Tamoxifen Brain - true or made up

4slurpee
4slurpee Member Posts: 41
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I used to be able to remember everything, multitask and keep my entire schedule in my head. It was easy to keep track of life. Now I feel as if I am falling apart. I have whiteboards on the back door to see what I am doing that day before I walk out of the door. I have forgotten appointments, etc. You get the drift. I have read something about Tamoxifen brain - similar along the lines of chemo. brain. I am short of a year out from chemo. and into Tamoxifen. Has anyone heard of this or experiencing this? It wasn't happening before diagnosis. It may just be that I am getting older (43). It is driving me nuts. Thanks! :-)
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Comments

  • shelbyhome
    shelbyhome Member Posts: 145
    I had that when I was trying
    I had that when I was trying to take Femara, make sure you tell your Dr.
  • carkris
    carkris Member Posts: 4,553 Member

    I had that when I was trying
    I had that when I was trying to take Femara, make sure you tell your Dr.

    slurpee your smile is so
    slurpee your smile is so nice. I dont think I have this, as my chemo brain is getting better. but I notice when I am stressed, I become exceedingly forgetful. more so than before. I wonder if it was the immediate menopause???
  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    Wish I could blame my lack
    Wish I could blame my lack of concentration, keeping on task, and so many similar situtations on Femara or the chemo. BUT I can't - I'm ADD.

    Susan
  • TraciInLA
    TraciInLA Member Posts: 1,994 Member
    Slurpee -
    It's nice to see you, Slurpee. I'm right where you are -- almost exactly a year since my last chemo, and I've been on Tamoxifen for about 11 months.

    Before I was diagnosed, I kept everything in my head, never forgot anything, EVER (much to my girlfriend's dismay :-). During chemo, I had MAJOR problems with short-term memory -- while it's nowhere near as bad now as it was during chemo, my memory definitely hasn't gone back to "normal" for me.

    I don't know if it's still residual "chemo brain," or the effects of Tamoxifen messing with my estrogen levels, or the stress of being a breast cancer survivor, worrying about every ache and pain, every appointment, every test -- or a combination of all of the above.

    I'm starting to think that this is part of what the "new normal" is going to be for me. I don't have any answers for you, Slurp, but I can empathize, and tell you that you're not dealing with this alone.

    Traci
  • Sher43009
    Sher43009 Member Posts: 602 Member
    TraciInLA said:

    Slurpee -
    It's nice to see you, Slurpee. I'm right where you are -- almost exactly a year since my last chemo, and I've been on Tamoxifen for about 11 months.

    Before I was diagnosed, I kept everything in my head, never forgot anything, EVER (much to my girlfriend's dismay :-). During chemo, I had MAJOR problems with short-term memory -- while it's nowhere near as bad now as it was during chemo, my memory definitely hasn't gone back to "normal" for me.

    I don't know if it's still residual "chemo brain," or the effects of Tamoxifen messing with my estrogen levels, or the stress of being a breast cancer survivor, worrying about every ache and pain, every appointment, every test -- or a combination of all of the above.

    I'm starting to think that this is part of what the "new normal" is going to be for me. I don't have any answers for you, Slurp, but I can empathize, and tell you that you're not dealing with this alone.

    Traci

    You're not alone. I've been
    You're not alone. I've been out of chemo 1 year this coming week and on tamoxifen for 8 months. I'm also on Herceptin--my last one is on Wed. I don't know what the cause of my memory loss but it's a lot worse then before treatment. Try to keep your sense of humor about it and keep the calander close by. Traci's right this is the "new normal" for now.

    Sher
  • pinkflutterby
    pinkflutterby Member Posts: 615 Member
    Sher43009 said:

    You're not alone. I've been
    You're not alone. I've been out of chemo 1 year this coming week and on tamoxifen for 8 months. I'm also on Herceptin--my last one is on Wed. I don't know what the cause of my memory loss but it's a lot worse then before treatment. Try to keep your sense of humor about it and keep the calander close by. Traci's right this is the "new normal" for now.

    Sher

    I can't remember a thing!
    I can't remember a thing! Used to have it all in my head. I am/was a paralegal my boss always commented on my great memory and now I can't remember a grocery list, phone number, dates, people names...............
  • sea60
    sea60 Member Posts: 2,613

    I can't remember a thing!
    I can't remember a thing! Used to have it all in my head. I am/was a paralegal my boss always commented on my great memory and now I can't remember a grocery list, phone number, dates, people names...............

