Significant Memory Losses

brainman · Posted: Sun May 06, 2007 3:49 pm Post subject: Significant Memory Losses

Hi, I am usually posting in reply to others, but I have a development in my own story that I would like some input from you.

Last Sunday, I was going to church. My church is about a 50 minute drive from home so I do not go very often. I remember getting into my car, turning it on, and driving down the drive way. It was a little after 9:00am. The next thing I remember is sitting in my car in the church's parking lot, the car was in park but the motor still running. A friend was tapping on the window. I looked it my watch and it was 9:40!!! I usually to 75 miles per hour on the Interstate anyhow. So I must have been flying to get there in 40 minutes. However, I do not remember any of the trip... no lane change decisions, no passing decisions, no route decisions... nothing!! In fact, this is not the first time. It is the longest, but not the first time. One time I needed a refill of one of my meds. I called the pharmacy and gave them the prescription number. The pharmacist told me that I had already called in for that refill and had, in fact, already picket up the medicine. Another time, I went to the post office to mail a letter. On the way home, I remembered that I needed milk so I stopped at the store and bought a quart of milk. When I got home and was putting the milk in the refrigerator, I saw that I had a completely full, seal intact, quart already. I checked my pocket and found a receipt form earlier that morning showing that I had already purchased the milk that very day. I have absolutely no memory of either of these these events.

I am also experiencing increased right hand weakness.

Thursday, I went to my neurologist and he is just as perplexed as I am. My last MRI in Feb 2007 was clear of any cancer or stock. I will call my neurosurgeon tomorrow to ask him if I should have another MRI.

Have any of you had any similar experiences? Thanks.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

rlee · Site Admin Joined: 15 Jan 2006 Posts: 245

Jim,
I'm concerned about your symptoms and agree another MRI would be a good idea. Another possibility is to consider an EEG to determine if there are any abnormal brain waves. Sometimes subclinical seizures may disrupt memories. Let us know how things go. Good luck.
_________________
RLee, MD

Any information provided is NOT intended to provide specific medical advice to users but rather to provide users with information to help them better understand their health condition and related care. All readers are strongly encouraged to consult with a qualified physician for answers to their personal medical questions.

brainman · Posted: Tue May 08, 2007 2:33 pm Post subject: Re: Significant Memory Losses

I have an MRI scheduled for May 17 followed by a doctor's appointment to review the results.

I also have some right-sided weakness. Last Friday I had a nerve conductivity test done. I do not know the results yet. Waiting is so hard. But I know that if something was significantly wrong, the doctors would have contacted me by now... at least I hope the would. Confused

All the types of questions that I have answered for others come back to haunt me: Is it too soon for a recurrence seeing that my MRI in Feb was clear? What will I do if they do find something wrong? What else could cause these symptoms?... the list goes no and no.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

Vee Smith · Moderator Joined: 12 Feb 2006 Posts: 749 Location: UK

Jim, I will wait anxiously to hear how you get on. Best wishes, Vee

ksplat · Posted: Thu May 10, 2007 6:26 am Post subject: Re-memory loss & r side weakness

Dear Jim, I forgot to mention my brother has had l side weakness with his brain tumour. Because the tumour has grown so aggressively it was putting too much pressure on the sensory side of his brain (r side tumour with l side symptoms)..I'm sure I 'm not telling u anything new though? All the best. Cheers, Angie.
_________________
Brother diagnosed with GBMIV Feb 07
Treatment: Radiotherapy, Temodal, Gliadel Wafers, Dexamethasone, Keppra, Dilantin, Clexane
Went to our Heavenly Father after a 19mth battle,, 47 years young.
23 Sep 2008
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=19227

"Without Faith We Have Nothing"

ksplat · Posted: Thu May 10, 2007 6:26 am Post subject: Re-significant memory loss

Dear Jim, My prayers & thoughts are with you especially 17/5/07 when u have MRI. Sorry to hear about your latest news re memory loss & r side weakness. Your posts have been of great comfort & support to many including me with my Brother's GBM IV. I pray 4 the best & most positive outcomes 4 u with yr illness. Cheers, Angie.
_________________
Brother diagnosed with GBMIV Feb 07
Treatment: Radiotherapy, Temodal, Gliadel Wafers, Dexamethasone, Keppra, Dilantin, Clexane
Went to our Heavenly Father after a 19mth battle,, 47 years young.
23 Sep 2008
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=19227

"Without Faith We Have Nothing"

brainman · Posted: Fri May 11, 2007 11:41 am Post subject: Re: Significant Memory Losses

