My husband was treated for small cell lung cancer in 2001. He was one of the lucky survivors due to early detection. In addition to chemo, he was given whole brain radiation. I started noticing symptoms similar to Alzheimer's disease 3 years ago.
I wanted to know if any of you have had similar experiences. No one told me this was a possible result. For spouses only, the Alzheimer's spouse support message board (google & sign up) is the greatest all time support group for all dementias. They have welcomed me with open arms. Since the symptoms mimic Alzheimer's I feel completely at home there. I didn't even know what whole brain radiation was until I went there.
All demetias are terminal. So you may win with the cancer, but the dementia will get you in the end.
I would really like to hear from anyone who has a spouse who was given prophylactic whole brain radiation for small cell lung cancer who has developed dementia symptoms.