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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is It Safe For Next Dose Of Chemo With Atrophy And Memory Loss?

my mother(72years) has malignant tumer of size 60mm in the pancreas head(stage 4 pancreatic cander0) when she was treated with chemotherapy, she developed a severe fall of total count and sodium level. Though she regained the total count and her condition improved, her doctor in guwahati is asking us to take decision whether to give her the next dose of chemo or not. Her MRI of brain shows atropy. She is suffring from some kind of memory loss. Please suggest.

Bilaylakhmi
Fri, 12 Sep 2014
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Thanks for contacting HCM

I am deeply sorry to hear about you mother and her recent medical problems which include a malignant tumor in the pancreas and memory loss. This is a very difficult time in her life and from my experience with tumors of the pancreas this is not a good diagnosis. The real question is does the chemotherapy which makes her ill worth the effort? Only your mother, yourself and your doctor can answer that question.

The atrophy of the brain is a normal finding in patients in their 70s and does not mean she has anything like dementia. The recent memory changes could be a side effect from the chemotherapy and its resulting low sodium levels.

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Is It Safe For Next Dose Of Chemo With Atrophy And Memory Loss?

Thanks for contacting HCM I am deeply sorry to hear about you mother and her recent medical problems which include a malignant tumor in the pancreas and memory loss. This is a very difficult time in her life and from my experience with tumors of the pancreas this is not a good diagnosis. The real question is does the chemotherapy which makes her ill worth the effort? Only your mother, yourself and your doctor can answer that question. The atrophy of the brain is a normal finding in patients in their 70s and does not mean she has anything like dementia. The recent memory changes could be a side effect from the chemotherapy and its resulting low sodium levels. Hope this answers your question. Please contact us again if you have questions or need help.