Chemo Brain

My patient has no idea what I am talking about!!!! Sometimes as physicians we get frustrated explaining the brass tacks of our patient’s disease wondering if they understood anything. Regardless of the level of intelligence or social status, a cancer diagnosis is a large punch in the stomach that seems to short circuit all senses. Anxiety, depression, rapid changes and multisyllabic words all exacerbate this situation. It is particularly important that interventional oncology clinicians become educated on the realm of experiences that their cancer patient could have. If we take the time to think about it, patients' stress is understandable, but there is a factor that many of us now engaging in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer are unaware of: CHEMO BRAIN. Despite the levity of the name it is a real phenomenon. It includes memory loss, difficulty with attention span, difficulty finding the right word, and trouble with new learning as well as managing simple daily activities. The anxiety associated with these changes just adds to the problem. Although the etiology is unclear, this phenomenon is common among those undergoing chemotherapy. Things that worsen the symptoms include low blood counts, stress, medications, fatigue, depression, and hormonal changes all common in our patients. How can we help? Here are a few “tips.” Suggest your patient make lists, keep calendars, organize their environment, avoid noisy frenetic situations, use repetition, rest, diet and exercise. Additionally there are now websites that promote active mind exercises that are very useful. Let your patient know they are not unique. Ease their fears and remind them that it is commonly temporary. Most importantly, be aware of the phenomenon and tailor the patient interaction with this in mind. They will appreciate it!