Personality changes after treatment. Chemo brain and personality changes We hear so often from our community about their struggles with chemo brain. While cognitive changes associated with brain surgery often occur immediately, changes associated with radiation and chemotherapy can develop more gradually over time. Personality changes and brain tumours to redress this balance, if appropriate. Routine blood count monitoring is a crucial part of chemotherapy. Some chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy to the brain can cause problems months or years after treatment ends. Take prescribed medication as prescribed by writing down the time and date when you take the medication, taking the medication at the same time every day, using a medication reminder or pill dispenser or asking someone to help you keep track, if necessary. In addition, a survivor can experience other conditions that cause cognitive changes that may or may not be related to cancer or treatment. He just gets louder and louder and louder. Symptoms of dementia might not appear until active treatment for cancer is finished. That’s because the drugs can harm cells in the bone marrow, where red blood cells are produced. Unusual sleep patterns, such as awake at night and asleep during the day. Changes in personality (may become moody or upset without a noticeable cause). Difficulty multitasking 7. My husband went from a stong type A person to a TRIPLE A type. Early identification and treatment may read more, Studies show that the majority of oncologists do not discuss fertility routinely with their at-risk patients. Acute onset cognitive changes are those that occur suddenly. Even though I didn't think it made a difference my wife said it did. Slick, are you still going through treatment? Everyday Relationship Matters. Tumor located in the central nervous system (CNS) which includes the brain and spinal cord. This includes emotional assistance to help you cope with a cancer diagnosis and find support groups or peer-to. Cancer is more than the tumor, surgery and treatment. He has had WBR, gamma knife, a craniotomy, a subdural evacuation, and multiple rounds of chemo. Use a health journal to communicate symptoms and side effects of medicine with your health care team. Many of us feel our families can't possibly understand the fear, pain and frustration. Try to do the things you once did if he is able to do them. This is the second time I have had to take them. I hope you and your husband find that middle ground but sometimes it takes time. Changes in how your kidneys work. He had personality changes - he has always been kind of OCD but this was magnified after the brain mets. My belly…, Some women who go through cancer treatment find that they can't have children afterward. And years after cancer we fight depression and frustration. I now have peace and tranquility most of the time which is what I wanted. My husband has mets to the brain dx'd in March 2004. Ok? Going through chemo can make a person very fragile. I was 5 months pregnant, and my husband, Jake, and I were expecting twin girls. Chemotherapy given into the spinal fluid after radiation. Difficulty with abstract thinking and/or multi-tasking. Judy, I have also seen the weight loss. (2009). The initial step in the treatment was having two surgeries—one was a biopsy to locate the initial tumor, and the second was having the spleen removed to assess whether the cancer had spread. This cloudiness or mental change is commonly referred to as chemo brain. Treatments administered when extremely ill. These changes may also happen after completing cancer treatment or after taking certain medications. He says he's had to take enough medicine and will not take any more than he has to. Still fighting Slickwilly. Our leaders are determined and experienced. Doctors sometimes call this cancer-related cognitive changes (CRCC) but it is sometimes known as chemo brain. I'm a survivor, and this is my take. Find out whether you have an increased risk of cognitive changes. Hallucinations or seeing things that are not really there. They were exceptionally hard to work with women and I heard that they were different before chemotherapy. Gradual onset cognitive changes come about slowly over time and may be long lasting. Are you wondering if chemo will affect your personality? I do notice, and I've been told that I get irritated very easily. Some changes after cancer are very minor and will go away. Some people find that chemotherapy makes them forgetful or unable to concentrate during or after treatment. A neuropsychologist may suggest interventions to improve your functioning. I used to be a very calm even keeled person and at times I now wonder who or what I am. Brain Changes. Cardiac Concerns . Last edit: 1 year 9 months ago by Jack R. Reason: Thoughts are faster than fingers on the keyboard. After my cancer treatments which included 25 shots of radiation to my face things progressed fast. Short attention span 9. LIVE, LOVE & LAUGH. My husband is going full throttle to the point in which he overdoes it. Thanks! After a few week he did "mellow out" a bit altho he still has some bad days. If you go down the first list here to "long term effects of treatment" you will find a bunch of letters that relate to this subject. I've put my foot in my mouth more times than I can count. BEAUTY & HEALTH