Many years ago, my ex-husband’s grandmother (Grandma L) was diagnosed with leukemia in her late seventies and went through some intense cancer treatments that eventually put it into remission.
Some late effects of cancer treatment can also lead to psychological problems. After treatment was complete, as a cancer survivor, Grandma L experienced anxiety and depression. These are common feelings that may be caused by cancer itself or by the treatment.
In fact, unfortunately, about two years after Grandma L underwent the cancer treatment, she was diagnosed with dementia and slowly went downhill. Although there was no direct link from chemo treatments to dementia, my mother-in-law did have her suspicions.
At that point, my mother-in-law had to decide to have her mom placed in a memory care facility. They were wonderful, but it was still extremely difficult for her to watch her mom die a slow death like that, no matter how incredible the caregivers were.
A cancer diagnosis can affect the emotional health of patients, families, and their caregivers. Common feelings around this life-changing experience for my in-laws included anxiety, distress, and depression. Roles at home and work were affected. My mother-in-law decreased her work to part-time to be there for her mom’s treatments and aftercare.
The National Institute of Health – National Cancer Institute reports about negative cognitive and memory side effects of chemotherapy, “It’s not unusual for cancer survivors to report problems with memory, attention, learning, and processing of information months or even years after completing treatment. Scientists are just beginning to understand why some people are particularly susceptible to these cognitive difficulties, which patients often call chemo brain or chemo fog,”.
*Note: All content within this article is meant for informational purposes only and is in no way a replacement for professional medical or psychological advice or support. Seek immediate and appropriate care from a healthcare professional should you or a trusted loved one deem it necessary.
Psychological impact of cancer on the family
Cancer affects family and friends, not just the person with the disease. The people in the sufferer’s life may also feel worried, angry, or afraid. Family members may be very supportive, or they may start acting differently and become distant.
Cancer can take a toll on relationships. The demands of treatment can cause stress and conflict. Some people find that some of their relationships get stronger while others get weaker. You learn who your ride-or-die folks are real quick.
It is common for people with cancer to feel sad, anxious, or depressed. Because of this, they may not be the same person they were before their diagnosis. Instead, they are confused, worried, and uncertain about who they are.
They need us to merely sit and be with them. Let them feel their feelings, and don’t try to make it better just because you’re uncomfortable. Sure, it is normal to feel that way, but try to listen, not fix.
So far, in my experience of watching others undergo cancer treatment, fully recovering from chemotherapy doesn’t look too promising as an outcome. Another example that I know personally is about a close friend of mine who underwent intense treatment for breast cancer that included the following, and in this order:
- Powerful chemotherapy for six months
- A mastectomy of her right breast
- Extreme radiation for six weeks
- Reconstruction of her right breast using a portion of her lower abdomen
- Breast reduction of her left breast to match the size of the new right one
- Tattooing on the right breast of a faux nipple
- Arimidex (blocks the production of estrogen hormones)
During treatment with Arimidex, she suffered random bone breaking. First, it was a couple of ribs; then, with no warning signs, her femur bone broke out of nowhere. These medications are used to treat breast, colon, or rectal cancer. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.
Of course, I want my friend to feel better psychologically and spiritually. She’s been broken, had many surgeries, and many of the above-mentioned side effects, and yet still, things don’t seem to be moving in a better direction. Hopefully, it does. But it might not, and that sucks. You just have to be there for them as best you can.
If you are a caregiver of someone with cancer, it is vital to take care of yourself, too. Make sure to eat healthy foods, exercise, and get enough rest. You may also want to join a support group for caregivers of people with cancer.
Why does chemo cause side effects?
Cancer treatment does not discriminate. It doesn’t matter how strong or healthy you were before the diagnosis. The treatments could ravage your body, inside and out. As a direct result, my friend can no longer perform her duties as a chef because she’s exhausted, has neuropathy in her feet, and cannot stand for more than a few minutes.
According to the American Cancer Society, “Cancer cells tend to grow fast, and chemo drugs kill fast-growing cells. But because these drugs travel throughout the body, they can affect normal, healthy cells that are fast-growing, too. Damage to healthy cells causes side effects.
The normal cells most likely to be damaged by chemo are:
- Blood-forming cells in the bone marrow
- Hair follicles
- Cells in the mouth, digestive tract, and reproductive system
Some chemo drugs can damage cells in the heart, kidneys, bladder, lungs, and nervous system. Sometimes, you can take medicines with the chemo to help protect your body’s normal cells. There are also treatments to help relieve side effects.
The most common side effects from chemo happen because it lowers the levels of healthy blood cells in your body. These cells fight infection, help with blood clotting, and carry oxygen to all parts of your body,”.
Fortunately, I was able to be with my friend every step of the way, helping after each surgery and treatment, as well as 24/7 phone support. She helped to save my life at one point, and I was merely paying it forward – trust me, I am not a saint.
Cancer survivors may also worry about the cancer coming back (recurrence). They may also worry about other health problems related to cancer or its treatment. For example, people who have had radiation therapy to the chest area may worry about heart disease.
Some may also have trouble sleeping, feel tired all the time (fatigue), or have physical problems that make it hard to do everyday activities. These problems can make it hard to cope with the emotional effects of cancer.
Some may have trouble with sexual side effects, both men and women. These problems can affect relationships, fertility, desire, and hopes for the future. This was not a concern for Grandma L, as her husband was gone and she was not dating, nor did she ever intend to after Grandpa L passed away. However, my friend was deeply disturbed by this side effect as she was single and in her early fifties.
Long-term cognitive effects of chemotherapy
In conclusion, chemotherapy saves lives but often leaves lasting cognitive and emotional scars—reminding us that healing means supporting both survivors and caregivers through every stage of recovery.