Personality changes

momall25ofu said:

PClark21st, I wish I could

PClark21st, I wish I could help, but haven't been that path yet.  So, I wanted to say hang in there.  I know my husband is struggling with crazy feelings and thoughts.  Have patience with him.  This too shall pass. 

Thanks for the note.  Im surprised that out of 111 reads on this post not a one has experienced any petsonality changes when I read it seems a common problem from chemo.  Im just concerned about the total flip.  Hes really almost like a totally different person

mehrdad357 said:

Hello Pclark21st,

Hello Pclark21st,

 

2 things:  1) As far as I know and have experienced chemo brain does not cause drastic personality changes,

like the ones your partner is experiencing. Do a search for Chemo Brain and Mayo Clinic. You see a

listing all symptoms of Chemo brain and none of them even remotely mentions Personality change.

2) Do a google on cancer and personality change and you will find many relevent matches. Some of which

I experienced myself, starting about 3 months post treatment (About February 2017), and ending (January 2018).

I was diagnosed with recurrence of my Base of tongue cancer on 8/2/18, and so far no personality changes except

that I am extremeley disappointed in medical community for being so "Dense" that there has not been any significant

improvement in cancer treatment since about late 1940s (I have done a lot of research into history of cancer research).

I evren contacted Paul Davies early this month and asked him if he has any clinical trials and he siad not yet, and that

I should go with traditional treatments as of this time.  I am also very angry at cancer, and the fact of why me?

I can go on, but I think you get the general idea.

I can discuss with you certain personality changes that I had starting Sept. 2017 and ending January 2018,

that I think may help you see his brehaviour from a different pespective, but not on a public forum like this.

 

Thank you for your reply.   I have done alot of research and there are studies of behavorial changes after cancer treatment...but Google never went through them.  Thats why I rely on this site to give me insight from people who have been there, done that.  Lol  I know researched all that they presentrd to us and then relied on them to give us their best options.  So far we gave been very lucky with our medical team.  Sorry you hsve not found a comforting fit for you...I know having confidence in what they are saying makes all the difference.  Good luck on your journey

donfoo said:

changes - yes

My outlook and priorities in life changed a lot after recovering from cancer treatment. Fortunately, for the better. Every day is a gift, I take each day as it comes. It is always a fine day or a less fine day but never a horrible day. Just have to remember some of those days/ hours struggling through treatments.

It is a life altering event, no way around that. For the most part, those here report a brighter experience. I suspect there are those with experiences like yours that probably don't bother visiting here as they are checking out rather than checking in. Encourage him to get some help to sort through this period in his life.

Thank you for your reply.  I was expecting changes as you described.  I thought he would be cherish each new day and I thought with a clearer head from the absence of alcohol.  I know this has changed me as a caregiver, so it has to have greatly affected him.  He was 2 days away from a coffin, went through tx, gave up 2 strong addictions...it has to be difficult to meet his new self.  I just dont want him to lose his way while trying to figure this all out.  Its good to hear from other people who have actually experienced this.  I am a forever optimist and want to garner all the info I can to help him.  Thank you.

wbcgaruss said:

Major

All you folks are going through are major life changes.

I did my share of drinking and smoking but now do neither.

Stopped drinking 15 years ago and after you're off of it past the strong urge for a drink you're past the worst period. But after that, your boyfriend will find he has a lot of spare time he has to fill up where he used to always use that time for drinking. Find a church to attend and help out or volunteer somewhere if he doesn't have hobbies to fill in the time.

Smoked for many years but quit the beginning of my cancer treatment. I don't miss the alcohol but sure get the urge for a cigar once in awhile but would never start smoking again after all the good work all the medical people put forth for me. Like my Radiation doctor said "This is a One-shot deal you don't want to smoke again.

My advice he must use common sense and realize he has been off the stuff for 6 months he is over the worst withdrawal and urges now is the time to start anew and plan a life with many new changes without smokes and alcohol. Cancer treatment and the recovery period is enough to deal with. God Bless & Good Luck.

Thank you for note.  I agree, he has been smoking and drinking since he was a teenager and recently it was getting out of control.  Its weird but cancer may have actually saved his life.  I do think hes struggling to find out what to do and how to be without them, and then add the cancer and thats alot .  We luve in a mostly seasonal beach area and most everyone has a drink, and there's parties. Ive stopped drinking with him so hes not the only one to help him with this transition time.  He is involved with his softball teams and he is going through the motions of fishing, and occassionally coming to the beach, so Im hopeful he can get through this slump before he makes erroneous decisions.  Its been helpful with my research to hear other people have gone through the same kind of thing.Thanks for the kind words.