Discussing the side effect called "chemo brain" or cognitive disfunction is nothing new to this forum. I only want to stress two points.
1) Forums have been wondering about this side effect for years. Oncology is just now getting around to studying it. Knowledge of possible side effects from toxic chemo/radiation and its possible prevention is just as important as the possible theraputic effects of toxic chemos/radiation.
2) There are supplements that have documented prevention effects for chemo brain. I wish that i had known of them and used them back in '95 when i first began my chemo.
This issue of chemo brain is becoming more and more urgent to me as
I see the drug effects my husband is suffering, (meanwhile the
oncologist keeps dismissing them and saying that my husband is on a
benign treatment.) It's distressing to obseve the effects of chemo
brain; far more distressingI know to experience them.
I also noted the suggestion in the article that part of the
problem may also be stress. I don't mean at all to sound
flippant, but sometimes I feel as if I've got caregiver brain. i
can't think straight, never remember what I set out to do, feel like
i've lost a few billion brain cells in the past year. Stress,
lack of sleep and improper nutrition can have potent effects on the
brain functioning of even a well person. Throw a few toxic
chemicals in, like chemo, and it's not hard to imagine the effect.
Lisa-
This is just my opinion but since I've been dealing with this side effect and others for years this is what I have learned-
1) After years of complaints from survivors/caregivers, chemo brain is just now being recognized by American oncs. Your onc seems to be challenged in so many ways...try not to be stressed by his indifference. You deserve more but I don't think he can give more.
2) The stess of a mm diagnosis is real and can negatively affect you both. Learning to manage it is like managing your m-spike. I happen to believe in supplements like fish oil, etc. (yes, fish oil has documented calming benefits), exercise and saunas. I find these last two to be extremely calming. But many swear by yoga, music, etc. You need to find techniques to help manage you/hubbys stress.
3) In my experience, the entire subject of side effects is downplayed by oncs. Low doses of chemos should be studied both for the effect on the mm itself but also for the reduced side effects. Conversely, aggressive therapy like pbsct should be looked at both from a mm standpoint as well as a side effect standpoint. JMO David
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