Healthy Living: Doctors say chemotherapy symptoms can linger

Here is a great story and some advice about living with chemotherapy symptoms:

 

By: Casey J. Bortnick

Elizabeth Osta completed chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer years ago, but she still experiences side effects, like memory loss. Doctors hope several studies taking place will explain what causes symptoms to linger and what could treat them, but in the meantime, there are simple things patients can do.

Whether it’s reading a book or writing one of her own, Elizabeth Osta has a unique outlook on life, but even years after completing her treatment, Osta is still experiencing side effects.

“I'm somebody who remembered phone numbers and names easily," Osta said. "My chemo nurse was just a gem and I got a book for her and we went out to dinner and I kind of presented it to her. And she looked at me and said ‘you know, you gave me this two weeks ago.’"

Chemotherapy is known to cause temporary problems like memory loss and numbness in the hands and fingers. Doctors like Marcia Krebs at the Pluta Cancer Center say these side effects can persist for months or even years. 

"We'll call it chemo brain,” said Dr. Krebs. "Where they have trouble with their memory, finding words, they can't multi-task like they used to." 

There are currently several studies taking place that Krebs hopes will eventually explain what causes these symptoms to linger and what medications and therapy could best treat them. 

 

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