Idelle Davidson and Dan Silverman Interviewed on Voice America - Link to It Here

Last week we were guests on "Frankly Speaking About Cancer," a program on Voice America internet radio.  Cancer Support Community president and CEO Kim Thiboldeau asked some great questions about the symptoms and causes of chemo brain, and why so many oncologists fail to mention to patients that chemo brain is a very real side effect of chemotherapy.  To hear what we had to say, click on this link. I'd appreciate hearing your comments about the program, either here or via email.

Registration Open for Healing Odyssey Weekend Retreat (April 9-11)

If you've had cancer and are still dealing with the trauma of your diagnosis, then I would like to recommend a wonderful organization called Healing Odyssey.

The organization holds therapeutic weekend programs for women cancer survivors and is now taking applications for their spring retreat.

I participated in 2006 just after my own diagnosis

Keeping Your Mind and Hands Active [From CLL Survivor Bruce Lantry, Rural Nebraska]

Chemo Brain was one of the most noticeable side effects of chemo for me, and one that was not even mentioned while I was going through treatment. It would have greatly benefited me to know about the problem earlier since it would have saved me some concern about the mental problems I was experiencing.

Send Me Your Info about "Chemo Brain" Rehab Programs, Studies and Trials

by
Idelle Davidson

My article about the advances in "chemo brain" research is in the Huffington Post.  Feel free to read and comment. 

Researchers at the University of Rochester are doing good work, as are scientists at medical centers around the world.  If you're one of them, or if you follow the research as someone involved or interested in the cancer community, I would be delighted to post your information here or on the Huffington Post about ongoing studies, clinical trials, rehabilitative programs, etc., dealing with cancer treatment-related cognitive impairment.  Email me to help others stay informed.

Breast cancer at 38 with Fog & Depression [From Susan M., Kansas City, MO]

Your book was amazing and long overdue. For me it was like a huge sigh of relief.

Your story spoke to me and I couldn't put the book down. I am also a strong girl, went to all my tests, diagnosis and treatments alone. I initially didn't tell my family, gave my doctors my cell phone number, and demanded an appointment for my test results so my doctor could officially diagnose me face to face. I did not want to live the rest of my life remembering where I was when I took my cancer diagnosis via a cold phone call.

Stanford Imaging Study & Brain Abnormalities in Chemo Patients

In another study using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), Stanford researchers linked verbal memory impairments with the CMF (cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and 5-fluorouracil) regimen of chemotherapy. The number of participants was quite small though, involving just 14 women with metastatic or locally advanced breast cancer who had gone through chemotherapy, and 14 healthy women who served as controls.

Shelli Kesler, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, led the study which was published in the Nov. 1, 2009 issue of Clinical Cancer Research.

For more information, click here.

A Fog That's Relentless (From Ann Gregory)

Reposted with permission. See "Ann's Fight: Documenting Ann Gregory's fight with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, at http://anngregory.blogspot.com/. 

When I last saw my post-transplant nurse, Karen, for a biannual followup, she took me through the paces and mentioned a new program being developed in conjunction with the neuropsychology brain trust at MD Anderson. I filed the information away, thinking that I probably wouldn't need to take advantage of it since I was coping with my chemo brain just fine.

Research Rock Stars at University of Rochester (bet you can't say that five times really, really fast...)

by
Idelle Davidson

I have no connection to the University of Rochester in New York other than I interviewed one of their scientists while researching and writing Your Brain After Chemo.  Perhaps if I did, I wouldn't sound like some gushing M.C. But here goes: Boys and girls, brothers and sisters, give it up for the University of Rochester!!

A Spouse With Brain Fog (From Michelle)

Hi,

My questions are from the perspective of the well spouse or family member: Any tips for caregivers/spouse/family in terms of coping with/confronting/discussing this chemo brain issue with our loved one? Also, are there safety issues for parenting while experiencing fog?