Memory Problems After Cancer? Computer Games May Help

If you've been through cancer treatment and you are struggling with memory, concentration, multitasking and/or word retrieval issues, you may be hoping for that golden portal, that doorway back to your pre-cancer self. 

UCLA Cognitive Rehabilitation Study Needs Participants

I've been asked to post information about UCLA's cognitive rehabilitation study for anyone in the Los Angeles area who might like to participate.

What’s Another Name for Chemo Brain?

We follow the New York Times style guidelines and spell it as two words: chemo brain. I’ve also seen it as one word: chemobrain, or chemo-brain.  Others call it, “chemonesia,” or “cancer brain fog.”

SOMETIMES ALL YOU CAN DO IS LAUGH

Have you ever been on Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride at Disneyland? If so, then you may have an inkling of what goes on inside the head of my wonderful guest blogger, AnneMarie Ciccarella.

AnneMarie Ciccarella

Her story below and the posts she writes on her own blog, are a fast-moving, completely candid, hilarious, stream of consciousness that pull you right into the daily spins and turns of living with chemo brain. And now, HOLD ON TIGHT. Here’s AnneMarie. -- ID

Another Study: Changes in Cerebral White Matter After Chemo

Researchers (Sabine Deprez, MD, et. al.) at a university hospital in Belgium have added to significant evidence that cancer treatment affects attention, concentration, memory and how quickly we process information (psychomotor speed). It also decreases white matter in the frontal, parietal and occipital regions of the brain. Their study appeared this week in the online version of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Her Employer Let Her Go After Cognitive Problems at Work

By Karen B.

Madison, WI

Guest Blogger

I am 59 years young.  I was diagnosed in July 2008 with stage 3A breast cancer.  I had a lumpectomy followed by a mastectomy because my margins were not clean, had chemo Adriamycin, Cytoxan and Taxol, followed by six weeks of radiation treatment.  I've been on the anti-hormonal drug Arimidex since May 2009.

After Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer, My World is Flat, Colorless

By Lisa Iovino-Lewis

Los Angeles County, CA
Guest Blogger

Although I seem vibrant, my entire life has changed because of chemo brain.  Three years ago, just before my 47th birthday, I was diagnosed with stage 3B ductal breast cancer. While going through 6 rounds of TAC (taxotere, adriamycin and cyclophosphamide) protocol, my brain took a journey I was not expecting.

Chemotherapy Alters Brain Tissue in Breast Cancer Patients, Say Indiana University Researchers

Dear Readers, 

Before you read the press release below, I'd like you to know that the concept of using brain scans to connect the dots between chemotherapy and cognitive dysfunction is not new.  

What is new is that this study was "prospective," meaning "over time."  Whereas in other studies the participants had already been through some amount of chemotherapy or had completed treatment years prior, Dr. Saykin and his team did a "before" and "after." They scanned patients prior to undergoing chemo or radiation and then at two points after going through chemo. So they had some good data comparing the changes in brain tissue.

A Note From Bobbi

You saved my life a few years back after listening to your and Dr Silverman's webcast talking about chemo brain.  My oncologist saved my physical life but you saved my emotional life.

A Breast Cancer Survivor Asks: Will My Mind Return to Normal? [From Susan]

Hi,
I was diagnosed with breast cancer over seven years ago and underwent a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation.  Immediately after my first chemo, I experienced severe difficulties remembering things and felt like I was definitely  not on top of my game.  I was immediately placed on disability for my "cognitive deficit"  because I was unable to perform my job as a medical sales representative. I have been seen by many specialists, including a neurologist, neuropsychologist and even had brain scans. I have gone to physical, occupational and cognitive therapy.  Basically, I have suffered loss of a job, a financially secure retirement, loss of respect from family and friends because they have no idea what has happened to me.  And although I have tried to advocate for gaining back some brain cells...I have become very discouraged. Will I ever get better?? -- Susan

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 A RESPONSE FROM 

DR. ROB FERGUSON

 Hello Susan,

You are certainly not alone.  In general, it is believed about 40% of people who have had chemotherapy can have mild to moderate dysfunction with memory and/or attention, well beyond the time of last chemotherapy.   Evidence from research suggests these problems do not get progressively worse, such as might be expected with forms of dementia or Alzheimer's Disease.  However, some research suggests these problems are long lasting over years.