concerned about mental side effects

winthefight
winthefight Member Posts: 162
edited March 2014 in Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin) #1
I have been undergoing R and Chop treatments for 6 months (7 of the 8 scheduled treatments). Before being diagnosed, I wondered why I would forget things or had a hard time making decisions. Now that the treatments have started, I can forget what I am saying in the middle of a sentence or have a difficult time making simple decisions. Although I have taken the time off from work while undergoing treatment, I am concerned when I return to work. Is anyone experiencing any of these issue? If so, how did you handle it and overcome it?

Comments

  • Plymouthean
    Plymouthean Member Posts: 262
    #2
    Hi. I'm a survivor of lung cancer, and I am currently in remission from NHL. When I was going through chemo for the lung cancer, I suffered severe memory symptoms such as you describe. I didn't have the symptoms with the RChop treatments for NHL. But everyone is different, so the the symptoms/side effects will vary.
    Be assured that the condition is quite common, and it is temporary. It even has a name! It's called "chemo brain".
    My symptoms were so frustrating that I was tempted to give up trying to speak.
    This condition will go away when treatment is finished.
    Speak to your doctor about the problem, and get the latest information about it.
    Good luck.
  • faithfull
    faithfull Member Posts: 9
    #3
    hi there! i can honestly tell you that i had the same symptoms... i went through the R-CHOP treatments as well... my last treatment was in november 2006 and i am still having some memory problems... i know you probably do not want to hear that but im just being honest... i have a hard time at times remembering things... it was really bad during my treatments and got alittle better as time went along... my oncologist did tell me that it was a normal side effect... and that my memory will get better... im still waiting for 100%... we will see...
    im sure it will get better as time goes along... if you need anything else.. please dont hesitate to mail me!! :)
    ~jody :)
  • winthefight
    winthefight Member Posts: 162
    #4
    faithfull said:

    hi there! i can honestly tell you that i had the same symptoms... i went through the R-CHOP treatments as well... my last treatment was in november 2006 and i am still having some memory problems... i know you probably do not want to hear that but im just being honest... i have a hard time at times remembering things... it was really bad during my treatments and got alittle better as time went along... my oncologist did tell me that it was a normal side effect... and that my memory will get better... im still waiting for 100%... we will see...
    im sure it will get better as time goes along... if you need anything else.. please dont hesitate to mail me!! :)
    ~jody :)

    Thank you for your response. Did it affect you at work?
  • faithfull
    faithfull Member Posts: 9
    #5
    winthefight said:

    Thank you for your response. Did it affect you at work?

    hi! yes it did affect my work... it affected everything... i still forget things... it really is getting better... anything else i can help with please let me know!
    ~jody :)
  • mab52
    mab52 Member Posts: 3
    #6
    I've just "successfully" completed ABVD chemo for Hodgkin's Nodular Sclerosis. It's normal to be a bit foggy during the process and afterwards. How much it will affect you depends. Between the treatment, not feeling well, and whatever other struggles you might be facing can make ordinary things seem more difficult. I was trying to teach myself some new skills when I was on chemo. Nothing difficult, but I had some rough days trying to do them. I can't believe how easy they are now.

    You've got a full plate right now trying to get better. That's dessert so leave room! I am living one day at a time now and it's enough for me.
    Mike
  • vicken
    vicken Member Posts: 12
    #7
    My husbands nurse actually coined the phrase "chemo brain" for this side effect. It not only effected his memory, but also his ability to reason and problem solve. It did improve after treatment stopped.
  • ciyona
    ciyona Member Posts: 3
    #8
    Hi, It does get better but I like to call it chemo-nesia. I was diagnosed with nhl in 2004 and had the chop-retuxian treament no radiation because of where mine was located. It is frustrating and does effect my work at times. So I have to think about what I am doing at the time and take it slower than before. I have been in remission for 4years now and was at a stage 3. just remember you aren't alone. Email any time.
    Pat,
    aka Ciyona
  • gailygail
    gailygail Member Posts: 3
    #9
    Dear Win, we've been in the chatroom at same time. I made one-year remission hodgkins lymphoma this January and have lamented my chemo brain. I am much better now. I still get words backwards and have a hard time remembering but much of my "sharpness" has returned. I'm not quick as I used to be but am satisfied Just For Today with a "new normal" me. You are in the midst of getting treated, when you're in recovery life will begin to make more sense, at least that is what happened to me. With a sense of some power, some of the fear has left me. I hope this helps you. God bless. Gailgail
  • red12
    red12 Member Posts: 1
    #10
    I understand. I feel frusterated. People think your suppose to be super. Not feel, not forget, not get angry, not feel sorrow.
  • jacky101
    jacky101 Member Posts: 3
    #11
    red12 said:

    I understand. I feel frusterated. People think your suppose to be super. Not feel, not forget, not get angry, not feel sorrow.

    mental changes
    hey there i to went through r chop chemo finished in oct 07 i still feel very tired all of the time and forgetful i am hoping this soon ends just hang in there
  • judamonster
    judamonster Member Posts: 4
    #12
    memory
    Hi, My name is Jude. and what you are experiencing is chemo brain or what docs like to call chemonisia. I have been experiencing it as well. I am told it can last upto ten years.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #13
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