- You're tackling one of the toughest challenges
you've ever faced.
Life's a bit different now, isn't it?
Medical appointments, dietary changes, lifestyle shifts,
rest assured, it's not all in your head.
This struggle is real.
Simple things are now challenging, even hard.
Hi, I'm Dr. Scott Christensen,
professor in the division of hematology and oncology
at the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Your brain wants to work, but during cancer treatment
sometimes you feel forgetful, foggy.
This can be frustrating and alarming.
Many people with cancer feel this way.
You're not alone, and you're definitely not crazy.
Why is your brain in such a fog?
It's often called chemo brain or chemo fog.
Although chemo is not always the cause,
patients use the term to describe problems
in thinking and memory both during and after treatment.
You might feel confused or foggy,
multitasking and routines feel impossible,
Making you feel unusually disorganized.
Also, learning new things is difficult.
This feeling isn't fun, but it is normal.
Chemotherapy may affect memory,
but other issues also play a part.
For instance, anemia, infections, hormonal changes
hormonal deficiencies, sleep problems
and other things may affect memory.
Not to mention, you're on a bit
of an emotional roller coaster.
It's normal to feel anxious, depressed, or stressed.
Even some medications can affect your brain
during treatment.
Good news though, these issues are usually temporary,
most improve over time.
So, what should you do?
First, see your doctor.
If symptoms appear, keep a running list
and schedule an appointment to talk about them
with your doctor.
Second, try these activities to release stress
and cope with changes in memory.
Train your brain.
Your brain is an amazing circuit board.
Crossword puzzles, number games, or a new hobby,
like a musical instrument or language
can help reroute circuits.
A neuropsychologist can create a plan
called cognitive rehabilitation or remediation.
Track the times troubles creep up.
Do you become more easily distracted
when you're hungry or tired?
Try scheduling difficult tasks for when you feel your best.
Exercise, moderate exercise such as brisk walking
can help you cope with stress, fatigue and depression.
Relax, stress can make us forget things.
Then memory problems cause stress.
Round and round we go, a vicious cycle.
To break it, try simple relaxation techniques.
Find time to listen to music meditate or journal.
Stay organized, jot down notes with pen and paper,
notes on your phone, even voice memos,
whichever works for you.
Calendars, checklists and planners
can also help keep you on task.
Prepare to win.
Before tackling a complicated task,
take steps to succeed.
Pick a time of the day that you're most alert.
Get a good night's sleep. Have a plan.
Map out exactly what you need in order to complete the task.
Take breaks, divide tasks into manageable portions
and rest briefly between activities to recharge.
Please visit our website for more information and resources
during this time.
Foggy brain can be frustrating and feel debilitating.
However, with time, you'll find ways to adapt
so the problems fade and your memory improves.