelings we have to people that haven't gone through it. I'm "lucky" because I have a very dear friend that was going through similar circumstances to me at the same time last year. It made it easier for both of us to get through it, knowing there was someone we could talk to and that would understand the feelings. Now we are workout buddies getting ready for the next battle should it come. Good luck to everyone! And please reach out in any of these forums for support. There are a lot of people here with kind hearts that are willing to help. That was the first thing I noticed upon joining. You guys and gals are great.

mossback99

"…but on the other hand I'm thankful that we get to share on this site our individual trials and tribulations. As has been said on here before, it's hard to explain the feelings we have to people that haven't gone through it."

So true and agreed. It is a lonely and scary road at times. This forum and the lymphoma.com site have been truly invaluable to me these past few months. It's comforting to get advice and info from others who truly understand.

I'm sorry to hear your friend was also going through a battle, but it's also a blessing to have someone close to you that just knows. Hopefully no more battles for you guys! You have dealt with enough, friend. :)