    Ditto
    Blame Chemo, Tamoxifen, Menopause, age...whatever the culprit, Post-it's are my best friend!
  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294

    I can't remember a thing!
    I can't remember a thing! Used to have it all in my head. I am/was a paralegal my boss always commented on my great memory and now I can't remember a grocery list, phone number, dates, people names...............

    You are not alone
    You are not alone. I am 22 moths after Chemo 15 months on Tamoxefen and now on Arimidex. I have developed my own system and go with it. As Penny, I am much worst when under stress, pressure or when I am upset. Luck of estrogen probably causing additional problems.
    Multitasking was a gift of mine. Majority of very successful people do not have multitasking ability or exceptional memory. So now after cancer treatment it is ok to be a regular person, nothing wrong in taking notes, keeping lists, writing everything down, having a calendar for appointments, and smiling "I am sorry, I do not remember and need to look it up". Do not worry about it, tell it your doctor who probably dismiss it anyway.
    Hugs,
    New Flower
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    Chemo brain can last for longer than a year....
    I am on Tamoxifen...5 years...

    Who were you again??? Where am I????

    Hugs, Kathi
  • sal314
    sal314 Member Posts: 599 Member
    Hmmmmmmmm...
    I've never heard of the memory problems with Tamoxifen! Or maybe I just don't remember? LOL.

    I have the very same problems. I always blamed the problem on "chemo" brain. But having just finished my 5 years on Tamoxifen, maybe that was also was part of the problem?? LOL!

    I'm 44 and can't remember anything! I use to be so good at remembering dates, stories friends would tell me, etc. Funny story...I met a lady at a women's bible study last week. She looked REALLY familiar to me, but I couldn't come up with her name or where I knew her from. We kinda of gave each other those weird glances and I finally walked up to her and asked her if I knew her from somewhere. SHe said her name (which rang NO bells) and said had gone with me and some other ladies about a year ago to a women's faith conference and she was even at my house!! The women has been to my house and in my car, but I had/have NO memory of her whatsoever!!! LOL! Talk about feeling "CRAZY"!! LOL.

    So...I totally can relate! I now make list and write down EVERYTHING in my calendar and check it every night and morning to see what I'm suppose to do/be/get for the day!! It's so pathetic!! LOL!

    Sally
  • Pinkpower
    Pinkpower Member Posts: 437
    Definate not made up. Ive
    Definate not made up. Ive only been out of chemo since March but I am on Tamoxifen and my short term memory was affected during chemo and I dont think it has gotten any better. My kids and husband have to watch me, I keep calendars and alarm chks on my cell phone and I cant cook without the alarm set or I will burn the food. Wonderful isnt it?
  • madjas4
    madjas4 Member Posts: 12
    51 and cloudy
    I to am in a "chemo fog". Finished my chemo in April 2010 and still find myself just plain lost. Forgetting what I'm doing in the middle of doing it. Was told by drs. that it will pass. Hope it does. Good luck.
  • tgf
    tgf Member Posts: 950 Member
    madjas4 said:

    51 and cloudy
    I to am in a "chemo fog". Finished my chemo in April 2010 and still find myself just plain lost. Forgetting what I'm doing in the middle of doing it. Was told by drs. that it will pass. Hope it does. Good luck.

    I thought it was just ME!
    I am so relieved to read that others are still having memory problems after chemo was over. My chemo ended about a year ago and I've been on tamoxifen for about 6 months ... and I guess I was expecting my memory to be just fine after chemo ... but I can honestly say that if anything ... it's worse. Of course I am nearly 67 ... and terrified it's alzheimers or worse. It will be a relief if I can "blame" it on tamoxifen.