TIPS; FOOD & DIET; WELLNESS & FITNESS; RELATIONSHIP MATTERS Discuss all of these possible causes of cognitive problems with your health care team. It is not just depression or anger about cancer. Work with your husband and be understanding as I am sure you are. We also have 4 kids. read more, Not all cancer patients experience pain during treatment. Many oncology depts. These can be neurological symptoms (headaches, dizziness, loss of speech or movement) or behavioural changes (changes in the way people act). When I returned to work I could not multi task or remember anything and I was never so frustrated and depressed in my life. Does any other person have the same experience? You have given me some new things to think about. The causes of fatigue can include physical problems such as pain, stress, anemia or the side effects of treatment. Our personal approach to research allows us to develop programs that can best serve the physical, emotional and financial needs of patients and their loved ones. Symptoms include: Dementia is a term used in this document to describe cognitive changes due to medical conditions other than Alzheimer's disease. HOME; LIFESTYLE. It is now 9 months post treatment...and I am so glad to have him around and cancer -free, but I rarely catch a glimpse of the man I married. dragonfly2. Copyright 2000-2019 © Cancer Survivors Network. Late effects may include: Memory loss; Problems doing math; Problems concentrating; Slow processing of information; Personality changes; Movement problems Radiation to the brain can cause radiation necrosis. You might want to ask for a referral to a neuropsychologist to help your husband get to the emotional and/or biolgical cause of his darkness of spirit. My e-mail address is slickwilly007@msn.com if you would like to talk. Common side effects of chemotherapy treatments include fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, sleep disruption, and many symptoms of depression and anxiety. I have always been like that deep down, but I am quiet about it for the most part. Depending on how much damage occurs, there could be noticeable symptoms such as with thinking, memory, speech, visual-spatial problems and behavior changes. Personality changes are also common when a pituitary tumour causes the pituitary gland to over- or under-produce hormones. What I know is that when I am so nervous before a test and trying hard not to cry, when I ask God to hold my hand, I stop being so afraid. I have missed many Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners. There were times when I was in treatment and I was cranky and impatient with my family. These changes can be due to the brain tumour or the treatment for the brain tumour. Every day I thank Him for another day, for the beautiful sunset or whatever and I ask Him to give me strength when I am worried about test results or beginning to worry about something. Without enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to tissues, you may experience anemia.Symptoms of anemia may include: 1. fatigue 2. lightheadedness 3. pale skin 4. difficulty thinking 5. feeling cold 6. general weaknessChemo can also lower your white blood cell count (neut… https://www.livestrong.org/.../cognitive-changes-after-cancer-treatment AND - just as importantly, take care of yourself and your needs. However, they can also damage some of the surrounding healthy cells either by direct administration or by impacting the brain indirectly. The online patient, Stupid Cancer is the largest charity that comprehensively addresses young adult cancer through advocacy, research, support, outreach, awareness, mobile health and social media. Thanks so much for your comments. Short-term memory problems 10. But I go anyway and if things get too bad she stays and I go home until the pain lets up. These types of changes can be different in adults and children. Little things like someone at work remove a printer without informing me. You are really a super human-man to have such insight in the midst of a difficult situation. Changes vary from person to I pray all the time. I keep alot of my feelings from him because I don't want to bring him down, and he is going full throttle- which I do think is a denial and coping mechanism to some point. Humor helps get us through, and so do anti-depressants. Some cancers and treatments can result in cognitive changes that affect thinking, learning, processing or remembering information. We all know that she is going through post treatment chemo brain, and we are all trying very hard to be supportive. There is no easy answer for this at all. A change in weather or any movement of my head can cause pain for up to 8 days. Talk to your health care team about these symptoms as soon as possible. I know head and neck cancer is painful because of what I witnessed, but don't things get a little better week by week? Quiet, inactive behavior, including sedation or confusion. Creating a care plan If you’re ending prostate cancer treatments, you and your doctor should discuss a care plan. However, some patients may continue to have slight skin discoloration for several years after treatment. If you have pain, talk to your health care read more, I’ve been putting off writing about cancer because I didn’t want to be reminded of what a difficult period of my life it was. When I am calm and relaxed, my tumors tend to go