The Lived Experience of Chemo Brain in Early Stage Breast Cancer in Women 50 and Under

Abstract

Introduction Cognitive deficits (chemo brain) have been shown to affect those who have undergone treatment with chemotherapy. Women in this study who were treated for early stage breast cancer experienced chemo brain and described it as an inability to concentrate, remember details, and complete familiar tasks as quickly as they had done prior to their cancer diagnosis and treatment. They complained of short term memory loss, difficulty concentrating, struggling to make simple decisions, difficulty finding the right words, trouble multi-tasking and feelings of mental dullness. Learning about the experience of chemo brain may ultimately improve the lives of women who experience it. Objectives The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experience of the chemo brain after undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. Methods van Manen's descriptive phenomenological methodology served to explore an everyday life understanding of the lived experience of chemo brain in 6 women age 50 and under with early stage breast cancer. Results The recurrent themes identified in this study were (1) Struggles with day to day life (2) Emotions related to diagnosis and treatment, (3) Fatigue (4) Coping and support, and (5) Feeling grateful. Findings of this study confirm the existence of cognitive changes during and after chemotherapy as well as describe the effects on daily life including fatigue, emotions, and the importance of support. Conclusions By understanding specific areas of cognitive dysfunction affected by chemotherapy, like memory, concentration, and task completion, findings of this study provide valuable information to cancer patients, as well as healthcare providers, including nurses.