Dealing with the Cognitive Effects of Chemo

I had to bring an expert in for this one. Introducing Melanie Young, a certified health coach, nine-year breast cancer survivor and author of an award-winning book to help newly diagnosed women called Getting Things Off My Chest: A Survivor’s Guide to Being Fearless & Fabulous in the Face of Breast Cancer.

Melanie has a chapter about chemo brain with tips to counter the effects, as well as long-term impact. She experienced it during and after treatment, and still has brain “burps.” So I interviewed her the other day:

Q: How did you know that you had chemo brain?

A: I was a writer, a wordsmith. I had trouble forming words, it was like my brain was dislodged.

Q: What helped you with your symptoms?

A: Staying hydrated and exercise definitely helps. Even just a walk in the fresh air, or a ride on my reclining bike to pump oxygen through my body. Playing Scrabble and writing in a diary regularly also helped a lot. It’s about figuring out what you’re having trouble with, then focusing and working on that. In my case it was words.

Q: Any other suggestions?

A: I organized drawers; my brain felt jumbled so putting things in order was a good distraction. It also helped me regain a sense of control. I also decided to stop scheduling anything later in the day. I just grew too tired sometimes. Business proposals, meetings, I only scheduled those in the mornings.

Q: What would you say are the best ways to manage chemo brain overall?

A: Sleep, exercise, drink plenty of water….and make a to-do list every single day. But only limit it to five things.

I really enjoyed chatting with Melanie. Thank you for your insight and these great tips!

To learn more about Melanie, check out her radio show: Fearless Fabulous You!

You can also follow her on Instagram and Twitter.