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Chemo Brain and Dementia

JulianD
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More than 5 years from my diagnosis with stage 3 bowel cancer my oncologist has declared me "cancer free".

I have a couple of souvenirs, colitis from the radiology and now I'm getting dementia like symptoms that may very well be from the chemotherapy.

I'd like to know other members experiences with this, either personal or with friends or relatives.

There's some info on it on the internet... opinions differ.

Julian  

  • It's great to hear your oncologist has said you are cancer free Julian, although I'm sorry to hear about the colitis and dementia like symptoms you are now contending with.

    This must be very upsetting but we are here for you Julian and hopefully it won't be long until you will hear back from some of our members who have experienced something similar soon.

    We do have some information about the cognitive changes that can occur after chemotherapy on our website, but if you would like to discuss this further with one of our cancer nurses, you can do so on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m.

    I'm not sure from your post if you have mentioned this to your oncologist or GP, but if you haven't, do share your concerns with them as they are in the best position to help.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Steph

    Thanks Steph, I'm living in a developing country but managed to get first rate treatment but actual support was very limited. I'm 75 so some natural wear and tear is a given anyway but I was curious to know what to expect with the dementia symptoms.   My reasoning power is still pretty good but my once almost eidetic memory is starting to slip.

    Julian

  • Offline in reply to JulianD

    Hi Julian. I’m 69 and just joining group as I have had 2 months oral chemo and thinking about stoping because of fear of side affects. I’m so happy you e had good news after 5 yrs and wish you all the best with symptoms your experiencing now. That’s part of the reason I may stop as it’s a bit of a gamble. I seem to be learning more every day and wish my doc had told me completely at the start what I may expect. Every week there seems to be something else we’re hit by. Take care xxxx

  • Offline in reply to MorCC

    Thanks a lot for the kind words my friend.

    What I would like to say to you is... don't stop the treatment, none of it.

    All of the side effects can be unpleasant, cancer is a lot worse.

    I'm five years past it now, I have my wife, my pets, my friends.... compared to that being forgetful, a bit of wind etc from eating the wrong things is nothing.

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