<b>ChemoBrain Discussion on the ACOR LMS Listserv</b>

Ehud is saying his clear mind and memory are not the same as they used to be. Has anyone experienced it?
Ophir.


Ophir- Am I remembering correctly that Ehud has had prior chemotherapies? Sounds like something I remember called chemobrain. Apparently many chemotherapy patients report trouble in memory and thinking abilities following chemotherapy. My grandmother experienced some of this following her chemotherapy for lung cancer. Hope this helps. I know of no cure, but it may make him feel better to know why this is happening.
Melissa in KC


Kathy also has been experiencing some disturbing memory problems over the past year or so. She mentioned it to her oncologist who ran an MRI of her brain. Nothing there explained the problem. She was sent to neurologist who specializes in memory problems and after much testing, blood work, etc., told her that it was due to the numerous general anesthetics she had been given over the past four years. She has never had chemo, but she has undergone seven major surgeries. Apparently these anesthetics can accumulate in your system and cause memory "glitches".
Laura


Hi, I almost forgot to write! I also have...... had memory problems, I call them brain farts ! I was going to ask a herbologist the other day what I could do for it .........I forgot..... its terrible. It comes in handy with your kids some time, I'm not your mom !!, I don't have a husband..... ha ha ha ha. I will call today to ask ... if I can remember. and I will pass it on to all of you.. It is interesting about the surgery thing I too have had 4 surg in the past 3 yrs 2 were 2 mths apart..... maybe they didn't give me enough oxygen???? I heard on paul harvy that people who underwent open heart surg had the same problems too but they have not yet discovered the problem... they think they know but I forgot! I am only 42 should it be this bad? I too had a brain scan and they said they did not see anything......Hmmmm maybe that's it ! well let me know what you find out and I will do some investigating on my end.
Tammy Brain farting in Oregon.
[Yo, Tammy Rules! Ed.]


Subject: Re: [LMS] Sti memory problems
I have Sti chemo-brain. I move through the fog of a dull brain, and it seems to be worse than what I experienced with previous chemotherapies. I have no short term memory. Yesterday, I became temporarily confused while driving down a very familiar highway. Well-intentioned people may tell me that they too have forgetfulness. However, I reply that chemo-brain is different than the occasional lapses of concentration that healthy people have. I read recently that c-kit receptor is involved in learning processes. I hypothesize that Sti, by binding to c-kit receptors in the brain, is interfering with my cognitive abilities.
Marina


Dear Laura,
Hello, I have memory problems bad. I cannot remember hardly any of 1998. 1999 a little. Last year through chemo and all, more than any of the other years. There are some years I cannot remember at all. My oncologists said that it should get better within a year after radiation and chemo. It will be a year in August. I have had quite a bit of surgeries myself. I hope this helped and please let your mom know she is not alone out there.
Avril


Subject: Re: [LMS] memory problems
I have experienced the same thing.. I thought that the radiation killed brain cells!
Mary Ann


Before I started chemo, my onc explained memory problems and 'chemobrain or fog'. Told me that I shouldn't make important decisions without discussing them with someone first.
Sara


Yo, Ophir,
1. I don't know when chemobrain develops with respect to chemotherapy, but it is possible for late effects to show. Chemotherapy is a major assault on your body, you will be tired & need rest, and be anemic as well, probably.

2. PAIN is a very good reason for people to have difficulty remembering and concentrating.

3. PAIN MEDICATION --even just acetaminophen & codeine--is a very good reason for people to have difficulty remembering and concentrating. [Wheeeeeeeee!]

4. FATIGUE is a very good reason for people to have difficulty remembering and concentrating. It is often accompanied by irritability. I see a lot of infectious mononucleosis relapses, and the main complaint is often "I can't think" or "I'm losing my mind, I snap at everyone" rather than " I'm so tired I can't think straight." [Zzzzzzzzz.]

5. ANEMIA is another good reason.... especially if previous chemo has exhausted bone marrow.

6. Renal problems, or liver problems, or heart problems [he was on adriamycin?] can also present with fatigue...& not being able to think right.

7. The LMS itself can secrete substances that make you feel tired and sick...the mets he already has may be doing so...and being tired and sick doesn't let you think so good either. [is he thirsty? check calcium levels in blood as well as for sugar in urine and blood, hypoglycemia has been known to occur with some tumors.]

8. Sure it's possible that it's brain tumor. but it is so much more likely to be something else...especially since Ehud is not having focal signs...like focal or early morning headaches, or a paralyzed eye or unable to move something, ...stuff like that. He does need to have a neurological exam...and even possibly a scan...but not necessarily a scan...he must be seen by a doctor.

I. Take Ehud to see a doctor who will check for these things.

II. Give Ehud extra B Vitamins [large amounts...high potency tablets...even more than one brand...but the complete range of B Vitamins]. They are harmless [if fingers or nipples tingle, decrease the B6 and the tingle will go away]. B Vitamins are required in excess for convalescence and repair of tissues, especially nerve tissues, brain, liver... The complete B Vitamin range, including folate. Or take 20 to 30 yeast tablets a day. (500gram tablets). Check this with your doctor first.

III. See if Ehud feels better and thinks better when he isn't tired. Instead of taking sugary things when tired, go to bed. I usually put people on bed rest for a week, while we are waiting for the test results.
love, doreen
