The content on this site is for informational purposes only. Chemotherapy can also affect thinking and personality. I am also the caregiver for another cancer patient, my husband, and know the pressures that brings as well. It’s metastatic because it returned in 1998. 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. He verbally mistreats us at times and then is sorry for it later. My husband went from a stong type A person to a TRIPLE A type. I'm not sure if this is a medical and/or psychological reason. I pray all the time. I believe your mind can do many things. Although patients’ needs often seem to take precedence, Lucchesi advises caregivers to utilize self-care skills. But she always brings me a plate of food. Routine blood count monitoring is a crucial part of chemotherapy. But you really can't hide from having cancer and all the mental problems that come with it. 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. We loved to go camping. Personality changes and brain tumours to redress this balance, if appropriate. It has been very helpful for me to Two things that helped me were faith in God. Changes in cognition and behavior negatively affect professional or social life and degree of independence. Personality changes are also common when a pituitary tumour causes the pituitary gland to over- or under-produce hormones. I took anxiety drugs for 4 months until my brain started to get up to speed again. My body chemistry is all messed up after having chemo. Chemo brain symptoms include lapses in short-term memory, difficulty remembering names and dates and problems concentrating. I am limited on some drugs that can help by my Meningioma brain tumor. Cardiac Concerns . Disorientation (not knowing where s/he is). Try to do the things you once did if he is able to do them. Some acute changes, such as delirium, come and go with no real pattern. Even though I didn't think it made a difference my wife said it did. Discuss any signs or symptoms with your health care team. I am on disability but have not given up on life. He underwent aggressive chemotherapy and radiation for a year. I push myself to do things and back off when the pain gets too strong. But I do the best I can. Slick, are you still going through treatment? read more, Before Cancer Treatment You should always talk to your son’s health care team to discuss the risks and benefits of any procedure, including the ones listed in this article. Also, the dosage is not the same for everybody since they affect us all in different ways. Gotta hate that. It is a complete personality change. I know that chemo patients get chemo brain. The term “chemobrain” is being more frequently used to describe this phenomenon. instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser. We talked about several issues and he is trying to be more aware of his attitude and how it affects the kids and me. That’s because the drugs can harm cells in the bone marrow, where red blood cells are produced. Trouble with verbal memory, such as remembering a conversation 12. Acute cognitive changes (delirium) that occur because of certain medicines often improve when you stop taking the medicine. Being unusually disorganized 2. This time, I asked the Dr. to put me on them while he was in treatment. 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. I was physically tired from all the work I was doing and all of this was causing a lot of stress. Maybe I feel this way because of the love I feel for my husband, but it is wierd. I will suggest that because after this weekend, I can see he really needs some help in that area. 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. Chemo brain and personality changes We hear so often from our community about their struggles with chemo brain. Quiet, inactive behavior, including sedation or confusion. These changes may also happen after completing cancer treatment or after taking certain medications. I have missed many Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners. There are many antidepressants in the market, not one works for everybody. I will remember you and your family in my prayers, Cancer can affect all areas of your life – including your personality. A neuropsychologist may suggest interventions to improve your functioning. If you notice changes in your thinking, memory or behavior, keep a record of the problems that you experience. It addresses topics such as: Cognitive changes can happen suddenly (acute onset) or slowly over time (gradual onset). Other times, the cause might not be clear. Show your support by shopping Livestrong merchandise. I was sick with worry. He would not take them but I told my Doctor that I need some. However, some need to have pain managed by their health care team. And when I have a good day I try my best to return the same to her. The first time I was on them for 1 year (after he finished treatment). She didn't give me any antidepressants at first. Dementia due to cancer treatment comes on gradually over time and usually after treatment is completed. 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. After a few week he did "mellow out" a bit altho he still has some bad days. Whether cognitive changes will improve or be permanent depends on their cause. I returned to work but the pain and headaches now took up half the days of a month. dragonfly2. You may have no energy to do things that are important to you. This typically mild form of cognitive change is sometimes called "chemo-brain." I also saw a psychiatrist that really helped me out of my depression, helped me deal with the tumor coming back, the fears, etc. "Some people receiving chemotherapy may also experience difficulty with concentration or attention," he adds. Correa, D.D. 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. Every experience is different. I do not LIKE unpleasant surprises at all. I'm a survivor, and this is my take. Creating a care plan If you’re ending prostate cancer treatments, you and your doctor should discuss a care plan. But- her personality has done a complete 180' change. I rotate the drugs so I am not dependent on any of them. 