One of the most frustrating things I experienced during chemotherapy in 1995 and 2005 was what doctors refer to as “chemo brain.” Chemo brain is a fogginess in thoughts, cognitive changes and dysfunction, and memory challenges that happens during and post treatment. It can also look like confusion, disorganization, fatigue, forgetfulness and more.
In my case, I noticed since chemo ended in November 2005 my chemo fog has become increasingly worse. To the point I was becoming more and more frustrated because my list of “to do’s” grew leaps and bounds faster than my “completed” list. I found myself starting several tasks, but not completing anything. Now if you know me, you know I am a “do-er”and relish the feeling of completing a task and seeing the end result. So this frustration is what lead me to Sue Shipman at Optimum Balancing to get neurofeedback. www.optimumbalancing.com
Neurofeedback gives your brain a tool to heal itself naturally from the inside out. It allows your brain to form new neuronet connections based on healthy, balanced energy.
My first appointment consisted of an assessment of my current neuro connections and then a mini-session. The assessment consisted of nodes being put on my earlobes and different areas of my head. I was asked to do different things-close my eyes and relax, stare with my eyes half open, reading, repeating numbers back to Sue and more.
I really wasn’t expecting to have a response to the first session. Yet, I did! I felt more alert and focused just with one 25 minute session. The added bonus – I slept like a baby! That session was on a Monday and the next session was Friday, Feb. 12. On Saturday, I crossed 4 things off my to do list. That’s a record for me these past few months. Talk about rewarding!
This week I’ve had one session and have two more scheduled and I am still crossing things off my list. I am so excited at the results from this therapy and look forward to more improvement. I will be sure to report the results as I go along.
The great news for you, Optimum Balancing located in Tempe, AZ offers a complimentary session. If you are experiencing chemo brain or other cognitive issues, I highly recommend you give this a try.
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: cancer, chemotherapy |
Discoveries from a Natural Cancer Girl 
Hello, Diane.
Thanks so much for posting this. In Cleveland, Dr. David Granoff and I have just begun a clinical trial using neurofeedback to address chemobrain symptoms in breast cancer survivors.
I am curious about the type of neurofeedback you experienced, and the protocol that was used. We are using the NeurOptimal system, which approaches the brain as a whole, not trying to move the brain in any particular direction, but just providing information that the brain uses to become more flexible and resilient in its functioning. We have seen one wonderful clinical result that has led us to design a study to see whether others will be able to see the same outcomes.
If any of your readers are in the Cleveland area and interested in the study, I hope they will contact me at JeanAlvarez44107@gmail.com.
Best wishes for your continuing good health, and thanks again for posting about neurofeedback as a way of addressing chemobrain.
Jean Alvarez