Thank you all for your kind words and prayers. Currently, the neurologist is trying to change my seizure medication from the dilantin/phenobarbital combination I have been on since '92 to Lamictal. I have completed one week on Lamictal. For the last couple of days, I have been nauseated a lot. Haven't had a chance to look it up to see if nausea is a side effect of Lamictal because I have hardly felt like getting out of bed... other than to go to the bathroom. This morning I am doing a little work on the forums, but I already feel the nausea returning. Again, thanks for all the support and prayers.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

brainman · Posted: Tue May 15, 2007 5:24 pm Post subject: Re: Significant Memory Losses

I think the nausea was from something I ate and not from the new medication because I am feeling 100% better and still taking the Lamictal. I am scheduled to have a MRI this Thursday but will be away from my computer until Sunday afternoon. I will keep all of you informed as soon as I can. Thank you for your continued support.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

brunette · Posted: Wed May 16, 2007 5:49 am Post subject: Re: Significant Memory Losses

Hi Brainman, I hope you are feeling better very soon.

You are often in my thoughts so I send my love and best wishes to you, and everyone else as always

fondest regards xxxxxx Jen

brainman · Posted: Sat May 19, 2007 5:43 am Post subject: Re: Significant Memory Losses

Hi Everyone and thank you for your prayers and thoughts.

I did have an MRI Thursday... no signs of activity in my brain Laughing

. It seems like, for some reason, I have develeped a tollerance for my anti-seizure medication so they are changing it. I think they are in the process of scheduling an EEG for my... won't know about that until my neurologist sees the MRI report but he said that would be the next step sometime in June. He said that a seizure could allow me to remains conscious however, like electroshock therapy, wipe out portions of my short term memory. So, sorry if I am writing this post twice... I just don't remember if I have already written it or not Laughing

Again, that you all for your thoughts and prayers.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

Vee Smith · Moderator Joined: 12 Feb 2006 Posts: 749 Location: UK

So glad that the MRI was satisfactory and I do hope they can sort out the other problem.

brainman · Posted: Sat May 19, 2007 9:52 pm Post subject: Re: Significant Memory Losses

What other problem? Laughing

Just kidding. Thanks Vee.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

ksplat · Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 12:33 am Post subject: Significant Memory Losses

Dear Jim, Just wondering how you went with your MRI on 17 May? I hope all is well but I am a little concerned as you haven't posted anything since! Do you still have nausea & what about r sided weakness? Had a lovely weekend with my Bro. He was in high spirits, laughing & joking. His mates held a fundraiser for him (without his knowledge) & they raised over $15,000 aust. He was blown away & very overwhelmed. He still hasn't regained use on his L side but is continuing with daily rehab. Surgeon will do another MRI in 2 weeks & we pray my Bro will have some kind of remission. Just found out that my name has finally got to the top of the transplant list in Aust for combined kidney/pancreas. Have been waiting 2yrs. Name is No 5 from top of list. Operation within 6-12 mths. Hard to feel too excited with Mark suffering as he is, it's a bit of a let down to tell the truth. I shouldn't say that because he is sooo happy for me & phoned me himself today to say so. Tells me I could have his big toe if I need it as he hasn't much else in the way of good organs to give. Must go....thinking of you always, prayers & hugs. Angie xox.
_________________
Brother diagnosed with GBMIV Feb 07
Treatment: Radiotherapy, Temodal, Gliadel Wafers, Dexamethasone, Keppra, Dilantin, Clexane
Went to our Heavenly Father after a 19mth battle,, 47 years young.
23 Sep 2008
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=19227

"Without Faith We Have Nothing"

brainman · Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 2:21 pm Post subject: Re: Significant Memory Losses

Angie, thank you for the warm and caring reply. The MRI did not show any cause for my memory loss. The cancer is still gone and no signs of a stroke. I still do not know what caused them. However, I have not had another one since going on the new medication. My neurologist guesses (and that is his word for it) that I just needed a new medication after being on dilatine and phenabarbitol for so long (Nov 1992).

I am glad to hear that your name is finally at the top of the list. Do the doctors have any idea of how long it might be before a kidney and pancreas become available. I know it might be tonight, but on average...

You and your bother sound very close. It must be hard on both of you not to be able to be together more. I am always paying for you and for him.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

brainman · Posted: Sun Jun 03, 2007 12:53 am Post subject: Re: Significant Memory Losses

Update one my own situation. That I know of, I have not had any periods of memory loss for a while now... at least none that I can remember Laughing

. I go back to the neurologist June 6. I still am experiencing some weakness in my right hand. I wish I could blame my spelling errors on something other than my failure to learn while I was young Smile

. Just try to interpret what I am trying to say Smile

. Anyhow, I am grateful for all of you and your support and prayers.
Let us do whatever we can to help other members of this unique but sad community affected in some way by cancer.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

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