Combating Chemobrain & Fatigue as a Cancer Survivor

Fatigue is a common experience for cancer patients undergoing treatment. There are things you can do to recover your stamina and prevent long-term fatigue. You can also address that feeling of mental "fog" and confusion. "Chemobrain" refers to chemotherapy-induced cognitive dysfunction, which some post-chemotherapy patients experience as difficulty in concentration and memory.

Treatment itself

You may still be feeling tired and having trouble concentrating if you've finished chemotherapy, radiation, or both; had a bone marrow transplant; or had treatment with a biologic therapy like Herceptin^®.

It is not uncommon to have fatigue or mental fog for 3-6 months or longer after treatment has ended. If your level of fatigue and fogginess is interfering with your ability to do basic activities, talk to your doctor about it in specific terms.

Starting moderate exercise will help you recover more quickly. If you've remained active, gradually increase your amount of activity.

Anemia (Low Red Blood Cell Count)

Cancer patients who have chemotherapy become familiar with the problem of a low white blood cell count, making them more vulnerable to infection. However, over the course of chemotherapy or radiation, the red blood cell count also can be affected. Fatigue and problems with concentration and memory can be signs of anemia.

Ask your doctor for a simple blood test called a Complete Blood Count to determine if you are anemic. If you are, a medication called ProCrit^® may be appropriate.

If your anemia doesn't require treatment, or if you're not anemic but still fatigued, ask about ways to increase your red cell count. These could include supplementing your diet with folic acid or vitamin B12, or eating more iron-rich foods like tomatoes, molasses, raisins, egg yolks, dark green leafy vegetables, and lean red meat.

Medications or Herbs

The combination of anti-depressants or arthritis medications, among others, and cancer treatment can compound post-treatment fatigue and lead to the feeling of fogginess or lack of concentration. If you are taking any supplements or herbal remedies, or are taking hormone therapy for breast cancer, such as tamoxifen, there may be some interactions or side effects that compound the problem. Many medications can make you feel sleepy, including anti-nausea drugs, anti-depressants, antihistamines, opioid pain relievers, beta blockers, and tranquilizers.