Chemobrain

lkh · March 2003

I tried to post this yesterday, but it never got posted.

I was dx in late 2000, treated in 2002. Ever since I had chemo, I have been having some real problems with short-term memory and concentration. It has impacted my productivity at work, and it has interfered with my ability to write (I'm a published novelist). I'm looking for a solution.

Has anyone else been dealing with this problem? Have you found any answers? I went to a neurologist who suggested I try 800 IU of Vitamin E and a little ginko biloba, which may be helping a bit with the memory. But I still struggle to concentrate. I've read about studies where they're trying Ritalin. Has anyone tried that? Any other ideas I might try?

Thanks!

ateddy · March 2003

I just finished chemo on 2/28 and I can't stand chemobrain....it's become a big joke at work but it's driving me crazy....I can't recall words...I know what I want to say but I can't seem to make my brain get it to flow out of my mouth. Honestly, I haven't heard of any "cures" but I sure hope it fades over time.

minnie112256 · March 2003

I also heard it referred to as "Chemo Fog". It does drive you crazy but I think it is only temporary.

banker · March 2003

Hi, I had chemo in 1998, did not noticed anything at that time, had chemo last year, finished in October, really noticed it that time around. It has gotten much better now, I do take 800I.U. of vitamin E also, don't know if that helps it. I think it is temporary and they are doing studies now. For more info on this, type in "Google" in the addressbar, when it comes up, type in chemo brain. Lots of info. Hope this helps. It will get better. (((hugs))) emmi

newbeginning · March 2003

Hi..I'm still in chemo and can't believe how chemo brain has affected my concentration. I have a hard time reading a magazine...used to be an avid reader!!!! Can't study, can't read..hope it goes away soon!!!!..lol..or I'm wearing a blonde wig!!! Linda

iris48 · March 2003

I have also been experiencing the "Chemo Brain" lapses. I decided to use Gentle Yoga to help stretch my muscles, rebalance my body, improve breathing and it does work. Breathing better allows improved flow of oxygen to the brain which feeds the brain what it needs to think and retrieve all those words. I've also been using music to stimulate the brain and have just learned to play a violin. It is joyful and a pleasant way to create new paths so much so I now belong to a Chorale singing group too. Exercise in any form seems to be a bonus - I've chosen to walk two miles and smell the night jasmine. Hugs

heavenlee · March 2003

Hey there,
I finished chemo in November and I find that chemo brain has been diminishing slowly. It was really bad..I was running into my gargage door with the car due to closing it to soon. That was the worst of it. It is better these days. I haven't heard of anything to get rid of it. I just think time is the key. Wishing you the best.
Angel

lkh · March 2003

Hi everybody!

Thanks for your responses. I hate to tell you this, but based on everything I've read, true chemobrain does not go away. My oncologist tells me that initial cognitive problems during and shortly after the treatments can be a result of the hormonal fluctuations caused by the chemo, or a result of Post Traumatic Stress. Those problems will dissipate with time. But, after a couple of years, whatever you still have, that's probably true chemobrain, and the studies show that people with chemobrain still have problems even 10 years later.

If anyone is interested, here are some good articles on the research into this problem:

http://breastcarecenter.ucsfmedicalcenter.org/forum/2002/april_minutes.html

http://www.cancerwise.org/December_2002/display.cfm?id=E4995342-125B-4A43-A70AA3DF3D3D6232&color=blue&method=displayFull&color=blue

http://www.pinkribbon.com/chemobr.htm

My insurance sent me to a cognitive/behavioral specialist, and we're going to try a low dose of Ritalin. If anyone is interested, I'll keep you posted how it works.

Thanks again!

hummingbyrd · March 2003

lkh said:
Hi everybody!

Thanks for your responses. I hate to tell you this, but based on everything I've read, true chemobrain does not go away. My oncologist tells me that initial cognitive problems during and shortly after the treatments can be a result of the hormonal fluctuations caused by the chemo, or a result of Post Traumatic Stress. Those problems will dissipate with time. But, after a couple of years, whatever you still have, that's probably true chemobrain, and the studies show that people with chemobrain still have problems even 10 years later.

If anyone is interested, here are some good articles on the research into this problem:

http://breastcarecenter.ucsfmedicalcenter.org/forum/2002/april_minutes.html

http://www.cancerwise.org/December_2002/display.cfm?id=E4995342-125B-4A43-A70AA3DF3D3D6232&color=blue&method=displayFull&color=blue

http://www.pinkribbon.com/chemobr.htm

My insurance sent me to a cognitive/behavioral specialist, and we're going to try a low dose of Ritalin. If anyone is interested, I'll keep you posted how it works.

Thanks again!

Hi I was diagnosed 6/00 and completed chemo 4/01. Just thought I'd share that w/ you in response to your post. Can't remember why I thought you'd like to know, if that tells you anything. LOL hummingbyrd

bridgett · March 2003

I also have chemobrain, at work I forget things all the time and sometimes even get confused, and at home I always forget where I put things or it takes me a few seconds to say what I am thinking. My kids look at me like I am crazy and my boss says we will see if its the chemo once I am finshed. He thinks I am using it for an excuse, but I do notice how forgetful I have become and sometimes its is very upsetting. I feel like a true blonde. ha ha. Just joking to all of you blondes.
Bridgett

Chemobrain

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