Coping with Chemo Brain: A Journey Through the Fog

Let's talk about "Chemo Brain" – a term that's often whispered but rarely discussed openly. While not everyone experiences chemo brain or long term brain fog, the majority of cancer patients typically do spend at least the day of treatment in a bit of a foggy state. I would describe it most similar to pregnancy brain but more intense.

The Beginning of the Haze

So, picture this - right from the start of treatment, many cancer patients experience a fog that starts to settle in. You try to focus, but thoughts slip away like elusive butterflies. It’s almost like the thoughts are just out of your reach, slightly further away than they were before you went to the infusion center or took the first chemo pill.

Welcome to the bewildering world of Chemo Brain. Forgetfulness becomes your unwelcome companion. Ordinary tasks feel like they take twice as much effort and 3 times as much energy. You walk into a room, only to forget why you entered, leave, remember, and only to forget again. Words dance on the tip of your tongue, but sentences remain incomplete. Or my personal favorite - feeling like your thoughts are simply floating away like a balloon on the breeze.

The good news is that there are ways to combat the effects of chemo brain. The primary one being REST! When the strain becomes too much, it’s best to just take the time to rest. In my experience, a good long nap gives your noodle some time relax and process what you’re going through. Typically the first few days after a treatment are the worst of the fog and it can take a bit of time to feel like yourself again.

There are other things you can try to help manage some of the symptoms. Keeping a notepad near by for scribbling down thoughts. Try to keep any important decisions for days when the fog is more clear.

The Power of Asking for Help

It’s going to be invetable - you’re going to have to ask for help. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve had to call my husband asking to let me back in the house or car because I’ve forgotten my keys. It’s embarrassing and annoying - but being able to ask for help when you’re struggling to put the pieces together like you were in the before times is a sign of strength and growth. The ones who love you the most don’t want to see you struggle so I’m sure they wouldn’t mind helping. But you gotta be willing to ask too.

Embracing Patience and Self-Compassion

If you’re like me, it’s going to be very tempting to beat yourself up when you mess up and forget something. I have found myself on the verge of tears or having a full breakdown because I forgot to pay a bill, burnt dinner, or have dropped the ball on something that should not be that hard. It’s hard but having some love, compassion, and grace for yourself when chemo brain is acting up is the best gift you can give to yourself. You’re going to have off days and that’s okay - this is not forever!

A Final Note for Friends and Family

Chemo Brain is going to be part of your love ones life for a while - the first time I went through chemo treatment, it took about 4 months after completed treatment before the fog lifted and I felt fully in control of my mind again. It’s a slow process - kind of like waking up from a really deep, unrestful sleep. You might notice some fits and starts - your loved one will have good days and bad days for a bit.

Just love them - love them hard. Trust me - they just need your love & support.

Talk again soon!

OS