my wife can't concentrate, watch tv or... - Breast Cancer India

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my wife can't concentrate, watch tv or read after Chemo therapy. Is this the chemotherapy or the cancer.

Libertyedition profile image
16 Replies

My wife has stage four Pancreatic cancer. The oncologist said we can't stop the cancer but we might slow it down. The dose was strong but after two and a half sessions the Dr decided to stop the treatment due to all the bad effects from the chemo, it knocked the hell out of her. The doctor said it was quality of life that was needed. Unfortunately she doesn't seem to have any now, her head is down she can't watch tv because she ia unable to concentrate to follow a programme, or even read a paragraph in a book.

Is the cause the chemo which was finished three weeks ago or is it the cancer. Is there any solution to help her.

Thanks for your time. John

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Libertyedition profile image
Libertyedition
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16 Replies
sumeet_shah profile image
sumeet_shahAdministrator

Hello John,

It's very difficult to say, what could be the possible cause for her situation. Effects of chemotherapy tend to linger around for a couple of weeks, and then usually settle off. Most of them atleast.

Sometimes, patients do pass through a down phase, they may find it uncomfortable to even share their problems with others.

What we can do is, like your doctor said, keep her comfortable. Does she have pain? A constant low grade pain is one thing which tends to distract a lot; and pancreatic cancers are known to cause such backaches. If she has, ensure she is covered well with pain killers.

I can also tell you, that once she is a few weeks beyond her last chemo session, she will show improvements in her symptoms, for sure. So hold on, John, and let us know, how she recovers in next few days. We are all here with you.

Libertyedition profile image
Libertyedition in reply to sumeet_shah

Thanks for replying Sumeet, the pain is controlled now after trying different pain killers she taking slow release Onxycontin which is working for her, it is the fidgiting and lack of concentration,she shakes or trembles at certain times.On a night in bed she apologises for shaking.

The doctor also gave her Dexamethasone a week ago.This was because she was so knocked out and slept so much but the fidgiting and tremors and agitation had been with her for quite a while before the steroids so I know this is not the cause

I will monitor her as you said and let you know how she progresses.

John

sumeet_shah profile image
sumeet_shahAdministrator in reply to Libertyedition

'Chemo brain' as mentioned below by pkenn is a existing entity. That could be one of the reasons. Some pain killers also tend to cause loss of attention, especially narcotic pain killers. Let's see. Do keep us posted on how it turns out for her.

Richa25 profile image
Richa25

Oh John...there with you in spirit...can feel your worry uptil here...hope the problems resolve soon.Take care and stay strong

kontak profile image
kontakTeamBCI

Hi John its painful to hear - please be with her at all the times and do the best what can be done for her. Take care

mintzz profile image
mintzz

Hello john very painful to hear about your wife.praying for her,take care.

shirdi profile image
shirdi

Sorry to hear about ur wife. I had taken 6 cycles of chemo and i also was unable to concentrate on so many things. But slowly it went off.

Take care of ur wife as she needs this a lot

manish_vkg profile image
manish_vkgTeamBCI in reply to shirdi

its very sad to know about your wife. I can understand ur pain but u can reduce her pain, give her lot of love and care. God bless her.

MsLockYourPosts profile image
MsLockYourPostsTeamBCI

What has come to be called "Chemo Brain" is not uncommon after many types of chemotherapy. People dealing with it have various degrees of trouble with memory and concentration. Someone on one of the leukemia sites posted about it today and described it just the way you have described your wife's symptoms - trouble reading even a paragraph, the inability to read music (she is a musician), and trouble remembering characters or the story line in a movie or TV show. It can affect people for different lengths of time, usually with symptoms improving step by step. I had trouble, during my chemo for leukemia, and for a short time afterwards. I hope you start to see some improvement soon. I know this is a heartbreaking time for you. I hope you and your wife are able to make some special memories together as she feels more like herself.

Libertyedition profile image
Libertyedition in reply to MsLockYourPosts

Thanks for your helpfull and kind words. The people on this site are inspiring, there are a lot of nice people out there but you understand from your experience what even I can not comprehend as to the turmoil she is feeling. thank you

MsLockYourPosts profile image
MsLockYourPostsTeamBCI in reply to Libertyedition

I think that caregivers are the most overlooked group in the cancer community. You have realized something important - that you can do everything possible to be supportive, but you really can't understand what your wife is experiencing. At the same time cancer patients can't ever truly understand the pain that their loved ones experience, watching them deal with their illness. Some cancer centers are beginning to realize this and are providing support groups and workshops specifically for caregivers. Please come here whenever you need support or have questions. We may not be able to provide you with all of the answers, but we can offer a safe place for you to express your feelings, and you will need that during this difficult journey.

Libertyedition profile image
Libertyedition in reply to MsLockYourPosts

Thanks

laya profile image
laya

sorry to hear about your wife... right now she needs all your love and affection.... we will pray for her wellness

liittle12 profile image
liittle12

ys most important a pt expects is lots of love and patience.sometimes people loose pt while dealing with cancer patients.I,m also facing forgetfulness on chemo.

kontak profile image
kontakTeamBCI

I think once the treatment is over and all the side effects are gone - all will be OK.

rgci13 profile image
rgci13

Praying for a speedy recovery for both of you.

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