brain fog post chemo treatment
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 ha...
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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!
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!