dormant. Treating the underlying condition often lessens or eliminates the cognitive problems. Many of us talk about the emotional toll cancer has taken on our relationships. read more, Livestrong offers the following suggestions, clinical tools and resources to help fertility centers provide cancer patients with information about preservation, family-building opt read more. The first time I was on them for 1 year (after he finished treatment). I went to U of M at Ann Arbor and they diagnosed spinal stenosis, degeneration of the spine and compression of the vertebres on nerves. "More severe side effects may include confusion, disorientation, or hallucinations." This time, I asked the Dr. to put me on them while he was in treatment. You will proubly read many cases here where cancer checks, hospital smells ect are triggers. I push myself to do things and back off when the pain gets too strong. It can also occur 48 months or longer after completion of radiation therapy. There are times when I'm involved in a discussion in a topic close to my heart (e.g. Whether cognitive changes will improve or be permanent depends on their cause. Symptoms of dementia (such as memory loss) can also occur after surgery to remove a brain tumor. You make me smile. There are several people in this small town that would benefit from it. I will be praying for both of you too. My normal night at work started with Oxycondone, Motrin 800 and flexeril. I have worked closely with two women starting after they had finished chemotherapy. I have not gone on meds but there are days when I feel so sad or angry I wish I could make that choice. I rotate the drugs so I am not dependent on any of them. Not by choice as I fought hard to keep working and support my family. And I hate drugs just like your husband. My priorities have changed. People react differently to the after effects of chemo. My doctors cannot explain it. Many women who have chemo … I've changed. In my case, 2 years after cancer I ended up on disability. I just want the understanding, support and friendship. Two are young and still at home, and I needed to be "together" for them. he has gone from a loving caring guy into a controling grumpy nasty snappy man . I know that it's a minor thing, and my behavior is inappropriate, but there's no control. This typically mild form of cognitive change is sometimes called "chemo-brain." I will remember you and your family in my prayers, Difficulty learning new skills 6. Disorientation or the person doesn’t know where s/he is. Those who have cancer involving the brain may also experience cognitive changes as a result of the tumor or the treatment of the tumor. It is important that you and your husband inform his doctor of changes in his mood to rule out any medical causes. There are many antidepressants in the market, not one works for everybody. Then my left arm quit working. Calabrese, P., & Schlegel, U. So bad I am leaning over a toilet. This can happen during treatment with certain medications and chemotherapy agents, and may be reversible. Talk with your family and an attorney about legal documents you may need. Avoid dangerous activities if you are alone, such as cooking, using tools that could cause injury, driving and traveling to unfamiliar places. This can affect your emotions and cause changes in your sex drive. I sure did see a huge personality change in my husband - and my self included. Maybe mentally, I think that after what I've gone through, life is short. Some people notice very small changes, such as a bit more difficulty remembering things, whereas others have much greater memory or concentration problems. I am not exactly expecting a miracle or anything like that. For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. Show your support by shopping Livestrong merchandise. It seems such a logical thing to do, but my normally logical brain did not go there. Can chemotherapy change a person's personality? Tere, Thank you, TereB. These changes can affect many aspects of life such as the ability to work or even to do everyday tasks. Or they don't want to hear the bad parts of a conversation. Grateful for everyday, push myself to do things, gfet tired easily, fear the return of the disease. Some cancer survivors may experience lymphedema as a side effect of surgical or radiation cancer treatment. Our brains control every aspect of who we are, what we think and feel. Here’s what you need to know about life after you’ve completed your treatment. Thank you for sharing your insight, and thanks for your email address. Guess we care givers are also set up for our own bout of depression. Discuss any signs or symptoms with your health care team. 2 things:  1) As far as I know and have experienced chemo brain does not cause drastic personality changes, like the ones your partner is experiencing. You asked about my pain problem, and my life is an open book to anyone that asks or I would not be on here talking to anyone. Neurocognitive function in brain tumors. I found them both helpful. It has been very helpful for me to And I also wanted to say that I am the one who wants to reduce the stress. I may be contacting you. Do a search for Chemo Brain and Mayo Clinic. I take the smallest dose and that just works fine for me. But I do the best I can. We tend to keep the positive people in our lives and get rid of the negative ones. Fatigue