MsC1210

Aww and we love you too Connie!!

Connie I found this.... Hope it helps Christine Brain-Boosting Pill Alleviates Post-Chemotherapy Fogginess 08 Jun 2007 A drug described by some people as a "genius pill" for enhancing cognitive function provided relief to a small group of Rochester breast cancer survivors who were coping with a side effect known as "chemo-brain," according to a University of Rochester Medical Center study. Sixty-eight women, who had completed treatment for breast cancer, participated in an eight-week clinical trial testing the effects of modafinil (Provigil). All women took the drug for the first four weeks. During the next month half of the women continued to receive the drug while the other half took an identical looking placebo pill. The women who took modafinil for all eight weeks reported major improvements in memory, concentration and learning. "I am very enthusiastic about the potential we've demonstrated," said Sadhna Kohli, Ph.D., M.P.H., lead author of the study and a research assistant professor at the University of Rochester's James P. Wilmot Cancer Center. "This is a novel drug and after completing the trial, many of the women wanted to know how they could continue to get modafinil." Kohli presented the research -- which is believed to be the first to examine the drug's use in breast cancer patients -- at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting in Chicago. ASCO is honoring Kohli with a Merit Award. Originally licensed to treat narcolepsy, modafinil promotes wakefulness and seems to boost brainpower without causing the jittery, restless feelings induced by amphetamines. Modafinil is part of a class of drugs called eugeroics, which stimulate the brain only when it is required. The effects of modafinil disappear in about 12 hours. For this reason, sleep-deprived college students, athletes, soldiers or others who want to gain an edge in a competitive environment sometimes seek out the drug, calling it a "genius pill." The application for cancer care is unique and entirely appropriate, Kohli said. Although some in the scientific community doubt the existence of "chemo-brain," many cancer patients insist they are suffering from an impairment of brain function after chemotherapy and desire some form of relief. In a separate study last year, Kohli found that 82 percent of 595 cancer patients reported problems with memory and concentration. Importantly, the deficits can lead to job loss or social dysfunction. Scientists have not yet discovered the precise cause of "chemo-brain." A separate research group at the University of Rochester is investigating the toxicity of cancer-killing drugs on healthy brain cells. In 2006 they showed that chemotherapy disrupts cell division in the hippocampus, the brain region essential for learning and memory. Until now, cancer patients had few options. Some studies have tested Ritalin, which stimulates the central nervous system. But Ritalin has unwanted side effects like headaches, irritability and addiction, Kohli said. Since modafinil does not linger in the body, side effects are minimal, according to recent studies. Initially, researchers looked at whether modafinil might help alleviate fatigue, another persistent side effect, given the drug's use in narcoleptic patients. Once researchers saw the drug's positive effect on fatigue, they conducted secondary analyses to assess whether modafinil could improve the breast cancer patients' memory and attention skills. Results showed the women had a faster memory and could more accurately recognize words and pictures after four weeks on the drug. The ability to focus attention, however, did not change at first. But after taking modafinil for another four weeks, attention deficits improved and memory was even greater. Larger studies are still needed to confirm the results. ---------------------------- Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release. ---------------------------- Cephalon Inc., the maker of modafinil, and the National Cancer Institute funded the research. Contact: Leslie Orr University of Rochester Medical Center -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Article URL: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/72999.php Main News Category: Breast Cancer Also Appears In: Neurology / Neuroscience, Clinical Trials / Drug Trials, --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jim I missed your initial post and wanted to say hello and welcome. I am sorry you are going through all of this. Call your doctor and ask them to give you something for the anxiety. Better to have some meds to keep you calm than the smoking. Wishing you all the best for all of this, and please keep us posted. We're all here for you! Sending many prayers and best wishes Christine

My sympathies and condolences to you and your family. I am so sorry.. Christine

Thank you for posting this Rich. My heart aches for Rochelle and the children.. Prayers for all of John's family and friends. Christine

Hello Carolyn and welcome I am so sorry about your Dad's diagnosis. I am very glad you found us here, though. Please let us know how we can help you and be assured we will do our best. Christine

Thanks so much secdeb, he was much too young to be taken but he lives on through those whose lives he touched. Keeping you and Inez in my thoughts and prayers, Christine

Sending loads of positive thoughts for your upcoming test/biopsy. Your attitude is simply wonderful~ Warmly, Christine

Ken, Most everyone here will tell you not to pay ANY attention to the statistics. Stats are numbers, in many cases outdated. You are an individual, not a number. Keep the postive thoughts and lose the negative ones. We are all here to help you do just that. Hugs Christine

Ken I cannot add to what the others have already said but wanted to let you know I am here cheering you on! Christine

Oh Patty! So sorry to hear about the broken clavical but great to hear no new cancer cells!! Take care and my prayers will continue to be with you. Christine

Christy I am so sorry you and your hubby had to go through all of this! I'm really glad you've been able to share it here and I hope you will be able to put it all behind you now. How wonderful though that it has brought you even closer as a couple. Always a positive Please know I have you both as well as your Mom, in my thoughts and prayers. Sending hugs and prayers, Christine

What a lovely and thoughtful idea.. I've been thinking a lot lately about Brad and our own Darrell, Brad's sister, Marlene, the list is sadly, so much longer..... Thank you for this thread. Christine

Rochelle I am so stunned and shocked to read this. I don't even know what to say. My heart is broken for you and your family. I am just so deeply sorry. Hugs and prayers Christine

I just want to say you and your Mom are in my thoughts and prayers. I agree with Randy, get another opinion. I am so so sorry you and Mom had to go through ALL of this crap. Makes me wonder somedays whether these big companies as well as those in the medical profession have any heart at all. Hugs Christine

Chelsea I am so sorry about the loss of your father in law and sorry, too that you are being faced with another cancer diagnosis! Please keep posting and let us know how we can help. Warmly Christine

Melody I don't have answers to your questions but I wanted to welcome you to the boards. I am sorry about your Mom, I hope the doctors will find answers for you and her very soon. Please keep us posted Christine

Hello Kaja Welcome to the boards. Christine

Congrats on 4 years Don and here's to many, many more! Christine

Trish I am sorry about the Tarceva. Sending loads of prayers for success with the next step. Christine

Ken Sending lots of prayers and positive thoughts for good news!!!! Christine

Maryanne and Joel, This is wonderful news! I am so happy for both of you. Christine

Hello Celie and welcome! Christine

Hello Pam Welcome to the boards and congrats!!!! Christine

Hello Joe and welcome~ Wishing you all the best in your fight. Your attitude is AWESOME!! Christine