Carol Devenir

Carol Devenir is a survivor of breast cancer and also of chemo brain injury. Formerly a manager overseeing complicated projects, she has had to learn to live with a new brain, which handles one thing at a time, and only if it’s quiet and she’s rested.

I was a leader, an organizer, a busy, active person. At age 55, I had chemotherapy for breast cancer.

Afterwards, I was constantly exhausted, often overwhelmed and unable to think clearly, extremely sensitive to sound, and I could taste only a few strong flavors. I got lost in familiar places, could not make sense out of traffic signs, and forgot things (even my own sister’s name!).  I could not read a book, watch a video, or participate in conversation with more than one person.  Of course I wondered when I’d get back to my usual life of doing five things at once!

I have dedicated most of my energy for the past several years to learning about medical issues, especially chemo brain. Now, four years after chemotherapy, I offer the results of my research, and the book I wish I’d had four years ago.

Gail L. Denton

Co-author Gail L. Denton, PhD, was a busy psychotherapist, rock climber, and generally active person, when she suffered a brain-injury in 1991 from a roller-blading fall. Her book, Brainlash: Maximize Your Recovery From Mild Brain Injury, was first printed in 1991 and has been updated twice.