How does chemo brain affected your software engineering job?

Rantenki · on Dec 27, 2019

Yep. I had ABVD chemo just over 11 years ago, followed by (exceedingly rare) bleomycin lung toxicity that nearly killed me.

First off, don't shirk the Chemo. It works (I had hodgkins lymphoma, in case you have the same), and the cure rate is very good. I wouldn't hesitate to do it again if I relapsed.

Next; yes, chemo-brain is a thing, and you'll be a bit slower for the duration of the chemo. It was especially noticeable when trying to keep multiple ideas in my head at the same time. Navigating more complex codebases was definitely a challenge.

It'll also take some time afterwards to get back to normal. I felt like I was back to "normal" about a year afterwards, but was at 90%-ish about 3 months after I finished chemo.

The closest thing I can compare it to is a medium grade concussion (having had a mild-medium concussion while mountain biking). It is a slower recovery than a broken bone, but you do recover.

In the years since, I've been lead architect, and head of engineering for various cloud infrastructure software projects. It definitely hasn't held me back in any way I can identify.

zapita · on Dec 27, 2019

Yes, you will be able to do your work after your chemo, just as well or better. Focus your will and energy on getting better. Go above and beyond what doctors and nurses tell you. Don’t be passive! Ask questions; do your own research; take charge of your recovery, find in you the mental strength and positivity that you have underused until now. Believe me, half of the battle is in your mind.

This will make you an even better professional after you recover.

(Source: I have witnessed my spouse fight, and beat, leukemia).

readme · on Dec 27, 2019

I used to work at a startup where the founder was a cancer survivor. I didn't know him when he was struggling with it. 10 years later he is still running the company.

newcrobuzon · on Dec 27, 2019

No worries mate, did escalated BEACOPP plus 30Gy some 19 years ago and I am doing fine. Since then i worked for a big corp and worked on projects on 5 different continents. Now I am freelancing and working on my side project (https://titanoboa.io). I am also doing lots of sports so despite some long term effects I tend to think I am doing quite well...

And yes, lung and heart toxicity are a thing so make sure doctors watch out for those.

Which regimen do you have?

Also hi to all fellow survivors!

rammy1234 · on Dec 27, 2019

You will get back to normal. Trust and believe. Go with the flow. Chemo-brain is a fact. Anxiety filled one. Believe in yourself and have a bit of sense of humor.

tominated · on Dec 27, 2019

I had chemo for a brain tumour when I was 11 years old, and while it certainly affected my thinking during the treatment and maybe a few years afterwards, you wouldn’t be able to tell now (15y later). The brain is amazingly adaptable and as long as you stay learning and busy you’ll be fine in the long run. I’ve been working as a software engineer for 8 years now with no issues

caseyamcl · on Dec 28, 2019

For sure!

I had similar anxieties about cognitive issues after brain surgery, subsequent radiation, and chemotherapy.

I’m currently half way through treatment, and while it’s not fun, it hasn’t affected my ability to do my job much.

...and that’s after opening up my skull, ripping out part of my brain, and subsequently zapping and poisoning it!

I’ve found that chemo is cyclical in the sense that you’ll feel great some days and awful other days. Be kind to yourself, and take frequent breaks; you’re doing great!

mfworks · on Dec 27, 2019

I did 2 rounds (6 weeks) of BEP a few years back. I'd planned to do some technical reading while I was being treated. About 3 weeks in I was unable to really understand or learn any of it. It took about 4 months before I was full speed again, but I definitely did make it back to 100%.

Around the same time, my grandfather was diagnosed with AML and had something like 6 months of chemo-- he's also 100% back to full mental capacity.