Persistent fatigue and brain fog, 5 months post chemo

[Kbelo]

I finished 6 months of chemo (FOLFIRINOX - FOLFOX plus Irinotecan) in January. My neuropathy is improving to the point where I don't mind it as much, but I really struggle still with fatigue and brain fog. I'm working out many days a week to boost energy levels and stamina, and doing brain games to exercise my brain, but most days I'm still finding myself napping, and feeling mentally dull. I'm curious if anyone has experience reducing fatigue or improving brain fog? Also, how long did these symptoms stay with you? Did it improve when you returned to work (which I will be doing in the next few weeks or months). Thanks!

[juliej]

For most people, chemo brain improves within 9-12 months after finishing chemo. For a small group of patients, it can take years to get better, but there's no reason to think you're in that group yet.

However, since you're only about 5 months out, you might have a while to go. But chemo brain doesn't just disappear all at once. It gradually gets better so you should see a steady improvement starting around now.

It's good you're working out regularly and doing brain games! You might also take some vitamin D and B12 and see if that helps.

Just so you know -- if you continue to have cognitive issues when you return to work, you have the right to ask for "reasonable accommodations". ADA protections include trouble concentrating, thinking, and/or communicating - all of which relate to the side effects of chemo brain.

That could mean anything from being given a note taker who goes along with you to meetings, or your employer buying you a tape recorder so you can record meetings to help you remember what was agreed upon there, or a whole host of other accommodations. I don't think you'll need it, but I just wanted you to know the possibility exists.

Hope this helps!
Juliej

[Gravelyguy]

Juliej, that was very informative. I will just add, it took me about 10 months before I felt more like myself. I am a teacher and didn’t realize how much I was suffering from chemo brain until I was back in the classroom with a 100 questions and decisions coming at me.

At about 1 year I felt as sharp as I was before chemo.

Hope this helps,

Dave