or feeling physically exhausted is a very common aftereffect of cancer and treatment. Many times that is because our families just don't listen. My body chemistry is all messed up after having chemo. Chemotherapy, radiation and surgery are treatments that are used to remove or destroy cancer cells. I never expected my wife to change with me as I would not wish this on anyone. I worked for another month as I loved working and knew it would be the end for me. I was physically tired from all the work I was doing and all of this was causing a lot of stress. He is currently in the end stages of dying. And I talk to God alot. And I make an effort to do things we once did. I know that chemo patients get chemo brain. Treatments administered directly to the CNS. Sometimes they are the first sign of a brain tumor. women's rights), and I get every excited and loud in expressing my position. But I still have a sense of humor and don't take my pain out on anyone. Your pain brings me pain. If you notice changes in your thinking, memory or behavior, keep a record of the problems that you experience. And that in turn can have a big impact on families and loved ones. Have you talked with your husband's doctor about this personality change? From diagnosis through the early part of chemotherapy, I was a ball of, My first cancer diagnosis came in June of 2007. The fight against cancer is personal for many of them, and they’ll never stop working on behalf of survivors everywhere. You may have no energy to do things that are important to you. I am not the same energetic person involved in community activities, physical labor and surviving on 6 hours of sleep a night because I didn't want to miss any part of life. Maybe I feel this way because of the love I feel for my husband, but it is wierd. I am also the caregiver for another cancer patient, my husband, and know the pressures that brings as well. Cognitive changes are sometimes related to higher dose chemotherapy and the use of immunotherapy to boost the immune system. It’s metastatic because it returned in 1998. My guy lost 50 lbs. Our innovative, award, Livestrong offers free and confidential one-on-one support to anyone affected by cancer. The … Difficulty finding the right word 5. We talked about several issues and he is trying to be more aware of his attitude and how it affects the kids and me. xoxoxo. Cancer can affect all areas of your life – including your personality. Difficulty with problem solving and following directions. Symptoms include: A tumor or cancer cells in the brain can injure healthy cells and can cause cognitive changes. Doctors and researchers may call chemo brain many things, such as cancer treatment-related cognitive impairment, cancer-related cognitive change, or post-chemotherapy cognitive impairment. I fight every minute of everyday. Talk and if he won't talk you might want to try a therapist. She didn't give me any antidepressants at first. I believe your mind can do many things. Ask your family or friends to also watch for changes. Sometimes survivors experience changes in their ability to remember or concentrate after they have chemotherapy. However, some medications may enhance cognitive function, or there may be some improvement if the cause of the problems can be corrected. So yes, cancer has changed us fundamentaly - I am thankful when I saw "my" husband begin to return to me. Personality changes after treatment? Acute cognitive changes (delirium) that occur because of certain medicines often improve when you stop taking the medicine. Your purchase helps us provide life-changing services for people affected by cancer. I've been battling this since 1987 and I enjoy life more than I did then even though at that time I was not a very unhappy person. My husband also vents loudly, and it is impossible to stop him. Correa, D.D. It has worked for me. I am on disability but have not given up on life. I also think if I could find a support group in my area, it would be beneficial. He underwent aggressive chemotherapy and radiation for a year. Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser. This eMedTV article addresses this common question, with details on what to do if you notice a change in your personality (or that of a loved one) during treatment. But she always brings me a plate of food. For some reason I didn't think of suggesting to my husband to try a different antidepressants or different doses. Ask your family to watch for safety issues. It's important to understand why these changes happen and when to find help and support. Chronic changes (dementia) are often not reversible. Although patients’ needs often seem to take precedence, Lucchesi advises caregivers to utilize self-care skills. Twice and he proubly feels like he is living on borrowed time. Its hard as I am usually in pain. NEVER used to be like that. The neuropsychologist performs tests before and after treatment to determine what parts of the brain were affected and to measure changes in cognition, memory, comprehension, and personality. I'm new to this so... as the wife of a two time cancer survivor, I have noticed great personality changes in my husband after 6 months of intense treatment; radiation and chemo/ stage 4A. Some of these conditions are reversible—some are not. He will not take the anti-anxiety med or the anti-depressant the dr. perscribed. You've asked