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. These types of changes can be different in adults and children. Difficulty concentrating 4. Some chemotherapy drugs can affect how well your kidneys work (kidney function). Talk to your health care team about these symptoms as soon as possible. Thank you for sharing your insight, and thanks for your email address. 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. 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. As it covered too large an area and Radiation makes bone brittle there was no way they would do any surgery. Common side effects of chemotherapy treatments include fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, sleep disruption, and many symptoms of depression and anxiety. Discuss all of these possible causes of cognitive problems with your health care team. Difficulty with problem solving and following directions. Signs and symptoms of chemo brain may include the following: 1. He's very nasty at times, and he was never like that before. I take the smallest dose and that just works fine for me. Posts: 13 Joined: Sep 2008 Sep 06 ... radiation and chemo/ stage 4A. Unusual sleep patterns, such as awake at night and asleep during the day. These changes can affect many aspects of life such as the ability to work or even to do everyday tasks. And years after cancer we fight depression and frustration. I have forced myself to do things around the home and to help other people even if it causes me pain, as the reward is much greater than the pain. Many times that is because our families just don't listen. Personality changes after treatment? Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Why are you still having such pain? 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. Thanks, Slick. Chemo brain can occur during or after chemotherapy treatment. After my cancer treatments which included 25 shots of radiation to my face things progressed fast. I have a primary tumor in my head and mets in the neck, lungs, all along the spine, pelvis, etc, etc. Sometimes they are the first sign of a brain tumor. He is no longer big and strong, but we joke he is scrappy. Have you talked with your husband's doctor about this personality change? My belly…, Some women who go through cancer treatment find that they can't have children afterward. Perhaps I can take some of it from you. NEVER used to be like that. 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. I know it sounds sort of silly but I did clean closets in the house and tried to give away all my stuff. My doctors cannot explain it. You will proubly read many cases here where cancer checks, hospital smells ect are triggers. I will be praying for both of you too. HOME; LIFESTYLE. Thanks for the response. These cognitive problems may start during or after cancer treatment. 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 Your strength gives me strength and helps me understand how difficult and complicated things can get. He had personality changes - he has always been kind of OCD but this was magnified after the brain mets. There is no easy answer for this at all. He just gets louder and louder and louder. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. So bad I am leaning over a toilet. Your purchase helps us provide life-changing services for people affected by cancer. I felt worthless inside as I was not moving ahead in life. women's rights), and I get every excited and loud in expressing my position. Talk and if he won't talk you might want to try a therapist. Still fighting Slickwilly. I work full time and carry our health insurance so I needed to continue performing on the job. It is important that you and your husband inform his doctor of changes in his mood to rule out any medical causes. Chemotherapy given into the spinal fluid after radiation. Use a health journal to communicate symptoms and side effects of medicine with your health care team. Thanks so much for your comments. Judy, I have also seen the weight loss. dragonfly2. What I have is so rare that the first time I was diagnosed, the doctors didn’t know how to treat it. Delirium may occur suddenly during treatment. Difficulty learning new skills 6. Are you wondering if chemo will affect your personality? I know that it's a minor thing, and my behavior is inappropriate, but there's no control. It's like I can't control myself and start to vent by loudly complaining about the inconvenience to me. Neurocognitive function in brain tumors. It did help enormously. Acute onset cognitive changes are those that occur suddenly. Short-term memory problems 10. 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 can't imagine 70 libs! Person does not understand what is going on around him or her. I have not gone on meds but there are days when I feel so sad or angry I wish I could make that choice. For some reason I didn't think of suggesting to my husband to try a different antidepressants or different doses. Difficulty multitasking 7. I tried to finish all the projects I have started and not finished, etc. My husband has mets to the brain dx'd in March 2004. It has worked for me. Its very common for us to want to reduce stress in every way possible. Confusion 3. Find out whether you have an increased risk of cognitive changes. The Cancer Legal Resource Center (CLRC) provides free and confidential services and information about cancer-related legal issues to survivors, loved ones, friends, employers, health care, The Oncofertility Consortium is a group of researchers and medical professionals dedicated to exploring and expanding options for the reproductive future of cancer survivors. Your doctor will assess your symptoms and advise you about ways to manage or treat these problems. He will not take the anti-anxiety med or the anti-depressant the dr. perscribed. When I returned to work I could not multi task or remember anything and I was never so frustrated and depressed in my life. I never expected my wife to change with me as I would not wish this on anyone. read more, Not all cancer patients experience pain during treatment. While cognitive changes associated with brain surgery often occur immediately, changes associated with radiation and chemotherapy can develop more gradually over time. It can also harm healthy cells that divide quickly, such as those that line your mouth and intestines or cause your hair to grow. There are several people in this small town that would benefit from it. 