Skip to content
Mesothelioma.net
phone iconCall1-800-692-8608 chat icon Chat 24/7 Live Chat
Menu
  • Malignant Mesothelioma
    • About Mesothelioma
      • How to Survive Mesothelioma
      • 100 Questions & Answers about Mesothelioma (Free Book)
      • Symptoms
      • Diagnosis
      • Prognosis
      • Life Expectancy
    • Types
      • Pleural
      • Peritoneal
      • Epithelioid
      • Sarcomatoid
      • Biphasic
    • Stages
      • Stage 1
      • Stage 2
      • Stage 3
      • Stage 4
    • Additional Information
      • Causes
      • Asbestos and Its Dangers
      • Facts
      • Support
      • Financial Compensation
      • FREE Mesothelioma Packet
  • Treatment
    • Treatment Options
      • Surgery
      • Chemotherapy
      • Radiation Therapy
      • Multimodal Therapy
      • Medications
      • Palliative Treatment
    • Find Top Doctors
      • Doctors
      • Treatment Centers
      • Treatment & Doctors Near You
      • New Treatments
      • Care Providers
      • Clinical Trials
      • Costs
  • Asbestos Trusts
  • Compensation
  • Veteran Assistance
    • Mesothelioma and Veterans
      • VA Claims for Mesothelioma
      • Vietnam Veterans
    • Military Branches and Asbestos
      • Navy Veterans
      • Navy Ships
      • Marine Corps Veterans
      • Army Veterans
      • Air Force Veterans
      • U.S. Coast Guard
  • Surviving Mesothelioma
  • About Us / Contact

Tips for Mesothelioma Patients Facing “Chemo Brain”

Published on April 18, 2018

When a person is diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, whether pleural or peritoneal, they are generally offered several options for treatment. The most common approach taken by experienced mesothelioma doctors is a multi modality course of treatment that includes surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Although this has proven to be effective, the combination also involves significant adverse effects, with the side effects of chemotherapy proving to be the most troublesome.

The public is familiar with the visible impacts of chemotherapy, including hair loss, and most people know that the treatment can also cause nausea and ulcers in the mouth. But few are aware of chemo brain, a troublesome cognitive impairment that leaves patients frustrated and depressed.

Mesothelioma patients who have experienced chemo brain describe it as a “brain fog.” They have trouble finding words or remembering small details, and they struggle with disorganization.

In the face of a shortened life, they find this disrupts their ability to enjoy time with family and friends. Symptoms including slowed processing speed and shortened attention span are combined with physical and mental fatigue and result in heightened depression and anxiety.

To address chemo brain, mesothelioma victims can use the following tips:

  • Keep a to-do list at hand, checking items off and referring back to it frequently. Smartphone apps can help a great deal, as you can set reminders for yourself of things you need to do.
  • Use a pill box to keep medications organized.
  • Keep constantly used (and misplaced) items like keys in the same place at all times.
  • Get as much physical activity as you can, as it does help to clear the effects and minimize symptoms
  • Tell your physician if you are having symptoms. There are adjustments that can be made to medication dosages which may help, but only if they are aware of your experience.

Sometimes the hardest thing for patients with mesothelioma to do is to ask for help, but there are plenty of resources available to provide information and assistance. If you need support contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today at 1-800-692-8608.

FREE Mesothelioma Packet

Written by Terri Oppenheimer

Terri Heimann Oppenheimer
Terri Heimann Oppenheimer is the head writer of our Mesothelioma.net news blog. She graduated from the College of William and Mary with a degree in English. Terri believes that knowledge is power and she is committed to sharing news about the impact of mesothelioma, the latest research and medical breakthroughs, and victims’ stories.

Learn more about and contact Terri
  • Malignant Mesothelioma
    • Treatment
    • Asbestos Trusts
  • Compensation
    • Veteran Assistance
    • Surviving Mesothelioma
  • FREE Mesothelioma Packet
    • Mesothelioma News
    • About Us / Contact
  • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Editorial Guidelines and Standards
This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
The information provided by Mesothelioma.net is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Mesothelioma.net

5430 LBJ Freeway Suite 1200
Dallas, Texas 75240

Serving mesothelioma victims nationwide

1-800-692-8608

  • facebook
  • twitter
© 2022 Mesothelioma.net