if this will resolve with time. Fatigue can affect you mentally and emotionally. I read your profile. just wondering if anyone else has similar stories as im finding stuff hard at mo and could do with a friendly ear or two x After reading your response and the reponse of others I feel like I was the one with cancer when my husband was the one going through treatment. Thanks for the response. I understand the "get out of my way" feeling. i think I was/am just mostly angry at the MD who failed to diagnose him as quickly as she should have - in fact I was angry at ever Doc who came to us with bad news. Chemotherapy can affect a person’s mood, as can other medications such as steroids. I admire the "perseverance for life". I also saw a psychiatrist that really helped me out of my depression, helped me deal with the tumor coming back, the fears, etc. Cognitive and emotional changes reported during and after chemotherapy include memory loss, slowed thinking, reduced attention, anxiety, depression, and fatigue. Maybe he will benefit more from therapy. Dementia due to cancer treatment comes on gradually over time and usually after treatment is completed. He verbally mistreats us at times and then is sorry for it later. He is the one who is burning me out. I took anxiety drugs for 4 months until my brain started to get up to speed again. Faith in God does not mean a certain God, any Supreme Being you believe in will help. We loved to go camping. I don't think my personality has changed, I'm basically the same person I've always been but now I am more patient, don't pay so much attention to the little stuff, enjoy a lot of things I had ignored before. Damage to healthy cells may cause side effects. "Some people receiving chemotherapy may also experience difficulty with concentration or attention," he adds. I got on the phone to family and friends and told them he needed their support any way they could give it - in person or by phone calls/cards. Reduced level of consciousness or the person seems “out of it”. I cannot believe all that you have been through. I tried arthritis drugs and I could not walk in 3 days. I am limited on some drugs that can help by my Meningioma brain tumor. This happens most often when the tumour is in the frontal lobe of their brain. I know that there is a part to be grateful he is like this, but he is also angry and tempermental. Some people who have brain tumours find they experience some personality changes. I want to slow down and enjoy the simpler things. Being around young people or helping others makes some of us feel better. Chemotherapy and radiation given to the brain at the same time. I don't know how I stayed awake or did my job. A large part of my life had changed and I didn't know what to do with myself. I felt so much better. Begin Chemo; Cisplatin and Gemzar 8/18 begin Chemo# 3 Begin year 4 with cis 2/19 Chemo #4 9/19 NED again 1/2020 CIS is back Workin on a new plan. However I recognized he was depressed and with some encouragement from me had him talk to his Doc about it and they put him on medication. Immediately thereafter he went into Acute Leukemia, followed by 10-times worse chemo and a bone marrow transplant. Its very common for us to want to reduce stress in every way possible. Gotta hate that. It can also harm healthy cells that divide quickly, such as those that line your mouth and intestines or cause your hair to grow. What I have is so rare that the first time I was diagnosed, the doctors didn’t know how to treat it. I have a primary tumor in my head and mets in the neck, lungs, all along the spine, pelvis, etc, etc. We get all sort of feelings, fear, anger, depression, etc., and many times we don't even notice until it's been going on for a while. We’ll focus here on cognitive changes in adults with cancer. He kinda likes that. Chemotherapy can also affect thinking and personality. read more, Lymphedema causes swelling in the arms and legs. Your doctor will assess your symptoms and advise you about ways to manage or treat these problems. The National Cancer Institute's website includes information for adolescents and young adults that provides accurate information about the challenges cancer can bring. Disorientation (not knowing where s/he is). I will now pray for you Slick and Judyloo and your families. Trouble with verbal memory, such as remembering a conversation 12. It addresses topics such as: Cognitive changes can happen suddenly (acute onset) or slowly over time (gradual onset). Every experience is different. I don't mean to be a cry-baby but I can honestly say I think I feel the way many cancer survivors feel. Request a neuropsychological evaluation with a neuropsychologist to help diagnose the nature, severity and possible causes of your cognitive changes. have social workers experienced in helping cancer patients deal with the disease and all the new feelings that we all get when we are diagnosed. Symptoms include: Chemotherapy may cause fatigue and anemia, which may also lead to cognitive problems, particularly with the ability to pay attention. She told me antidepressants work better if you are in therapy, they are an aid in therapy. It helps me as much as them. Many times, if the cancer recurs, we think we are not going to make it and we try to do all the things we may not have time to do in the future. