I was given cisplatin in 3 large doses and I have permanent high frequency hearing loss. Not so bad that I need hearing aids but I do deal with it many times throughout every day. For instance I can't hear emergency vehicles until they are right on top of me and several months ago almost went thru a green light with a fast approaching firetruck on my left. Scary! Many now get smaller weekly doses and that seems to help in the side effects department but do ask about this for sure.

Re the port. I didn't have one but looking back I wish I had.

David

Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.