What Is Mesothelioma Chemo Brain?
Chemo brain is a term used to describe thinking and memory problems that can happen during or after chemotherapy. You could experience chemo brain after getting chemotherapy for any type of cancer, including mesothelioma. You might notice that your thinking isn’t as sharp as it used to be or that you lose your train of thought mid-sentence. These changes can make it harder to keep up with treatment schedules, communicate clearly with your doctors, or remember small details.
“What we often hear is that once [chemotherapy] treatment ramps up and you build up a bit of the treatment in your system, patients start to feel some cognitive changes. For some folks, it takes the form of difficulty finding the right words. People may be more forgetful, or they feel like they can’t multitask.”
– Dr. Tracy Vannorsdal, clinical neuropsychologist at Johns Hopkins Medicine
Chemo brain doesn’t mean you’re not doing well — it’s common and usually temporary. Up to 75% of cancer patients have chemo brain at some point during their treatment. With time and support, most people notice their focus and memory improve as their body recovers.
Download our Free Chemotherapy Guide to learn more about what to expect and how to manage chemo brain and other side effects.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma Chemo Brain
Chemo brain affects everyone differently. Some people only notice mild forgetfulness, while others feel like their thinking has slowed down significantly. Recognizing the symptoms early on can help you get support to manage them.
Common symptoms of chemo brain include:
- Difficulty multitasking: Struggling to manage more than one thing at a time
- Disorganization: Feeling scattered or easily overwhelmed by tasks
- Memory loss: Forgetting names, doctor’s appointments, or where you put items
- Mental fog: Feeling cloudy or mentally tired, even after resting
- Slower thinking: Taking longer to find the right words or solve problems
- Trouble concentrating: Difficulty focusing on a book, TV show, or long conversation
It’s important to remember that you’re not imagining these changes. They’re one of the most common side effects of mesothelioma treatment, and you’re not alone in experiencing them.
“I first met my mesothelioma attorney the day he flew out to where I was being treated with chemotherapy. I’d talked to him maybe once or twice on the phone. And my memories of the phone calls were a little bit blurry because I was suffering from chemo brain at the time.”
– Dr. Bonnie Snyder, mesothelioma survivor
What Causes Mesothelioma Chemo Brain?
Chemo brain is believed to be caused by a combination of factors related to cancer and its treatment.
Chemotherapy drugs, such as pemetrexed and cisplatin, can directly affect brain cells or disrupt chemical signaling in the brain. Inflammation, fatigue, stress, and the cancer itself may also contribute to cognitive issues.
For mesothelioma patients, chemo brain side effects can be intensified by the aggressive nature of the disease. They can also be worsened by other cancer treatment options, including radiation therapy or immunotherapy.
7 Tips to Manage Chemo Brain During Mesothelioma Treatment
While chemo brain cannot be completely eliminated during chemotherapy treatment, it can often be successfully managed.
Here are tips for managing chemo brain during mesothelioma treatment:
- Ask for help: Don’t hesitate to lean on loved ones or caregivers.
- Eat brain-healthy foods: Omega-3s, fruits, and veggies support brain function.
- Practice mindfulness: Meditation and breathing exercises reduce stress.
- Get plenty of rest: Quality sleep helps your brain form memories.
- Keep a daily planner: Track appointments, tasks, and reminders.
- Limit multitasking: Focus on one task at a time.
- Stay physically active: Light exercise can improve your focus and mood.
“We found that exercise, yoga, mindful meditation, and relaxation exercises may be helpful. After trying these activities, patients oftentimes will report their cognitive function is better.”
– Dr. Yu Zhang, medical oncologist at West Haven VA Medical Center
How Long Does Mesothelioma Chemo Brain Last?
The amount of time a person experiences mesothelioma-related chemo brain varies by individual. Many patients notice improvement within 6-9 months after completing chemotherapy.
However, some may experience lingering cognitive issues for years, such as memory loss, confusion, or difficulty concentrating.
The severity and length of chemo brain can depend on factors like age, overall health, type of chemotherapy drugs used, and whether other treatments like radiation were involved. Supportive care and cognitive rehabilitation can help you manage long-term effects.