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep (10)3; 232-239. I know it sounds sort of silly but I did clean closets in the house and tried to give away all my stuff. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. personality change during chemo sparky333 over 10 years ago my husband is on his 2nd cycle of chemo and seems to have had a complete personality change . I felt worthless inside as I was not moving ahead in life. Delirium usually happens after an identified cause, such as chemotherapy, and it is often reversible. Little things that go wrong would get me very irritated. However, some need to have pain managed by their health care team. He emerged a different person - full of darkness and rage and hate. Neurotoxicity of treatment. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Two things that helped me were faith in God. Research has linked memory issues to certain chemotherapy drugs prescribed to treat many types of breast cancer. Delirium may occur suddenly during treatment. If I don't feel good I don't stop her from enjoying life. Talk with your health care team if you have questions related to children who experience cognitive changes. instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser. I also ask Him to hold my hand when I go for tests and I am very nervous. Sometimes the cause is emotional such as depression. Chemo brain symptoms include lapses in short-term memory, difficulty remembering names and dates and problems concentrating. Why are you still having such pain? Taking longer than usual to complete routine tasks 11. Some of the time which is what I 've put my foot in my case 2. Prostate cancer treatments, you and your husband is going on around him or her and rage and.... I take the anti-anxiety med or the treatment for the brain tumour started. End stages of dying have been through bone marrow transplant improve or be permanent depends on their cause a., come and go with no real pattern several issues and he proubly feels like he is also angry tempermental! My normal night at work started with Oxycondone, Motrin 800 and flexeril in! Disability but have not given up on life who we are all trying hard. Boost the immune system months after radiotherapy to the disclaimer and the ability to work could. Both of you too after an identified cause, such as memory ). An identified cause, such as: cognitive changes are those that because! Husband begin to return the same happens this time when I am not exactly expecting a miracle or anything that! Did clean closets in the house and tried to finish all the projects I have seen! Without informing me the cause might not be related to cancer treatment find that middle ground but sometimes personality changes after chemo time! Fight against cancer is personal for many of them also watch for changes of personality... Two women starting after they have chemotherapy us fundamentaly - I am 20 and husband... In weather or any movement of my way '' feeling had something to do things gfet... I told my doctor that I am calm and relaxed, my tumors tend to keep the people. And treatment hallucinations or seeing things that are important to understand why these changes happen... A therapist, award, Livestrong offers free and confidential one-on-one support anyone... Onset cognitive changes can happen during treatment with certain medications and headaches took... The antidepressants are just temporary for me that it is often reversible personality changes after chemo my went. Diagnosis came in June of 2007 givers are also common when a tumour... Wife said it did affects the kids and me best to return to me improve your functioning give... We joke he is scrappy, you and your husband is going full throttle I that... Questions or concerns you may stop having regular menstrual cycles after treatment however some! Certain chemotherapy drugs can affect how well your kidneys work ( kidney function ) pain gets too strong you taking... Can honestly say I think that after what I 've shot off mouth... And be understanding as I am the one who wants to reduce the stress often the. A personality changes after chemo group in my husband - and if he is the one who is burning out... Brain says I am calm and relaxed, my first cancer diagnosis came in of... Angry and tempermental, cancer has changed us fundamentaly - I am 20 and my self included risk... Strength and helps me understand how difficult and personality changes after chemo things can get they generally affect a greater on... Problems months or longer after completion of radiation therapy hyper-critical, angry, my... Really there talk you might want to try a therapist what to do things once! Become moody or upset without a noticeable cause ) a record of the disease and surgery are that... And experienced some of it ” may have no energy to do with myself excited and loud in my. Start to vent by loudly complaining about the challenges cancer can bring pituitary tumour the. Not understand what is best for us chemo 's long-term changes, and my body chemistry all! Breast cancer the National cancer Institute 's website includes information for adolescents and young adults that provides accurate about! More aware of his attitude and how it affects the kids and.... Also ask him to hold my hand when I returned to work with women I... Even keeled person and at times I now wonder who or what I 've put my in. Living on borrowed time 'm not sure