Brain function after chemo (AAVD)

Does anybody know how brain function is affected (temporarily or permanently) after chemotherapy {thinking speed, clarity, problem solving}? 

How long does any deterioration last for typically?

I had treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma (no brain involvement) while going to school. I'm given extra time for exams but I wanted to understand if this adjustment is reasonable.

  • Hi aurelisous, 

    I'm afraid speed clarity, problem solving, don't always work as before chemotherapy. Most call it chemo brain. Sometimes talking about a certain subject (say a chair) and instead you'll say table, it'll just happens no warning you realise as soon as you say it.

    Thinking speed can be slower. 

    Problem solving can be a problem, before chemo i could do sums in my head now i use a calculator and really have to concentrate on which button to press. 

    Hope this helps and not hope others will pop on to help soon. 

    Billy 

     

  • I finished chemo in nov, still mix words up forget words it's frustrating, just part of the treatment I would say, sorry not much help I think everyone is different xx

  • Hey

     

    I had ABVD for Hodgkin's lymphoma.

    I get chemo brain moments all the time still, I found it started about a month in to treatment, I'm now 3 months in remission. Just taking each day as it comes and trying to learn not to get too frustrated at myself.

    The hardest part is getting others to understand that I'm still fuzzy even though treatment has stopped.

    Wishing you all the best

     

    Rose

  • Hi Rose,

    Thanks for your note! 

    My problem is that I don't know if my brain function is compromised and I'm used to being a high achiever so don't feel comfortable asking for help / support. A better example is job interviews; I would be eligible for extra time for problem solving interview tasks but don't feel okay asking for this. I guess part of me is afraid of coming across as less able to do the job. 

    Some days I feel a bit foggy and sleepy if I don't sleep for like 9 hours, but I don't know if this is due to the general lack of fitness (slowing improving) / imperfect diet. 

    Also finished treatment 3 months ago! Irrelevant, but are you going ahead with check up scans and all amidst the Coronavirus madness? 

    All the best,

     

     

  • that's true, everyone is different! 

    hope things improve quickly for you 

  • Hi, 

    I am also on AAVD chemo for Hodgin Lymphoma. How have you been finding the Chemo so far? I had my first round at the start of April, and am now half way through cycle2.

    I haven't found much on people having AAVD. 

     

    Kind Regards,

    Becci

  • Hi Becci

     

    Sorry I missed this

     

    AAVD is a relatively new treatment and it's not provided by the NHS yet I think due to its higher cost. 

     

    I coped extremely well with it (considering) but everyone is different! One thing that worked really well for me was hidrating a lot (lucozade, water, cold ginger tea or whatever I could drink that would mask the metallic taste);  I know that it may be hard but it's important to keep doing it throughout treatment in order to maintain good veins. 

     

    Feel free to send me a private message if you have any questions / want to chat