During and after chemotherapy treatment, some mesothelioma patients experience forgetfulness, problems with "word finding" and difficulty concentrating. These are symptoms of a phenomenon called Chemo Brain. Generally considered a temporary condition that resolves considerably in the months after completing treatment, patients find it frustrating and stressful nonetheless. This presentation will discuss chemo brain and strategies to manage its symptoms.

1. Coping with Chemobrain
Dana Nolan MS, LMHC, NCC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
September 11, 2013

2. What is Chemobrain?
Patients say that during and after chemo that their:
• Thinking seems foggy
• Memory not as sharp
• Can’t make decisions
Physicians call these “cognitive deficits related to
chemo,” but cancer survivors refer to them as part
of “chemobrain!”
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3. Symptoms of Chemobrain
 Memory loss
 Trouble paying attention
 Difficulty “word finding”
 Problems managing daily activities/solving problems
Usually resolves completely or considerably within a
year of finishing chemotherapy.
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4. Causes
• We are unsure of the exact cause of chemobrain.
• Progress in helping patients manage it.
Hypotheses about causes:
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Sleep problems
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• Low blood counts
• Stress
• Medication side effects

5. NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST
EVALUATION
 Consulted in chronic cases
 Comprehensive evaluation
 Recommendations can include medication, cognitive
rehabilitation
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6. Mesothelioma patients struggling with
chemobrain can do a number of things
to minimize the impact of chemobrain…
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7. MAKE LISTS
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8. AVOID DISTRACTIONS
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9. ORGANIZE YOUR ENVIRONMENT
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10. REPEAT IMPORTANT INFORMATION
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11. KEEP YOUR BRAIN SHARP
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12. SHARE YOUR STRUGGLE
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13. ASK FOR HELP!
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14. Contact Information
1-800-615-2270
(800) 615-2270