Early 40's young woman, hx. CA, current Long-term Memory Loss

[MellyOne]

My aunt had Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma about 10-12 years ago. She underwent radiation therapy and has had no recurrence of the disease.

The issue is her memory. She is very young, seemingly healthy and active. She does not remember things such as how she and her husband met. She does not remember ever knowing that my parents lived in the same small town as her-and they did for a long time. She doesn't remember recent significant conversations, so sometimes her short term memory is deficient as well.

She blames it on the radiation therapy, however the treatment wasn't used on her head. Is this possible? Is it possible there's something else going on here? My entire family is rather concerned and I don't know what to tell them-heck, I can't even find info on the internet even linking these things together. Wouldn't you think this would have resolved by now even if it were related to the radiation? Thanks for your help!

ps. She does not drink, smoke, use drugs. Also denies hx of substance abuse.

[SFCardiacRN]

She needs to see a doctor.

[MellyOne]

Is there any way to convince her to go? Like I said-she blames it on the radiation and doesn't seem to see it as a big deal. We've expressed our concerns, but that doesn't seem to get us anywhere...

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Memory loss post radiation

http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec06/ch088/ch088e.html

One would expect memory loss to develop within first few years....not 10 years down the road. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can reoccur oo other type of cancer.

Evaluation by a physician is imperative to determine cause and help with treatment/coping skills.

Early detection and treatment is in your aunt''s best interest:do it for her loved ones sake. Family can always notify family doctor.