Chemo Brain: It's NOT All in your Head

I am a 2 time breast Ca survivor. I had surgery in 2003 along with chemo AC and Cytoxan, then radiation. The second occurence was in early 2005, this time a masectomy followed by Taxol IV. I think that time they gave me 8-10 treatments( I don't remember exactly) I had a very rough time remembering, concentrating, making decisions, multi tasking. I'm a nurse and have not worked since, except maybe 3 months because of cognitive impairement, I felt I wasn't able to perform my job safely. This also caused Major Depression which made the condition worse. I can't work but yet this is not a recognized disability so I've had no income for almost 2 years ,its been very difficult. In addition I suffer with terrible pain which is typically at night that feels like lightening or shocks running from the soles of my feet to my spine. I am using a Duragesic patch and ultram for this and chronic back pain/fibromyalgia. I think that this effect of chemo needs alot more investigation. I am not currently on anything but antidepressants and Buspar for the anxiety and depression I sure wish my doctor had tried something like that Ritalin so I wouldn't have had to go through this devastation. I have gotten my mind back now but am financially ruined from not being able to do my job. 

July 25, 2008 was my last chemo treatment. In September I started radiation treatments along with returning to college. One of my courses is a writing course which I am finding very difficult to concentrate on. The course requires alot of reading, writing, and analizing of books and articles. I have to read 1 to 2 chapters within a short span of time and I just can't concentrate on what I read, nor can I remember what I read.  I recently was told by my oncologist that I am suffering from chemo head.

 

I have since read a few articles on Chemo head and I definately fall within the category. I am hoping that it doesn't last long, as I will never be able to pass the course. I am only looking at 4 more courses to complete my Associates degree.

 

I must agree, doctors do tend to regard some of the side effects of chemo treatments. I made it through the chemo treatments and I am almost through radiation. I thought I would be done with the sickness but I guess I am wrong.