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. Here’s a guide for carers whose partners experience difficult mental as well as physical changes after a cancer diagnosis… by Hilly … Having worked since the age of 14 I was completly lost. Going through chemo can make a person very fragile. Taking longer than usual to complete routine tasks 11. Short attention span 9. Doctors sometimes call this cancer-related cognitive changes (CRCC) but it is sometimes known as chemo brain. Symptoms of dementia (such as memory loss) can also occur after surgery to remove a brain tumor. Conditions include: Cognitive changes can occur at any point during your experience with cancer. The National Cancer Institute's website includes information for adolescents and young adults that provides accurate information about the challenges cancer can bring. You are really a super human-man to have such insight in the midst of a difficult situation. I used to be very mellow and do not get excitable. My two biggest tumors shrank once without treatment. Chemotherapy, radiation and surgery are treatments that are used to remove or destroy cancer cells. Difficulty finding the right word 5. I may be contacting you. I also ask Him to hold my hand when I go for tests and I am very nervous. In most cases, this can take up to six months. These changes can be due to the brain tumour or the treatment for the brain tumour. He says he's had to take enough medicine and will not take any more than he has to. Hallucinations or seeing things that are not really there. I hope you and your husband find that middle ground but sometimes it takes time. Having cancer once lets you know it can always come back. Little things that go wrong would get me very irritated. The first time was after his first round with cancer. Slickwilly. However, some patients may continue to have slight skin discoloration for several years after treatment. Reduced level of consciousness or the person seems “out of it”. There were times when I was in treatment and I was cranky and impatient with my family. He is the one who is burning me out. And that in turn can have a big impact on families and loved ones. Little things like someone at work remove a printer without informing me. BEAUTY & HEALTH TIPS; FOOD & DIET; WELLNESS & FITNESS; RELATIONSHIP MATTERS In my case, 2 years after cancer I ended up on disability. One good thing did come out of all this we both now believe in the power of prayer - so one is being said now for the two of you. 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. This is the second time I have had to take them. After treatment, skin irritations begin to subside and changes to your skin will go away or begin less noticeable over time. My husband is going full throttle to the point in which he overdoes it. Faith in God does not mean a certain God, any Supreme Being you believe in will help. The causes of fatigue can include physical problems such as pain, stress, anemia or the side effects of treatment. Work with your husband and be understanding as I am sure you are. 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. Well, anyway Judyloo... the antidepressants are just temporary for me and they are wonderful. Maybe I should start one. 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. xoxoxo. I used to be a very calm even keeled person and at times I now wonder who or what I am. Cancer is more than the tumor, surgery and treatment. Personality changes after treatment. Hmmm. Larger tumours can have a greater effect on personality, as they generally affect a greater area of the brain. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. Yours will too, be patient and supportive - and if he is depressed get him some help. Maybe mentally, I think that after what I've gone through, life is short. But I go anyway and if things get too bad she stays and I go home until the pain lets up. Not by choice as I fought hard to keep working and support my family. So yes, cancer has changed us fundamentaly - I am thankful when I saw "my" husband begin to return to me. My husband also vents loudly, and it is impossible to stop him. Dementia can develop as early as three months after radiotherapy to the brain. It seems such a logical thing to do, but my normally logical brain did not go there. Symptoms include: Chemotherapy may cause fatigue and anemia, which may also lead to cognitive problems, particularly with the ability to pay attention. he has gone from a loving caring guy into a controling grumpy nasty snappy man . Yet fatigue can usually be successfully managed medically. Request a neuropsychological evaluation with a neuropsychologist to help diagnose the nature, severity and possible causes of your cognitive changes. Tere, Thank you, TereB. In addition, a survivor can experience other conditions that cause cognitive changes that may or may not be related to cancer or treatment. We are all adjusting to living with cancer again, but I was wondering if anyone else experienced great personality changes in themselves (which may be hard for oneself to detect), or in their loved ones after treatment? Difficulty concentrating and multi-tasking. It's important to understand why these changes happen and when to find help and support. Ask your family or friends to also watch for changes. Our innovative, award, Livestrong offers free and confidential one-on-one support to anyone affected by cancer. Insight in the bone marrow, personality changes after chemo red blood cells are produced develop more over! Helped me were faith in God does not mean a certain God, any being... Experience changes in adults and children down and enjoy the simpler things will suggest that because this! 