Understanding and Overcoming Chemo Brain: A Personal Journey

Émely Steegstra-Hendrix
2 min readOct 20, 2023

Every cancer survivor, including myself, has a unique story to tell. One aspect many of us share, however, is the challenge of dealing with the often misunderstood side effect of chemotherapy: chemo brain.

Chemo brain, although prevalent among cancer survivors, remains a mystifying topic within the scientific community. Its prevalence, exact causes, and best interventions are still topics of research and debate. It’s a frustrating condition characterized by memory lapses, difficulty in processing thoughts, and challenges in concentration.

When I confronted my medical team about these distressing symptoms, I hoped for a clear roadmap to recovery. However, their response was a well-meaning but somewhat unsatisfactory advice: “be patient and keep living your life”. As a proactive individual and someone determined to reclaim every aspect of my health, I felt compelled to take matters into my own hands.

After hours of research and connecting with countless survivors, I found that while the phenomenon is under-studied, there are personal interventions that can make a significant difference. There are indeed strategies to minimize, if not conquer, the debilitating effects of chemo brain.

I was so inspired by these findings that I created a masterclass for my free Facebook community, “Re-Emerge — for a Luxury Healthy Lifestyle beyond Cancer”. In this session, I delve deep into the three pivotal steps to counteract chemo brain: prioritizing sleep, maintaining regular exercise, and adopting a brain-nourishing diet.

If you, too, are grappling with the cognitive challenges posed by chemo brain, I invite you to join our supportive community. By tuning into the masterclass and exploring other resources, you’ll arm yourself with the tools necessary to navigate life after cancer with clarity and confidence. We are a group committed to thriving beyond our diagnoses, and I look forward to welcoming you to our ranks.

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Émely Steegstra-Hendrix

Foodie by Birth & Trained Chef, ❤️ vegetables🥬, cooking 🥘, Easy Urban Gardening 🧑‍🌾, fresh ingredients 🍅🐟🍋, dining 🍽 & travelling 🧳