HearPeers Heroes Mary Beth Posted February 4, 2022 HearPeers Heroes Report Share Posted February 4, 2022 CIs and Chemotherapy Recently I learned that I have cancer and will most likely need chemotherapy. That led me to a search online about ototoxic chemotherapy drugs in established cochlear implant users. I reached out and requested information so that the oncology team has this information when considering chemotherapy treatment. I realize that the most effective chemotherapy regimen may in fact include some of these ototoxic drugs. However if there are equally effective alternatives, it is important to me that they are considered. I have bilateral Med-El CIs and Med-El has a medical procedure document online which gives guidance for surgical instruments which use electrical currents, radiation, MRI guidelines based on internal implant type, etc. It is very helpful and can be found here: https://www.medel.com/en-us/important-safety-information There are 3 documents that I have read so far that discuss ototoxic drugs. One case study is specifically about the chemotherapy drug cisplatin and an established CI user’s loss of CI hearing abilities. I am not a medical professional and we all know that each individual’s experience varies. I am sharing these links in case anyone else finds them helpful. I am hoping you never have a need for them. Thank you to everyone who helped me gather this information. I wish you all the best. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3144856/ https://www.ultimatekiosk.com/files/OtotoxicBrochurebyLeagueforHardofHearing2012Jul12.pdf https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23044998/ Edited to add this report. A CI user reported to me substantial decrease in hearing with her CIs after treatment with Taxotere for cancer. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7678920/ Lauren, AnnetteT and MED-EL Moderator 2 1 Quote Link to comment https://forum.hearpeers.com/topic/8855-chemotherapy-and-cochlear-implants/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew42 Posted February 4, 2022 Report Share Posted February 4, 2022 @Mary Beth. What miserable news. I really feel for you. I hope treatment goes well, that the cancer has been caught in an early stage, remission follows and life gets back on a more even keel. Good luck!! Kylie and Mary Beth 2 Quote Link to comment https://forum.hearpeers.com/topic/8855-chemotherapy-and-cochlear-implants/#findComment-46653 Share on other sites More sharing options...
HearPeers Heroes Mary Featherston Posted February 5, 2022 HearPeers Heroes Report Share Posted February 5, 2022 @Mary Beth I'm sorry to hear this. I hope the treatment is easy on you, works quickly and you're back to normal soon. Mary Beth 1 Quote Link to comment https://forum.hearpeers.com/topic/8855-chemotherapy-and-cochlear-implants/#findComment-46659 Share on other sites More sharing options...
HearPeers Heroes Mary Beth Posted February 5, 2022 Author HearPeers Heroes Report Share Posted February 5, 2022 Thank you @Andrew42 and @Mary Featherston Mary Featherston 1 Quote Link to comment https://forum.hearpeers.com/topic/8855-chemotherapy-and-cochlear-implants/#findComment-46660 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rubella Posted February 5, 2022 Report Share Posted February 5, 2022 Ditto Andrew42. Thank you, Mary Beth, for highlighting this issue. My brother in law is just now buying hearing aids due to hearing loss from chemo. It is the first I've heard about it. Mary Beth 1 Quote Link to comment https://forum.hearpeers.com/topic/8855-chemotherapy-and-cochlear-implants/#findComment-46669 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason77 Posted February 5, 2022 Report Share Posted February 5, 2022 @Mary Beth So sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I echo others when I say hope this was caught early and you get into remission quickly. You will definitely be in my thoughts and prayers. Mary Beth 1 Quote Link to comment https://forum.hearpeers.com/topic/8855-chemotherapy-and-cochlear-implants/#findComment-46670 Share on other sites More sharing options...
HearPeers Heroes Mary Beth Posted February 5, 2022 Author HearPeers Heroes Report Share Posted February 5, 2022 Thank you @Jason77 @Rubella I am sorry to hear about your brother-in-law’s hearing loss following chemo. I wish him the very best. Quote Link to comment https://forum.hearpeers.com/topic/8855-chemotherapy-and-cochlear-implants/#findComment-46672 Share on other sites More sharing options...
HearPeers Heroes Kylie Posted February 5, 2022 HearPeers Heroes Report Share Posted February 5, 2022 @Mary Beththis is terrible news, I'm so sorry 😔. When I read this I felt such a pang of sadness. I realise I think of you as something like a 'how to be deaf but totally amazing' mentor! Your support means so much to me, and I'm sure to many many others. Even though we've never met in person I think I and many of us feel that we know you through the posts and video chats, and therefore care deeply about your well-being. So you look after yourself and get better!! Will be cheering you on. Mary Beth 1 Quote Link to comment https://forum.hearpeers.com/topic/8855-chemotherapy-and-cochlear-implants/#findComment-46673 Share on other sites More sharing options...
HearPeers Heroes Mary Beth Posted February 5, 2022 Author HearPeers Heroes Report Share Posted February 5, 2022 Thank you my friend @Kylie Quote Link to comment https://forum.hearpeers.com/topic/8855-chemotherapy-and-cochlear-implants/#findComment-46674 Share on other sites More sharing options...
RRG Posted February 7, 2022 Report Share Posted February 7, 2022 Hi Mary Beth, I'm so sorry to read this news. I hope chemo goes well and you have a swift and full recovery. Thank you for sharing your excellent research. Best wishes. Mary Beth 1 Quote Link to comment https://forum.hearpeers.com/topic/8855-chemotherapy-and-cochlear-implants/#findComment-46716 Share on other sites More sharing options...
HearPeers Heroes Mary Beth Posted February 7, 2022 Author HearPeers Heroes Report Share Posted February 7, 2022 Thanks @RRG Quote Link to comment https://forum.hearpeers.com/topic/8855-chemotherapy-and-cochlear-implants/#findComment-46718 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommy C Posted February 7, 2022 Report Share Posted February 7, 2022 @Mary Beth I have not been very active on the forum for the past few months due to things that are going on in my life now. For some reason I decided to log on tonight and see what has been going on here. Your post was the first thing I saw and I am so sorry to hear this. You have been an inspiration to so many people with your CI knowledge and valuable information. I have never met you but feel that I know you well and believe that you will be very successful in your upcoming fight with this. Hang in there and you will be back to normal in no time. Tommy C Mary Beth 1 Quote Link to comment https://forum.hearpeers.com/topic/8855-chemotherapy-and-cochlear-implants/#findComment-46719 Share on other sites More sharing options...
HearPeers Heroes Mary Beth Posted February 7, 2022 Author HearPeers Heroes Report Share Posted February 7, 2022 @Tommy C Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement. I will be thinking of you as well and wishing you the very best. Quote Link to comment https://forum.hearpeers.com/topic/8855-chemotherapy-and-cochlear-implants/#findComment-46726 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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