What long term affect does chemotherapy and/or radiation have on the brain??
Question: First, I did a chemo/radiation therapy, then a major surgery, another round of chemo and another surgery. The radiation I receiced was in the 'bottom' region and was the maximem/highest dose one can receive in that area for the remainder of my life. I became very depressed and lost some memory. Could any of these treatments alter a persons mind?? (not experience wise, but physically/medically wise)?
Answers: I dont know the medical terms for it, but 'chemo brain' is one very large long term side effect of chemo. Some people even doubt its existence, but anyone who has experienced knows its real.
It actually comes on pretty quick, but I have heard numerous people say it lasts for years, if it ever goes away at all.
I had my first chemo 3 years ago, almost to the date. (I was diagnosed in the er on 01/13/05... official diagnosis the next day, and treatment started the day after..) and my last treatment 6 months ago. I didnt really experience it right off, but I definatly do now.
I have a hard time solving simple math in my head, and I used to be able to solve complicated algebra in my head. I have problems coming up with the right word, even though I have knowledge of a huge vocabulary. I am very forgetful. I have to write everything down, I have post its everywhere, I leave myself vmails and emails.
I was never all that graceful, but I am definatly more clumsy now than I ever was before.
I have never had brain scans to determine if there was really brain damage, but I am unsure that would do any good since I dont have anything recent to compare to (the last scans I had of my brain before treatment were 10 years ago when they were trying to diagnos the cause of my migraines... also which I now get more frequently)
I have even had people tell me I use the whole chemo brain phenomana as an excuse. I havnt done research on it, but I assure you, its real.
well long term therapy of chemotherapy on brain depends on the type of drugs used in the chemotherapy regimen and also the duration of the regimen, cause some drugs are more neuro-toxic than others.
regarding radiotherapy, nervous system is relatively more resistant to radiation than other systems, most sensitive being thr reproductive system. radiation usually has long term effects instead of immediate ones..most commonly being impairment of memory and cognition (ie. ability to comprehend and do simple tasks)
Answers: I dont know the medical terms for it, but 'chemo brain' is one very large long term side effect of chemo. Some people even doubt its existence, but anyone who has experienced knows its real.
It actually comes on pretty quick, but I have heard numerous people say it lasts for years, if it ever goes away at all.
I had my first chemo 3 years ago, almost to the date. (I was diagnosed in the er on 01/13/05... official diagnosis the next day, and treatment started the day after..) and my last treatment 6 months ago. I didnt really experience it right off, but I definatly do now.
I have a hard time solving simple math in my head, and I used to be able to solve complicated algebra in my head. I have problems coming up with the right word, even though I have knowledge of a huge vocabulary. I am very forgetful. I have to write everything down, I have post its everywhere, I leave myself vmails and emails.
I was never all that graceful, but I am definatly more clumsy now than I ever was before.
I have never had brain scans to determine if there was really brain damage, but I am unsure that would do any good since I dont have anything recent to compare to (the last scans I had of my brain before treatment were 10 years ago when they were trying to diagnos the cause of my migraines... also which I now get more frequently)
I have even had people tell me I use the whole chemo brain phenomana as an excuse. I havnt done research on it, but I assure you, its real.
well long term therapy of chemotherapy on brain depends on the type of drugs used in the chemotherapy regimen and also the duration of the regimen, cause some drugs are more neuro-toxic than others.
regarding radiotherapy, nervous system is relatively more resistant to radiation than other systems, most sensitive being thr reproductive system. radiation usually has long term effects instead of immediate ones..most commonly being impairment of memory and cognition (ie. ability to comprehend and do simple tasks)
More questions & answers:
- In male breast cancer a chemotherapy is given before or after surgery(at stage 2)?
- Do hair grow back after chemotherapy?
- Anybody know of any success using chemotherapy to treat lung cancer ?
- Any suggestions for snacks while on chemotherapy?
- Is it normal to lose during chemotherapy...? and how much?
- Where can I learn about the chemotherapy drug pemetrexed?
- Does your sex life change during chemotherapy?
- Feedback on cancer treatment - radiation and chemotherapy, more found in more lymphnodes after double masect.?
- Should a person be able to refuse chemotherapy/radiation therapy and seek Holistic methods to fight cancer?
- I have breast cancer i started my chemotherapy and I lost my hair can I use any medicine now to promote hair?
- Is it normal to lose weight during chemotherapy?
- Protocol and administration for nurses giving ABVD chemotherapy, fluids and premeds?