Chemo Brain

Tracy D. Vannorsdall, PhD, APP/CN, of Johns Hopkins University and Mary Hesdorffer, MS, NP, of the Meso Foundation discuss chemo brain (post-chemotherapy cognitive impairment) at the 2014 International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma.

[@rcannon100]

“Chemo brain - good news is that impact is small. See small decline in IQ.” Sorry but bullshit. You take one measurement of cognition and make a conclusive statement that the impact is small. I have intense chemo brain. It is not that I have become stupid. My cognition remains strong. But much like your next slide shows, my ability to think takes so much more effort. I cognitively fatigue so much more readily. Any task takes so much more effort. And by the end of the day I am just mentally wiped out. To the extent that I make cognitive mistakes, its not because I dont have the ability - but because I dont have the strength. It just amazes me over and over in the literature how experts seem to just not listen to patents. “You cant possibly have chemo brain because.....”. Or as here “chemo brain is small because blah blah blah.” Listen to the patients. Stop trying to get the patents to conform to the theory - and instead get the theory to conform to the patients.

[@kevinmoore2501]

Bob Cannon hey, bob. I’m undergoing chemotherapy for a recurrent brain tumor that I’ve had surgically resected, and treated with radiation. Both times, I was treated very well by the staff who took care of me. This time around (3rd time battling this cancer), I’ve noticed some cognitive deficits, issues with memory, etc. I agree with what you say. I agreed to chemo over radiation, or surgery with the belief (foolishly) that chemo was the easier route. I’ve only had one treatment so far, but the effects on my cognition are virtually impossible to ignore. I was also told that the chemo that I’m getting is “baby chemo” by my medical oncologist. Chemo seems to be different for each patient. Some recover more easily than others. Treatment should be individualized to be patient specific, instead of making a “one size fits all” treatment which is what radiation and chemo are.

[@infamousElle]

What about irritability? Every woman I've ever spoken with who has had chemo reports a shortened patience, snappiness, rage. Some said it was a sound in their head, some said they couldn't feel any happiness . Emotional changes should be looked at, especially for women

[@johnn2638]

My Kim had been diagnosed with stage 2 Breast Cancer a few years back. I definitely did notice some Cognitive decline.

[@johnn2638]

Mom.

[@Bichonfrise369]

To much school also makes people think they know!

[@ctrcflyin2011]

My wife is stage 4 lung cancer that has made it to her brain. She has been through 10 radiation treatments, and 4 sessions of chemo. She has really suffered cognitive impairment. Our primary income comes from taking care of an individual with autism in our home under a shared living program. This was always her job as I did auto detailing. I have had to give up auto detailing to stay home, and take care of them both. Her cognitive impairment mimics a combination of autism and dementia. The income that we receive from taking care of this individual is not only non taxable but untaxable, so we have been unable to get health insurance. I have been a primary care taker for this individual, and my wife for 5 months now. A daunting task to say the least. I feel quagmired in dealing with debt and providing care for both. I love my wife to the ends of this earth, and will continue to do all I can, but I am overwhelmed some days. Does anybody have any advise for me?

[@joeldecoster8816]

so sorry, life is not fair...my wife has been through breast cancer treatment and now she is the same, i have an adult son at home and i can hardly afford to eat, I ASK MYSELF IS THIS WHAT HAPPENS TO EVERY ONE? why me?