chemo fog/trouble with words etc???

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Donna70
Donna70 Member Posts: 852 Member
in Esophageal Cancer #1
Hi,
I have been doing good except had a bad bout with some bug caught when my dr sent me to an ER and got sicker from whatever bug was lurking there. I was wondering if some of my survivor friends noticed that they are having more trouble than usual saying words. I have noticed more recently that I will substitute the wrong word when speaking. Like prescriptions for subscriptions. I can forget an item on a 6 item grocery list. I feel like I function pretty well but this speaking problem seems more noticeable lately. I am so grateful that aside from the lungs and vocal cord problems, I am cancer free but wondering does chemo brain stay with you forever? William you are a long survivor, bet you might have an answer. thanks in advance for any advice anyone has about this. take care,
Donna70

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  • sandy1943
    sandy1943 Member Posts: 824
    #2
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    Hi Donna, Yes, it seems I
    Hi Donna, Yes, it seems I have had a memory problem. It really bothers me that I used to be an excellent speller. but now I have a lot of difficulty with it. Sometimes I have to use a dictionary, but soemtimes I don't recognise the misspeled word until reading back later.
    I'm having more trouble with recalling names than before. I also use the wrong words sometimes. A few months ago My doctor did a brain MRI to rule out a tumor. It was ok.
    I'm blaming a lot on my age and a little on the chemo.
    I'll be glad to hear from others,
    Sandra
  • bingbing2009
    bingbing2009 Member Posts: 177
    #3
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    chemo brain
    I know some people claim that the chemo brain goes away once you're done with chemo, but mine didn't. I completed my chemo in December, 2009, and I have noticed I'm not quite as sharp as I used to be. I'm a teacher, so it's important that I remember names, but sometimes I will confuse names even though I know better. I tend to get tongue twisted while teaching and have to repeat things very slowly so that I don't mess up. Even though I know I'm not as sharp as I used to be, it's a small price to pay for having my life. Life is sure sweet, even if the old brain doesn't work quite as well! My hubby says he can't tell any difference in me...lol!!!
  • sandy1943
    sandy1943 Member Posts: 824
    #4
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    bingbing2009 said:

    chemo brain
    I know some people claim that the chemo brain goes away once you're done with chemo, but mine didn't. I completed my chemo in December, 2009, and I have noticed I'm not quite as sharp as I used to be. I'm a teacher, so it's important that I remember names, but sometimes I will confuse names even though I know better. I tend to get tongue twisted while teaching and have to repeat things very slowly so that I don't mess up. Even though I know I'm not as sharp as I used to be, it's a small price to pay for having my life. Life is sure sweet, even if the old brain doesn't work quite as well! My hubby says he can't tell any difference in me...lol!!!

    It does give us reason to be
    It does give us reason to be able to laugh at ourselves sometimes. My husband and I were trying to recall a name recently. we were both drawing a blank. I told him he had to stay sharp to correct me. We both can't be confused at the same time.
    Sandra
  • Donna70
    Donna70 Member Posts: 852 Member
    #5
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    sandy1943 said:

    It does give us reason to be
    It does give us reason to be able to laugh at ourselves sometimes. My husband and I were trying to recall a name recently. we were both drawing a blank. I told him he had to stay sharp to correct me. We both can't be confused at the same time.
    Sandra

    thanks for sharing!!
    Thanks, it helps to know I am not alone. Guess I got shook up because yesterday at the drs could not say the word for port, I knew where it was but the word couldn't come after a year and a half with it as my constant companion. My hubby has trouble too and he hasn't had any chemo. We say together we make a whole brain sometimes. Thanks for the insights.
    Donna70
  • oriontj
    oriontj Member Posts: 375
    #6
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    Hate ERs
    I really hate the ER...I went once with my 2nd tkr up to Weiss Memorial in Chicago. The incision was bleeding and I took all my stuff since they told me they were going to admit me. The ER was awful...dirty, people threw stuff on the floor etc. I told the one in charge, I'm sitting in here with you because I'm not sick and don't want to be. I sat with her until the resident signed all the papers. If not I would of waited in the car.

    The last tkr revision thought for sure they'd throw me back in for the same problem. This time when Betty said come through ER..I said NO..it's dirty and full of sick people. I went to his office instead. The first thing Betty (doc's righthand girl) said was she doesn't like our ER..and told him what I said. Dr. Finn said, she's right...and they didn't keep me..

    I think an ER is like a petri dish full of every imaginable virus and bacteria known to man...yuck.

    So sorry you picked something up there.

    jan
  • linda1120
    linda1120 Member Posts: 389
    #7
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    chemo brain
    Donna, I am a twelve and a half survivor of ovca and I have had problems ever since. I lose words and get tongue twisted, forget names, etc. I don't think it ever goes away. I know Jim could always add everything in his head and since chemo it has changed, still good, but not as good. He also forgets things. Fortunately, or unfortunately I understand!

    Linda

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