Your Brain after Chemo: A Practical Guide to Lifting the Fog and Getting Back Your Focus

By Idelle Davidson and Daniel Silverman

Book Overview

Chemotherapy saves lives, but new studies--including research led by coauthor Dr. Dan Silverman--reveal that the agents used to kill cancer cells may also impair normal brain function. Even years after treatment, patients report problems with memory, concentrating, multitasking, and word retrieval. As one person put it, "I've lost my edge." If you've undergone chemotherapy, perhaps you're among those who've had trouble following the thread of a conversation or feel "less than" who you once were. Until recently, oncologists often discounted or trivialized "chemo brain." Now, argue Silverman and Idelle Davidson, there is plenty of evidence to the contrary; thankfully, you can rest assured that you're not alone in feeling this way--and that you can do something about it. Calling on cutting-edge scientific research and the inspiring stories of survivors (including Davidson's own experiences with chemotherapy and its effects), this groundbreaking book will forever change how you think about your brain after chemo. Perhaps most important, it offers much-needed strategies to improve memory and focus, and an invaluable nine-step program to help keep your brain sharp. Your Brain after Chemo gives you the coping skills to move on with your life.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0738212598
• ISBN13: 9780738212593
• Release Date: July 2009
• Publisher: Da Capo Lifelong Books
• Length: 284 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Finally--it's real!

While I can articulate a number of the effects of chemo brain I have experienced--this book really goes beyond my meager attempts and nails those chemo brain effects that I've had but just couldn't quite put my finger on its description. For those of us with chemo brain--the first 70 pages or so will have you going: "Yep, got that"... "that's me alright"... "didn't know THAT was related to chemo brain"... I could've stopped reading right then and there and have been totally satisfied with this book--but wait, there's more! Even better--the two authors do a great job in laying out explanations on the causes and mechanisms of chemo brain. Not a medical book--but the book has substance. It presents information on the early research efforts focused on chemo brain. It has good information on ways to potentially combat the effects of chemo brain. It creates a completely new, yet balanced picture on the recovery aspects of chemo brain--including information I've never seen before on the long term chemo brain possibilities. If there's time, this ought to be required reading by the patient BEFORE one undergoes chemotherapy. Not that it'll change your mind to engage the process--but it could prepare you for one of the larger mysteries of chemo--should you experience chemo brain post-treatment. Every chemo clinic ought to have this book on the coffee table in the waiting room. Every health care worker associated with chemotherapy--who has not actually had to suffer from the effects of chemo brain--ought to read this book--if you truly want to get a glimpse into our world. This goes double for the docs!!! And those of you who deal with us on a regular basis as we go through our recovery effort might want to read this as well. Regards, Larry

Should be a foundation title in any serious health or general library

Any health library or general collection catering to cancer patients will find specific and key the guide Your Brain After Chemo: a Practical Guide to Lifting the Fog and Getting Back Your Focus. One of the foremost researchers in chemotherapy's effects and a journalist and cancer survivor combine talents to explore emotional and physical reactions to chemo treatments, blending science with health insights in a book that should be a foundation title in any serious health or general library.

Your brain on chemo? Pick up this book!

Your Brain After Chemo - is an incredibly helpful guide for anyone experiencing chemo brain, for patients who may be starting a course of treatment, and for family members and caregivers. It's sure to become an invaluable resource for understanding cognitive changes, and hopefully for taking steps toward recovery. The authors have done a great job explaining the complex science in a wonderfully approachable way! Pick up this book and start to 'lift the fog and get back your focus.'

What Every Cancer Patient that has had Chemo Needs to Know

This book is a must have for people undergoing chemo and for people who had had chemo. The book explains the effects that chemotherapy has on your brain, information not widely publicized by doctors. The book also shares some very poignant stories from other people that have also undergone chemo and who have experienced chemobrain. Most importantly the book highlights important strategies to cope with and to overcome chemobrain. It is an easy, entertaining and extremely informative read.

EXCELLENT - NEEDED BOOK

Your Brain After Chemo yanks something out of the closet that cancer survivors need to talk about - impaired cognition after chemotherapy. I can tell you from my own experience, it's a relief to know that others suffer. Fast-reading, filled with tips and survivor stories, this book is important.