Chemo, Immunotherapy & cognitive decline

I had cognitive issues, but mine has been anger. I just go from 0 to 10 in no time flat. My doctor said it was expected because he was poisoning me. I didn't have keytruda.

This might help you understand your situation
https://www.cancercenter.com/community/blog/2023/08/how-long-does-chemo-brain-last
I personally believe nutrition can help us recover from what we been through. I have completely overhauled my diet. I try to eat nutrient dense food. It's nothing like I used to eat. My goal is to heal and support my body through food.

You are not loosing your mind and you will be better.

Denise

My head was fuzzy while I was on chemo (presence or absence of Keytruda didn't make any difference), but it cleared up soon afterwards. I don't think I'm any more or less ill-tempered than I was before either.

You mentioned previously that you were on a fairly restrictive diet. Have you tried adding back in some of the foods you have been avoiding?

I was treated with chemotherapy & radiation therapy in 2021 & again in 2023. I had a lot of cognitive issues for a long time (over a year). I felt like my vocabulary was very remedial. I couldn’t find words, finish thoughts & sentences, find names for people who have been in my life for a very long time (or always, my children for example). I would have days where I was doing okay, normal (but not pre-treatment), & all of a sudden everything was blank. I wouldn’t be able to think of anything. It felt like I was in a big hole. It has been almost 2 years, since I finished the last treatment (end of May will mark 2 years), & I am not experiencing most of these symptoms anymore. I am not as sharp as I once was, & I have better days than others, but no blank holes anymore. My vocabulary has improved… My dad had vascular dementia, died in 2015, after years of decline. My husband was afraid I was following in his footsteps, because it was so bad. Best of luck to you! I wasn’t on immunotherapy drugs, because I have a couple autoimmune diseases, so I can’t speak to Keytruda Affects.

We are on the same regime but I have had only one infusion. Too help with my brain function I do at least 15 minutes of deep breathing daily, it is supposed to help you sleep better too. Breath in to the count of 8, hold your breath to the count of 8, and quickly exhale to the count of 6 (like a whoosh to expel your breath). Pause for 6 seconds and repeat. You can listen to meditation music while you do this to help focus on your breathing.
My other exercise is to do some type of puzzle that makes you concentrate and focus, do it daily for at least 1/2 hour. (AARP has some free games https://www.aarp.org/games/) We loose our concentration as we age anyway so it is a great thing to do for yourself. Some of the puzzles may seem hard at first but you will find your brain slowly ramps up over time, give it a few weeks.
Last but not least is walking or other exercise, the oxygen you breathe in during exercise and the increase in blood flow is so good for your brain.
Hope this helps you a little.

@val64 my restrictive diet was based on WFPB-NO (Whole Foods plant base, no oil). It’s pretty much what most of the cancer patients are advised on consuming.
I have not added dairy, gluten or much processed food back to my diet.

I thought you also weren't eating meat or poultry. Extreme avoidance of oils and fats could also be an issue. I'm definitely not advocating for processed foods or gluten. I doubt anyone needs dairy either.

I have never had immunotherapy, but I have had plenty of chemotherapy! I have kept teaching 17/18 year olds Mathematics and Chemistry throughout. Sometimes I have felt the chemo brain fog, but it has improved once treatment finished. I have resorted to writing lists to make sure I remember things if they are important.
I’m also getting older, so it may be a bit of both aspects. I was diagnosed with OC when I was 48 years old. I’m now 63. I’m thankful for every day I get!

@jenelleseaman, @val64 , @beebe, @amyb5 , @denisestlouie ,
Apologies for delayed response as I had my scheduled treatment this week and took me a while to get going.
Thank you everyone for taking time to reply and share your insight and your experience. Each and everyone has given me much needed support and strength to keep going.

I also noticed my cognitive challenge after I had finished my Chemo Treatments. Which included combination of Chemo & Immunotherapy. I just could not recall friends names that have been part of my life before. Was also noticing increased forgetfulness. Wasn't sure if it was all stress and sleeplessness or something else. This is when I learned or came across the work 'Chemo Brain'. I am trying to work my way through making more notes, writing things down but it still scares me as I old self seems to have gotten lost some where. Hoping and praying it gets better as body continue to detox from chemo.
While many experience this from Chemo, wondered if Immunotherapy is also contributing to it as well.
For me it's not anger but frustration, stress, disappointment, sadness that unpredictability of future has kicked in. Managing work, treatments and taking care of myself with no family support is definitely challenging.

1. Those who have adopted holistic / natural care regimen along with conventional treatment, would you care to share what all you are doing?
Turmeric is the only additional supplement I have included other than that I am still at lost on where to seek such help.
2. With you experience, are you following strict plant based diet or do consume Dairy, Eggs, Fish, etc?

Those are all good questions. I'm using a holistic approach. I also work with a holistic doctor who uses bloodwork, allergy testing and food sensitivity. My supplements and dietary approach is "prescribed" based on my results.

I eat a whole food plant based diet that is very low on carbohydrates. Because of that I'm not able to get all the protein I need from the plants that I eat. So I do eat animal proteins. I primarily eat fish and poultry. In St. Louis was a treat. I will eat a smashburger every once in awhile.

I also use a fast mimaking product called prolon. If you go to their website you can see what they recommend. This product is being steady by scientists who work with autoimmune diseases and Cancers.

I have lost a great deal of weight about 45 lb. I'm very low on BMI level but I'm in the normal range.

Probably the number. One thing that you can do that is well researched in breast cancer as well as: cancer is exercise. It has been proven that with as little as 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week can reduce cancer recurrence by 58%,.

I think if you do all of these things you will get yourself to a healthy State much quicker which would include your cognitive issues

I'm glad you're finding support here at this forum
Denise

Hi Denise, I have asked around many folks but none have been able to recommend or suggest a good holistic practitioner. Wondering, if your Dr. do remote clientele? If not, perhaps they know someone & can recommend in central, Ohio area.
Same here, prior to treatment I was 100% Whole Foods Plant Based & No Oils. With no room to lose weight & not getting enough protein, just added Eggs & Fish. Something about them that still bags me, especially egg protein & its impact on cancer.
So far, it’s been a challenge to get any exercise, meditation & any yoga. I believe, interrupted & inadequate sleep is still an issue. I continue to work on all these but I do get overwhelmed for sure.
Will def. start incorporating more physical activity for sure. Please do stay connected. All of the help here is much appreciated.