brain fog post chemo treatment

FiFiK

Hi All 
Just a question about brain fog and how long people experience this after chemo treatment has stopped. I finished chemo about 5 weeks ago and am in my last week of radiation. I expected to have a clearer mind by now. Just wondering about other people's experience with brain fog post treatment.
thxs fiona

Coastiejas

Hi @FiFiK
I finished my chemo in late May and I finished radiation in mid July.  I've had some level of brain fog throughout.  But I am finding it's getting better gradually over time. My long term memory is fine, I can remember names of people I haven't seen for over 30 years. The residual brain fog seems to effect my short term memory. The other day I tried to put the margarine in the dishwasher instead of the fridge! I do lots of stupid things like that still..... but it's getting better thankfully! I'm on hormone therapy now so not sure if that's causing any brain fog issues 🤔 I am now a list writer and do other things to try and help me remember things! I recall my oncologist saying that the brain fog usually goes away a few months post treatment.  I hope that helps & best wishes for your treatment. 

FiFiK

@Coasiejas thank you for your comment. I haven't finished radiation yet so I am probably getting ahead of myself in thinking the brain fog should have lifted. I find the same that it is my short-term memory that is giving me the most grief. I think i better start making lists as well.

Tri

hi @FiFiK great question - I am sure it is different for everyone but 5 months out from ceasing active chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatment I think I’m about 65-70% back to usual. Also, you’re right about radiation therapy - it was more tiring for me than I anticipated. 

 I experienced two main issues - the ability to rapidly process multiple bits of conversations happening simultaneously (eg meetings, small talk or big groups of people around a table) - I found that was possible but incredibly taxing. Secondly my ability to engage in a meaningful way with people declined significantly as the afternoon wore on. Five months later I am noticing I can do this more easily - at about 65- 75% back to ‘normal brain service’ and stamina.
i managed these things by planning my people time and meetings in the morning or before 2 pm, as much as possible and capping how many people focused things I would commit to. 
Once chemo finished I engaged in activities that were  “new” to me, so that I’m learning and testing new activities and ideas and not just relying or leaning on my ‘default’ capabilities.
 I think exercise and getting the blood pumping around the system helps if you can manage it. Very frustrating but sending you lots of good wishes that you can gradually rebuild and recharge those batteries! 

FiFiK

@tri thank you for your thoughtful answer. I think the word taxing is particularly relevant for me. After having conversations or engaging with multiple people I feel drained to the point of needing a sleep. I find myself letting other people talk and I just listen and say a few words to show I'm still listening. Its frustrating but i probably need to be more accepting given the rigours of treatment. Even getting my thhoughts organised to talk is a challenge I guess i will need to be patient. Exercise is definitely part of recovery. This is one tough gig.

Tri

Hi @fifik good on you 🌼🌸🌻: acceptance is hard but you’re right about that, such a great space to get to. 

I think resting is therapeutic. during radiation therapy and the last 11 treatments (after radiotherapy) I rested for about an hour each afternoon. That meant I could be productive through to early evening. 

I decided not to accept invitations to dinner. 

I felt a bit self centred but I noticed that if the topic of conversation mattered to me I could stay quite energised, but there was a very low reservoir of energy for discussions that didn’t interest me 😆
Having been quite an outgoing person I was startled to experience what it might be like being an introvert and I began to feel very apologetic towards those of my family who find large groups draining and chaotic! 

Having said all that, hang in there - the energy will come back and it’s been a joy to be able to reconnect and engage with friends and colleagues again. 

FiFiK

Hi @Tri I am experiencing exactly what you are describing. Especially your comment about struggling to engage in conversations that don't interest you, I find myself zoning out and at the end of the conversation my bucket is empty. I've always been introverted and big groups and small talk were draining prior to treatment and now its twice as bad. I look forward to the time when having a conversation becomes enjoyable and not a chore. Thank you for your candid comments they have been of great value. 

Tri

Thanks @FiFiK!