[kmobley2]

Severe cognitive issues during myeloma treatment

by kmobley2 on Sun Jan 20, 2019 1:16 am

My father was diagnosed with multiple myeloma last January. Prior to that, he worked as a translator and did not have any cognitive issues.

A few months into treatment, as he sensed that he was feeling better, he said that his brain was feeling like it was clearing up and that his thoughts were very cloudy before. After that point, he started to struggle with the medication and his loss of appetite and movement. He ended up in the hospital with dehydration, kidney issues, and a urinary tract infection (UTI).

At this point, he was somewhat disorientated, but after returning home, he somewhat improved. While nowhere near as sharp as prior to the diagnosis or even before going to the hospital, he was ok cognitively and more or less aware.

However, a month or two ago, we noticed a marked change. His memory had taken what seemed like a sudden turn for the worse. He would repeat questions multiple times in short periods, and he had clear and significant memory issues.

He also is unable to read books nor does he pay attention or understand what he is watching on TV, whereas just a few weeks before, he would come and discuss what he had watched on TV.

Our big fear is that this is not related to his multiple myeloma. Can chemo brain or anything related to multiple myeloma create cognitive issues this severe?

[Nancy Shamanna]

Re: Severe cognitive issues during myeloma treatment

by Nancy Shamanna on Tue Jan 22, 2019 10:10 am

Hello Kmobley,

I am sorry to hear about the severe cognitive issues suffered by your father during his treatment for myeloma. I am not a doctor, but would suggest that he be thoroughly checked in case he has suffered a stroke, or other medical problem, during this time.

I did have cognitive impairment after my stem cell transplant and had to work away at word games, writing, making sure I spoke with people daily, and other strategies to improve my mental functioning again. The issues gradually went away and I am in a more or less normal state again. I still make lists, double check my work, and try to compensate for having been treated with really strong medications.

I hope that helps, but I would take your father for a really thorough checkup.

[albertlannon]

Re: Severe cognitive issues during myeloma treatment

by albertlannon on Tue Jan 22, 2019 9:23 pm

Yes, have your father see a doctor, as Nancy suggests. My own experience is that I had some cognitive, and other, issues for the four months after diagnosis. So I weaned myself off tramadol pain medication, which is an opioid, and the cognitive stuff got immediately better. I now use topical diclofenac drops and gel (diclofenac is an NSAID) when my bones get to hurting, and that keeps it manageable. I'll settle for manageable. I read and write and research and have intelli­gent discussions. I enjoyed the circus for my 81st birthday this past weekend as I have each year when they come to Tucson.

Good luck!