Chemo brain

[Uben]

I know you all have heard of it and may have experienced it. Carol has a bad case of it. Since she is in such a weakened state, I assume that is why. She stays very confused and even hallucinates occassionally. Her lack of eating I'm sure exacerbates the situation even more. I attribute her fall to it, as well. She sees things that appear to be something else. For example, there was a box of latex gloves sitting on a window sill with a small triangular piece of cardboard sticking out the top of it. To her, it looked like a cat's ear, and she wondered what kind of animal it was. She has lots of things lilke that happening. Any of you guys experience that? At first, it really concerned me, but after reading about it, I know it's just the chemo, and usually it goes away after chemo ends or the "not eating" subsides. It is this that makes me think she needs to remain in assisted living until she is completely lucid again. Tell me your experiences with it if you have any.

[cmd]

1. For me it's a sign of dehydration

It's important to let the onc know what is happening. That was the only time during chemo that I just wanted to die. It's a terrible thing. I remember thinking that cords were wrapped around my neck. I tried and tried to pull them away. Awful! Is there any possibility that she is dehydrated?

[Hepburn]

2. My thoughts exactly on the dehydration

My friend with kidney cancer was admitted last Sunday to the hospital because of that problem. This issue was actually far more critical than the cancer...at least immediately critical.

[Uben]

5. I don't think so......

She drinks a lot of water and she has a lot of fluid on her abdomen as well as edema in her legs and feet. But, I really don't know. I think it might be more from not eating and her weakened state. I asked her doctor if she thought she would experience it through the duration of treatments and she said probably would.

[cmd]

6. So, so sorry

I've been very lucky compared to what Carol is going through. My thoughts are with you. cmd

[Irishonly]

3. Chemo brain and chemo crazies are two different things, I think

I didn't experience them. When I talk about chemo crazies I am talking about short term memory problems, forgetting what you are talking about mid sentence and other maddening things.

To read about the problems Carol, CMD and Hepburn's friend is disheartening to say the least. Ulben, I am sure you will make the right decisions with Carol.

[sinkingfeeling]

4. Get her some ScandiShake. It's good. Available at most drug stores.

Each shake contains about 600 calories. Used by most head, throat, and neck cancer patients.

I bought mine on Ebay.



http://store.axcanscandipharm.com/home.php?cat=1
http://www.westburyonline.com/product_p/426825.htm

[Ecumenist]

7. From what I understand, chemo brain is more of a confused and ESPECIALLY

forgetful mind. That's what I experience. It seems to wax and wane.