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Trauma of experience affects brain?

Page last modified on: December 3, 2008
Question from LynnD: How much of chemo brain can be attributed to post-traumatic stress disorder after going through the ordeal of diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy? I have recently been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and was not having any problems until after my cancer diagnosis, treatment, and now recovery.
Answer —Christina Meyers, Ph.D., A.B.P.P.: That is a huge complicating factor. I would consider that an overlay that makes everything worse. It doesn't mean that chemo brain doesn't exist, but the reaction may be huge which makes it more difficult to function.

On Wednesday, October 15, 2008, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Managing Chemo Brain. Christina Meyers, Ph.D., A.B.P.P. and George Sledge, M.D. answered your questions about how long chemo brain can last, what treatments can be helpful, and current research on cognitive effects of breast cancer treatment.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Christina Meyers, Ph.D., A.B.P.P. is a board certified neuropsychologist. She created the Neuropsychology Service in the newly formed Department of Neuro-Oncology at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in 1984.

George Sledge, M.D.George Sledge, M.D. is the Ballvé-Lantero Professor of Oncology at Indiana University at Indianapolis, where he co-directs Indiana University Simon Cancer Center's Breast Cancer Program.

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