MRF-Logo2019-Horizontal-RGB
“Chemo brain” anyone?
REGISTER
The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content within the patient forum is user-generated and has not been reviewed by medical professionals. Other sections of the Melanoma Research Foundation website include information that has been reviewed by medical professionals as appropriate. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor or other qualified medical professional.

“Chemo brain” anyone?

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › “Chemo brain” anyone?

  • Post
    • March 4, 2011 at 12:17 pm
    RMcLegal
    Participant

      Has anyone else felt like their brain was hijacked during chemotherapy, taken for a long joyride, and later returned with some dings and dents?   I underwent biochemotherapy treatments (a combo of interferon, interleukin-2, dacarbazine, vinblastin, and cisplatin) in 2003 following a Stage IIIc diagnosis.  I've blogged a bit about my lingering "chemo brain" challenges at http://www.hotelmelanoma.blogspot.com.   I'd love to hear from others who've experienced similar "challenges&quo

      Has anyone else felt like their brain was hijacked during chemotherapy, taken for a long joyride, and later returned with some dings and dents?   I underwent biochemotherapy treatments (a combo of interferon, interleukin-2, dacarbazine, vinblastin, and cisplatin) in 2003 following a Stage IIIc diagnosis.  I've blogged a bit about my lingering "chemo brain" challenges at http://www.hotelmelanoma.blogspot.com.   I'd love to hear from others who've experienced similar "challenges" and read your stories about the challenges you've experienced and how you try to manage them.  Thanks, and best wishes.

    Viewing 3 reply threads
    • Replies
        • March 4, 2011 at 5:43 pm
        Erica A
        Participant

          My husband underwent bio-chemo in 2005 for stage IV and for a few years after the treatment he complained that it was like trying to think through fog or pea soup.  It was especially evident when he was at work and trying to solve tough issues. He had some brain function tests done  at the time and there was noticable damage to his frontal lobe.  I am happy to report however that it did go away and he now says that he doesn't have "chemo brain" anymore.  Back to pre-cancer functioning!

            • March 4, 2011 at 6:12 pm
            RMcLegal
            Participant

              Erica, glad to hear your husband is back up to full speed!  I'm much improved, but my short term memory and reading retention still isn't what it was pre-treatment.  But oh well, I'm just grateful to be walking around healthy and sure don't regret doing biochemo treatments.  Best wishes to you and your husband.  Rich

              • March 4, 2011 at 6:12 pm
              RMcLegal
              Participant

                Erica, glad to hear your husband is back up to full speed!  I'm much improved, but my short term memory and reading retention still isn't what it was pre-treatment.  But oh well, I'm just grateful to be walking around healthy and sure don't regret doing biochemo treatments.  Best wishes to you and your husband.  Rich

              • March 4, 2011 at 5:43 pm
              Erica A
              Participant

                My husband underwent bio-chemo in 2005 for stage IV and for a few years after the treatment he complained that it was like trying to think through fog or pea soup.  It was especially evident when he was at work and trying to solve tough issues. He had some brain function tests done  at the time and there was noticable damage to his frontal lobe.  I am happy to report however that it did go away and he now says that he doesn't have "chemo brain" anymore.  Back to pre-cancer functioning!

                • March 5, 2011 at 9:16 am
                Fen
                Participant

                  Similar story – 2004 chemo for breast cancer followed a year later by the month of high dose and 6 months low dose interferon for stage 3 or 4.  I was an avid reader prior to diagnosis, but for years after I just couldn't focus enough to get through a chapter.  It has just been recently that my focus is back.  Just took a long train ride and read The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks during it – first book I've been able to finish in a long time.

                  I also noticed emotional "flatness" for years and that doesn't seem to be coming back. I used to get great "exercise highs" and spending a day in my garden was heaven. Now? Meh.   But like you I am just happy to be upright and plugging through and maybe things will improve on this front also.

                  fen

                  • March 5, 2011 at 9:16 am
                  Fen
                  Participant

                    Similar story – 2004 chemo for breast cancer followed a year later by the month of high dose and 6 months low dose interferon for stage 3 or 4.  I was an avid reader prior to diagnosis, but for years after I just couldn't focus enough to get through a chapter.  It has just been recently that my focus is back.  Just took a long train ride and read The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks during it – first book I've been able to finish in a long time.

                    I also noticed emotional "flatness" for years and that doesn't seem to be coming back. I used to get great "exercise highs" and spending a day in my garden was heaven. Now? Meh.   But like you I am just happy to be upright and plugging through and maybe things will improve on this front also.

                    fen

                Viewing 3 reply threads
                • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
                About the MRF Patient Forum

                The MRF Patient Forum is the oldest and largest online community of people affected by melanoma. It is designed to provide peer support and information to caregivers, patients, family and friends. There is no better place to discuss different parts of your journey with this cancer and find the friends and support resources to make that journey more bearable.

                The information on the forum is open and accessible to everyone. To add a new topic or to post a reply, you must be a registered user. Please note that you will be able to post both topics and replies anonymously even though you are logged in. All posts must abide by MRF posting policies.

                Popular Topics