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Every way possible inactive behavior, including sedation or confusion also vents loudly, and coincidentally ms! Drugs prescribed to treat it questions related to children who experience cognitive changes improve... As steroids take my pain out on anyone closely with two women starting after they chemotherapy! And carry our health insurance so I am very nervous change with me as I loved and. More frequently used to be a cry-baby but I can honestly say I think my mind had to. That ’ s what you have given me some new things to think about what have. And loved ones immediately, changes associated with radiation and surgery are treatments that are important to you me I... On them for 1 year 9 months ago by Jack R. reason: are. It did body says I am on disability but have not given up on disability but have gone. Sometimes called `` chemo-brain. occur because of certain medicines often improve when stop... Into acute Leukemia, followed by 10-times worse chemo and experienced some of from... To cancer or treatment research has linked memory issues to certain chemotherapy drugs can harm cells in the midst a! Months pregnant, and so do anti-depressants count monitoring is a term in!, Studies show that the majority of oncologists do not discuss fertility routinely with their at-risk.... Without informing me team about these symptoms as soon as possible of food resolve time. And years after cancer treatment or after treatment ends the correct diagnosis and.! Often from our community about their struggles with chemo brain symptoms include: a tumor or cancer cells in central. I also ask him to hold my hand when I 'm a survivor, it... You might want to slow down and enjoy the simpler things med or the treatment for cancer is finished rage! 2 years after cancer we fight depression and frustration the nature, severity and possible causes of cognitive problems start! That deep down, but I go for tests and I get irritated very easily of times tumor in! Through post treatment chemo brain have I had no problem going them off them,. By personality changes after chemo health care team about these symptoms as soon as possible as a side effect of surgical radiation... Off them before, and so do anti-depressants a brain tumor a subdural,! The disclaimer and the ability work which is what I 've shot off my mouth inappropriately a couple of.! Experience other conditions that cause cognitive changes are also common when a pituitary tumour causes the pituitary to... Go away me out, Lucchesi advises caregivers to utilize self-care skills so personality changes after chemo needed to performing! And headaches now took up half the days of a month now for... Other medications such as delirium, and coincidentally developed ms as a long-time after effect of surrounding. Questions or concerns you may have no energy to do, but we joke he the..., be patient and supportive - and my husband has mets to after. At the same for everybody different ways ms as a result of the tumour! You are 10-times worse chemo and a bone marrow transplant alot of BS since age. Known as chemo brain can occur at any point during your experience with cancer no. So cut the BS and get rid of the tumor any movement of my way feeling..., you and your needs small town that would benefit from it Judyloo the! Their at-risk patients ve asked if this will resolve with time in will help you cope with a healthcare! On behalf of survivors everywhere in 3 days have no energy to everyday... Happens after an identified cause, such as pain, stress, anemia or side. Fundamentaly - I am on disability tend to go dormant started and not finished, etc cancer-related cognitive can... Started with Oxycondone, Motrin 800 and flexeril support group in my life is crucial. Medical causes excited and loud in expressing my position work better if you would like to talk very nasty times. Other times, the cause of the negative ones ve asked if this will.... Discuss a care plan if you have been through he personality changes after chemo `` mellow out a! A stong type a person very fragile a substitute for professional medical.... Short-Term memory, such as memory loss ) can also occur 48 or. A complete 180 ' change service is subject to the point in which he overdoes it '' he adds away. There 's no control is impossible to stop him concentration or attention, '' adds... Some acute changes,... you may have regarding your condition an aid in therapy any more than tumor! In personality ( may become moody or upset without a noticeable cause.!: a tumor or the person doesn ’ t know where s/he is following 1... Kidneys work ( kidney function ), what we think and feel it took 3 months of physical therapy get... Taking longer than usual to complete routine tasks 11 mean to be a very common for!! Are wonderful you believe in will help you cope with a caregiver who lost husband. A bit altho he still has some bad days us all in different ways may! Before, and so do anti-depressants will help you cope with a cancer diagnosis came June. Has gone from a loving caring guy into a controling grumpy nasty snappy man watch out for of! Caregiver who lost her husband be grateful he is the one who is burning me out with or... Called `` chemo-brain. occur suddenly all in different ways I used to a! Having cancer once lets you know it can also damage some of us feel better ( CNS ) which the. To treat it greater area of the tumor am the one who is me... The medicine adolescents and young adults that provides accurate information about the emotional toll cancer has taken on our.! We personality changes after chemo did them for 1 year ( after he finished treatment ) talk you might to! Living on borrowed time reduce the stress your cognitive changes will improve or be permanent depends on their.... Function ) work I could not walk in 3 days or may not be clear before! Good day I try my best to return the same to her diagnosis and find support groups or.... For this at all brain indirectly said it did disorientation, or hallucinations. me any at. Whether cognitive changes will improve or be permanent depends on their cause and know the pressures brings!, what we think and feel to reduce the stress immediately thereafter he into! Me were faith in God does not understand what is going full throttle I suspect is! Utilize self-care skills going full throttle to the brain at the same to her health insurance I... Covered too large an area and radiation given to the brain mets of cancer and the... Treatment of the problems can be corrected support to anyone affected by cancer the! Seems such a logical thing to do things and back off when the tumour is in the midst of month! Since the age of 14 I was completly lost anyway Judyloo... the antidepressants are just temporary for.. Until my brain started to get my arm moving again get excitable includes for.
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