Post chemo fatigue and brain fog

[Katykaty11]

Have a friend who is over 2 years post end of chemo. She has debilitating fatigue and brain fog that affects her work. GP not particularly helpful and oncologist hasn't replied to friend's email . Can anyone suggest where she could find help?

Sorry nothing but empathy, l know this is a real thing xx

Is she still under oncologist care? The way to get an oncology appointment is to speak to their secretary - call the hospital and ask for their secretary. However I suspect they will refer you back to the GP so I would try there again - ask to see a different one.

Can she speak with her team at the hospital? I would imagine she us still under follow up. She could also contact Macmillan or maggies for advice.

Look for local cancer support groups (often via the hospital) or see if there is a charity associated with her specific type of cancer who offer support. Macmillan could be a good start. It could be residual stress and anxiety as much as the physical effects of the treatment.

Thanks for the replies.

She can contact her local Maggie's centre. They have lots of support and resources for those recovering from chemotherapy. I am 5 years post treatment and it does take time, but it will get better

I believe this is quite common. Is she taking ongoing medication such as tamoxifen? That can also cause similar symptoms.
Maggie‘s and Macmillan are good starting points, they might help her navigate any medical next steps.

It’s also worth asking them about any protection she may have in the workplace, and how to best approach discussions with her employer. I don‘t know the details but I think cancer treatment/side effects may fall under disability regulations.

Thanks

If she's on ongoing medication, I agree this can cause the same. I'm almost 2 years on & the fatigue fog is a thing. But, I'm taking other meds that can cause it too. I ignore & push on regardless, but appreciate not everyone can do this/wants to do this (I'm a stubborn bitch, very much discovered my "don't fuck with me era" thanks to my diagnosis).

I'd agree to call consultants secretary, and pester GP to refer back (if they can), and try Macmillan. All at the same time. Anyone else you can too.MAKE A NUISANCE OF YOURSELF. MAKE A LOUD NOISE ABOUT BEING SEEN, everywhere, and to anyone daft enough to stop and listen to your friend's woes. You really need to be the one to PUSH them to listen quite often...otherwise, as much as they care, they don't actually hear what's being said.

I had chemo in 2022 and got this initially for 6 months or so then it improved.

Could she reduce hours at work if she is struggling, she might be eligible for PIP which you can work with with ongoing symptoms. Brain fog what helped me was doing things that used by brain - research and also with the unclear bits if they are periods of time going through day by day to build up what happened in that period and it made the memory come back. Being kind to yourself is important and everyone has some memory loss from time to time.

Fatigue may be worth investigating any vitamin deficiencies and strangely exercise helps. Our hospital doesn't really provide support with this nor our GP though they can make a referral to see an oncologist privately.

Wish there was one in Kent. Nearest to me is London.

I will pass on all the advice. Thanks again.