If anyone in familiar with this condition, please jump in and give me some feedback….whether you have experienced chemo and chemo brain first hand or had a loved one go through this OR even if you are a doctor and can give me feedback here.
I am dealing with a family member and am unsure what is considered to be “chemo brain” and what is not.
Is “chemo brain” limited to just cognitive problems such as memory loss and difficulty finding the right words to express oneself? (which I have seen throughout the course of treatment)
Or can “chemo brain” also account for innapropriate responses to social situations? (ie: when being told devastating news regarding someone else, responding in an completely callous manner uncharacteristic of their normal personality) and could it encompass more severe memory loss such as having a conversation with someone then one hour later, having no recollection that the conversation ever took place?
What are the extremes and what are neurological warning signs that I should be watching for? My web searches come up with the average memory loss issues and cognitive function but there is difficult to find info related to the extremes of this condition.
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Chemo kills faster than cancer. My grandpa was diagnosed with cancer 8 years ago and refused chemo and is still here and goes golfing.
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When talking aboot organic brain dysfunction, the brain’s functions can’t be viewed as isolated. From what you are describing, the observed behaviors could be accounted for by “chemo brain”. When the brain doesn’t work right, the patient can behave in very odd ways, in addition to memory loss. Always consider other medications, stroke, seizure, and infection as causing these symptoms. Unfortunately, I don’t want to write a small book on how to tell you what to look for to differentiate these things.
What is the age of your family member? Perhaps the stress of treatment is making dementia more obvious.
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I think it’s different for everyone. One year after chemo, I still get brain fog and I blank out on words. I totally understand forgetting that you’ve had a conversation, although that’s more extreme than I’ve experienced. I don’t think I’ve had any behavior issues, but I’m not sure. I’d have to ask my husand.
I’m also on strong pain meds, which could also probably account for my chemo brain symptoms.
Anyway, just remember that everyone is different, and will be affected in different ways.
I wonder also if there is a psychological component relating to the cancer. It’s a difficult thing to go through; a traumatic event that can sometimes leave psychological scars.
Best of luck to you and your family member!
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