Skip to content

Explain chemo brain to boss?

Page last modified on: December 3, 2008
Question from IIC: In addition to not being able to "pin down the right word," I am slower at mental tasks than I used to be. How do I convince my boss that just because the chemotherapy is over doesn't mean I'm back to normal (and I'm not faking it to get out of doing work)?
Answers —Christina Meyers, Ph.D., A.B.P.P.: I don't know how you convince your boss. It is the real deal, and there is a lot of literature out there, so marshal the scientific literature that shows it's a real thing with real symptoms and show it to him. Also mention you might be covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
George Sledge, M.D.: My answer was that you should see a neuropsychologist and have formal testing to document it.
Christina Meyers, Ph.D., A.B.P.P.: Thank you for that, and I agree completely!

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.

A production of LiveWorld, Inc.
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.

Together we can make a difference

Email Updates

Stay informed about current research, online events, and more.

Please leave this field empty

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.

Back to top

Breastcancer.org 7 East Lancaster Avenue, 3rd Floor Ardmore, PA 19003

Learn more about our commitment to your privacy

© 2010 Breastcancer.org - All rights reserved.

Breastcancer.org is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing information and community to those touched by this disease. Learn more about our commitment to providing complete, accurate, and private breast cancer information.