Help with Brain Fog Symptoms

Posted by seinfeld01 @seinfeld01, Mar 1 6:01pm

My mother has stage IV cancer in lung that spread to liver and exoskeleton. On a targeted chemo pill for last two years which has kept it from spreading further, growing in size, or spreading to brain.

But within a 30-45 day window, has experienced major brain fog, anxiety, loss of appetite and fatigue.

Thyroid, brain scan, heart and blood work all normal. But symptoms still persist and weight loss accelerating from loss of appetite.

Talking to doctors about medical cannabis and also mirtazapine 7.5 mg.

Anyone shed any light on your experience with either of these treatment options or how you handled symptoms under similar situations?

Thank you in advance. Desperate.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Cancer: Managing Symptoms Support Group.

seinfeld01 | @seinfeld01 | Mar 16 3:42pm

If you ever discover the name of that liquid would you let me know? Thank you!

gisellef | @gisellef | Mar 17 9:20am

In reply to @richardrollins "I’m sorry I don’t know the name of the liquid medications, but the loss of appetite..." + (show)

Premier Protein is the one recommended by our oncologist. It’s a good stop gap measure to keep protein levels up. If it’s too sweet (I find it is) you can add almond milk or oat milk, for example, just make sure you have the whole container. When in treatment the amount of protein needed is much higher than what is needed in a healthy diet. Try and find some high protein foods that you like or can tolerate and eat them as well. The drink can help but shouldn’t replace eating well. A good diet during treatment is a key element in being able to continue with treatment. Take anti nausea meds if necessary but make sure you do everything you can to eat.

Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Mar 17 9:54am

In reply to @gisellef "Premier Protein is the one recommended by our oncologist. It’s a good stop gap measure to..." + (show)

@gisellef Thank you for that recommendation. I just looked up the nutritional value of this product and was sad to see I cannot take it. I am also an end stage renal disease patient, on daily dialysis. The potassium level in the drink is too much for my eating plan. I do need good protein sources everyday, and rely on chicken, fish, and a daily protein shake made with pea protein powder, Greek yogurt, almond milk and blueberries.

Brain fog is a real condition for so many of us, myself included. I rely more on notes, handwritten post-its, keeping calendar books, etc. When I lose my place in a conversation, most people are kind enough to wait for me to regain my thoughts.
Ginger

gisellef | @gisellef | Mar 17 11:09am

Hi. Thanks very much for your comment. It is good to know that you are clear on what can and cannot work for you. We should always strive to work that out for ourselves.

The best approach if possible is to derive nutrients from food and you are making excellent selections. It is often a balancing act when in treatment between what is needed to continue with treatment and what is ideal. Always check with an expert who is aware of all of the circumstances in a particular situation. My intention was to endorse a product mentioned in another post as one recommended by a dietitian who works with cancer patients.
Best wishes.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Mar 21 4:04pm

People reading this discussion may also be interested in the helpful tips shared in this related discussion:
- Cancer Related Brain Fog: How do you cope with it? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cancer-related-brain-fog/