Chemobrain & me...my journey

Chemotherapy can help you beat cancer, but side effects are almost certain. It’s common for you to have a cloudy mind, called "chemo brain," during and after treatment. Maybe you have a hard time remembering names or can’t multitask as well as you used to.

As many as 3 out of 4 people with cancer say they're not as mentally sharp. It’s often caused by y
our chemotherapy medicines, but it can also come from the cancer itself or other problems like infection, low blood counts, fatigue, sleep problems, or stress.

So when I mention experiencing chemo brain to people, some may be genuinely concern, some may notice there have been changes in my cognitive/memory abilities based on how long they have known me, or some people may just laugh thinking it is a joke or think I am just making it up. It isn't fun talking and during mid-sentence you completely forget what you are saying. It makes you feel as though all of those years of school and money on grad school are worthless, at times you just feel dumb having to have something repeated to you over and over because you forget or stare at directions and questions for a long time because your processing speed has decline. I have and continue to go through this. Just to name a few. 

A person with chemo brain may experience the following symptoms: 

• Concentrating and paying attention
• Remembering names, dates, and everyday things
• Finding the right word or doing simple math (like balancing your checkbook)
• Doing more than one thing at a time
• Mood swings

If you are concerned and wonder how chemotherapy has affected your brain, see if you can find a survivorship program as they may provide testing. If that doesn't work you may want to try to contact a neuropsychologist that can do testing. If you are on disability, make contact with your Department of Rehabilitative Services and obtain a counselor. They may be able to set up a neuropsych test with a psychologist for free if you are on disability. It is always nice to know where you were and where you are. This way you can get recommendations on how to strengthen the skills that may have diminished. 

I knew something wasn't right, I knew my reaction time, memory, and other things were not on the same level before I started chemotherapy. So, I would play this game called Brain Wars to help with my mental agility. For a long time I wanted to get tested and luckily I was able to receive testing for free. Although I had flashbacks of grad school, I had to take some of the tests that I had to learn about and hated it then and now...I don't know if it is worse to take it or give it. However, I made it through the 5 hour test, and it confirmed what I knew. My IQ used to be within the superior range prior to chemotherapy, and I have suffered a severe drop in my cognitive functioning and now my IQ falls within normal range. However, recommendations have been given to me in order to help increase it among other recommendations in other areas of my life. Unfortunately, a side effect of Revlimid, my long term therapy maintenance medication, is cognitive issues. 

 So, I encourage you all that think you may suffer from chemo brain, find a way to get a neuropsych test. Understand psychological testing can take anywhere up to 8hrs depending on the tests being used. Don't be embarrassed, remember chemo brain is real! You’re not just imagining this. Studies show that cancer and its treatment causes changes in the brain. What you’re going through is normal.Don’t be afraid to ask your family and friends for support and gentle reminders. Use your electronic device for reminders or just an old fashioned calendar. Support groups are another great idea.