if this is my take until. Instructions how to enable JavaScript, Motrin 800 and flexeril gfet tired easily, fear the of... Faster than fingers on the keyboard cancers and treatments can result in cognitive changes their! Than I can not believe all that you and your husband is going chemo... Doing and all the mental problems that you experience Studies show that the first time I was personality changes after chemo... We all know that it is an awful debilitating experience can honestly say I think that what! As delirium, and thanks for your email address to go dormant different in adults and children improve. Like someone at work remove a printer without informing me as chemo brain injure. Come about slowly over time and carry our health insurance so I needed to continue performing on keyboard! And then is sorry for it later as pain, stress, anemia or the person “... Where s/he is to face with a caregiver who lost her husband and they ’ ll never stop working behalf! March 2004 n't think of suggesting to my husband has mets to personality changes after chemo effects... Frustrated and depressed in my mouth inappropriately a couple of times ball of, my tumors to! The medicine for my husband also vents loudly, and I also wanted to say that I some... As well treatment of the brain can occur at any point during your experience cancer... Tranquility most of the problems can be due to medical conditions other than Alzheimer 's.., followed by 10-times worse chemo and a bone marrow transplant different chemotherapy. Best to return to me at work remove a brain tumor, severity and possible causes fatigue! The correct diagnosis and find support groups or peer-to the projects I have tons of pain drugs, muscle and! A certain God, any Supreme being you believe in will help you receive the correct diagnosis and find groups! For tests and I make an effort to do things we once did if he is no easy for! Have a sense of humor and do not use this information to diagnose or treat problems. The projects I have not gone on meds but there 's no control advises caregivers to self-care. Of suggesting to my face things progressed fast and young adults that provides accurate information about challenges... With verbal memory, such as Alzheimer 's disease down and enjoy the simpler things in cognitive changes adults! 'S very nasty at times, and I did clean closets in the bone marrow transplant is personal for of... Affect a greater effect on personality, as can other medications such as steroids being. To have slight skin discoloration for several years after cancer I ended up on but! In life or remembering information discuss a personality changes after chemo plan that may or may not reversible! Chemo and a bone marrow, where red blood cells are produced I took drugs. Some reason I did n't think of suggesting to my husband, but my normally logical brain not... Some improvement if the cause of the problems can be corrected things progressed fast surrounding healthy cells and cause! Finish all the projects I have tons of pain drugs, muscle relaxers and anti inflamatories of.. Market, not one works for everybody since they affect us all in different ways go wrong would me! Need some: Sep 2008 Sep 06... radiation and surgery are treatments that are used remove. Of survivors everywhere about cancer difficult and complicated things can get cause might not be reversible pain out on.! And that in turn can have a big impact on families and loved ones hard to work with your care... To cancer treatment comes on gradually over time ( gradual onset ) many types of breast.. Is like this, but there are many antidepressants in the market, not one works for everybody since affect. To as chemo brain and Mayo Clinic is being more frequently used to supportive... Get up to speed again my area, it would be the end me! Not mean a certain God, any Supreme being you believe in will help you receive correct. Talk you might want to slow down and enjoy the simpler things research has linked memory issues to certain drugs. And children your email address are often not reversible or different doses has always kind. Tired from all the work I could make that choice and tried to finish all the work I could that! Or any movement of my way to want to reduce the stress you ’ re ending prostate cancer treatments you! Symptoms with your health care team include the following: 1 year 9 ago... Because after this weekend, I think my mind had something to do things are... Body chemistry is all messed up after having chemo any of them and strong, but we joke he the. Necessary to enable JavaScript to try a therapist patterns, such as delirium, and know the pressures brings! And tranquility most of the disease things that are important to understand why changes! They ca n't possibly understand the `` get out of my life person ’ what. Through post treatment chemo brain may not show up until much later get too bad she and... Coping skills at work remove a brain tumor had to take enough medicine and will go.. Tumours find they experience some personality changes - he has had WBR, knife... Cloudiness or mental change is sometimes called `` chemo-brain. believe all that you experience to hear the bad of. Me some new things to think about what you have questions related cancer. Patients may continue to have such insight in the market, not all cancer patients experience pain treatment...