When to Get Medical Help for Mesothelioma Chemo Brain
It’s normal to experience some mental fog or forgetfulness during or after chemotherapy, but if these cognitive changes start to dramatically interfere with your everyday life, it may be time to talk to your doctor.
Mesothelioma rarely spreads to the brain, but if your symptoms become severe, worsen quickly, or are accompanied by headaches, vision changes, dizziness, or weakness, you should get checked right away.
Your doctor can run tests to rule out other causes and recommend treatments such as cognitive therapy, medication, or lifestyle adjustments that may help you regain mental clarity.
Download our Free Checklist of Questions to Ask Your Doctor to help you start the conversation and take the first step toward feeling more like yourself again.
Factors That Affect Mesothelioma Chemo Brain
Several factors can influence the severity and duration of chemo brain in mesothelioma patients.
Understanding these can help patients and caregivers manage symptoms more effectively and seek appropriate support during chemotherapy treatment.
Factors that affect mesothelioma chemo brain include:
- Dosage of chemotherapy
- Level of mental or emotional stress
- Patient’s age and overall health
- Patient’s sleeping habits
- Type of chemotherapy drug(s) used
Can You Treat Chemo Brain?
Yes, chemo brain can often be managed, though there isn’t a one-size-fits-all cure. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and improving cognitive function through a combination of strategies.
Some treatment strategies for mesothelioma chemo brain include:
- Cognitive rehabilitation therapy
- Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise
- Medications to address related issues like anxiety or depression
- Mental exercises to improve memory and focus
- Palliative care to handle emotional and cognitive challenges
With the right support and care plan, many mesothelioma patients struggling with chemo brain see improvement in their cognitive abilities over time.
Get Help Managing the Side Effects of Chemotherapy
Chemo brain can be a frustrating and challenging side effect of mesothelioma treatment, but you don’t have to face it alone. Understanding the symptoms and taking steps to manage them can greatly improve your quality of life after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Mesothelioma Hope is here to help you:
- Access free resources like our downloadable Chemotherapy Guide
- Connect with leading mesothelioma specialists for expert care
- Learn practical coping tips to manage chemo-related side effects
- Find emotional and financial support for you and your family
Call us at (866) 608-8933 or reach out to us online to speak with a Patient Advocate and get the support you deserve.
Chemo Brain With Mesothelioma FAQs
What does chemotherapy do to your brain?
Chemotherapy can sometimes affect how your brain processes and stores information. This is what many patients call chemo brain.
You might notice memory lapses, difficulty concentrating, or a general feeling of mental fog. These changes can happen because chemotherapy may cause inflammation, affect how brain cells communicate, or reduce blood flow in certain areas of the brain.
It doesn’t mean the brain is permanently damaged. Rather, it is reacting to the physical stress of chemotherapy. For most people, these changes are mild and temporary, but for some, they can linger and make daily tasks more challenging.
How long will chemo brain last for mesothelioma?
Chemo brain improves over time, usually within 6-9 months after treatment ends. For some people, however, thinking and memory problems can last much longer.
Recovery varies with each person and depends on factors like your age, overall health, cancer type, and treatment plan. Cognitive therapy and lifestyle changes can help manage the side effects of treatment.
What are two symptoms of chemo brain?
Two of the most common symptoms of chemo brain among mesothelioma patients are difficulty focusing and forgetfulness. You might find it harder to pay attention, multitask, or recall words or names that usually come easily.
These lapses often come and go and can become more noticeable when you’re tired or anxious. Your cancer care team can offer practical tips and tools to help manage chemo brain and other treatment-related side effects.
Is chemo brain similar to dementia?
Chemo brain can feel unsettling, but it’s not the same as dementia. Dementia causes a progressive, long-term decline in brain function, while chemo brain is typically temporary and linked to treatment side effects.
The American Cancer Society emphasizes that although both may involve memory or attention problems, chemo brain doesn’t cause the type of lasting nervous system changes seen with dementia. Most mesothelioma patients notice improvement over time after treatment is completed.
What percentage of chemo patients get chemo brain?
Up to 75% of patients experience chemo brain, according to Cedars-Sinai. For mesothelioma patients, this rate can vary depending on your overall health, the specific chemotherapy drugs used, and the number of treatment cycles you undergo.
These changes are usually mild and temporary and resolve within 6-9 months of stopping treatment.
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