Radiation And Brain Fog

Posted by vtmom13 @vtmom13, 12 hours ago

I'm only halfway through my 20 rounds of radiation. So far, so good, except for the day-long feeling that my brain is trying to catch up all the time. And the fact that my radiation oncologist pretty much dismissed my complaint.

I work a physically demanding and mentally demanding job as a tour guide. Leading groups through a house, including 4 flights of stairs up and down every hour, is no problem. The problem is fighting through my brain to remember names or things on the tour. It also includes my remembering, but not like I was there episodes [you know like when you're driving home, but don't really remember passing a spot]. It's like my body is fine and has energy, but my brain is like, "I'm going on vacation now".

Does this sound like anything anyone else has gone through?

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Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | 7 hours ago

I am sorry you are having to find a way through this. Sadly the only way to the other side is through. I remember this brain fog, it was like I was fine in the morning for a few hours then just ran up against a wall.
This continued for a while after radiation was done, I did start to have a lot of physical fatigue about two thirds of the way in. This all lasted for a few months after treatment ended. I did find that small naps helped.
I spent my lunch and my breaks sleeping in a chair with an alarm beside me. This would get me through the day, then when I got home I slept for two hours before I even considered a meal.
Slow but sure, my energy returned and I took less naps and started to get some physical energy back too.
Is there any more treatment planned for after radiation? Do you have the ability to slip in some cat naps?