    Saturday morning when I got up and took my pills ... but as soon as I swallowed them I realized I'd taken my night-time pills ... xanax, benadryl, effexor etc. I managed to run to the grocery and home ... then sat in my recliner and was out like a light for 3-4 hours. Then Saturday night I didn't know what pills I should take ... but I knew I didn't need to be up all night ... so I took another xanax and benadryl ... and slept through the night. But ... then I got up Sunday morning and forgot to take ANY pills. My emotions started to get the best of me around noon ... weepy, edgy, angry etc. ... then it dawned on me that I hadn't taken my drugs (which included blood pressure medicine). I swear I'm losing it. I work full time ... and some of the work is fairly detailed and boy do I have a problem with that. Stuff I used to be able to do in 5 minutes takes me 5 hours to figure out what I'm doing and HOW to do it. It gets so frustrating at times I just want to run out the door and not come back. But ... I LOVE my job ... and it really shouldn't be this stressful ... but it is. And I am terrified of alzheimers!

    hugs.
    teena
  • ms.sunshine
    ms.sunshine Member Posts: 707 Member
    tgf said:

    I thought it was just ME!
    I am so relieved to read that others are still having memory problems after chemo was over. My chemo ended about a year ago and I've been on tamoxifen for about 6 months ... and I guess I was expecting my memory to be just fine after chemo ... but I can honestly say that if anything ... it's worse. Of course I am nearly 67 ... and terrified it's alzheimers or worse. It will be a relief if I can "blame" it on tamoxifen.

    Saturday morning when I got up and took my pills ... but as soon as I swallowed them I realized I'd taken my night-time pills ... xanax, benadryl, effexor etc. I managed to run to the grocery and home ... then sat in my recliner and was out like a light for 3-4 hours. Then Saturday night I didn't know what pills I should take ... but I knew I didn't need to be up all night ... so I took another xanax and benadryl ... and slept through the night. But ... then I got up Sunday morning and forgot to take ANY pills. My emotions started to get the best of me around noon ... weepy, edgy, angry etc. ... then it dawned on me that I hadn't taken my drugs (which included blood pressure medicine). I swear I'm losing it. I work full time ... and some of the work is fairly detailed and boy do I have a problem with that. Stuff I used to be able to do in 5 minutes takes me 5 hours to figure out what I'm doing and HOW to do it. It gets so frustrating at times I just want to run out the door and not come back. But ... I LOVE my job ... and it really shouldn't be this stressful ... but it is. And I am terrified of alzheimers!

    hugs.
    teena

    I'm in the same forgetful, bad memory boat
    As you. I also have white boards I write every appt. on, calendars, and lists then I forget to check lists, calendars, boards. I have double posted deposits in my checking acct. I have thought I mailed bills, just to discover they were still in the desk drawer. I dream often, and have a hard time distinguishing dream from reality.

    I have forgotten to help my son study for a test, and he makes a bad grade. I know if I would have spent that time with him he would have made a good grade. This one really effects me, because I feel like a bad mom. Sad thing is I have signs posted on my wall with the test, and date, and I still forget what day it is thinking I have plenty of time.
  • cahjah75
    cahjah75 Member Posts: 2,631
    I started having
    memory problems while going through peri menopause (age 45-47). I forget why I walk into a room sometimes! I have to retrace my steps to remember what I was going to look for or do. I call them Senior Moments. lol I'm still in chemo so don't know whether it will get worse. I certainly hope not )-:
    Char
  • Lighthouse_7
    Lighthouse_7 Member Posts: 1,566 Member
    cahjah75 said:

    I started having
    memory problems while going through peri menopause (age 45-47). I forget why I walk into a room sometimes! I have to retrace my steps to remember what I was going to look for or do. I call them Senior Moments. lol I'm still in chemo so don't know whether it will get worse. I certainly hope not )-:
    Char

    WHAT WERE WE ALL JUST
    WHAT WERE WE ALL JUST TALKING ABOUT?
    I ended chemo Oct. 09 almost a year ago and still have chemo brain.
    Everything I've read about it says it can last for years, so don't worry. It
    has gotten a little better so that's encouraging.
    Wanda
  • Boppy_of_6
    Boppy_of_6 Member Posts: 1,138

    WHAT WERE WE ALL JUST
    WHAT WERE WE ALL JUST TALKING ABOUT?
    I ended chemo Oct. 09 almost a year ago and still have chemo brain.
    Everything I've read about it says it can last for years, so don't worry. It
    has gotten a little better so that's encouraging.
    Wanda

    I agree
    I have just been out of chemo since July so I agree with you all. I do not remember what I agree with but I agree! lol God Bless
    (((Hugs))) Janice
  • TraciInLA
    TraciInLA Member Posts: 1,994 Member

    I agree
    I have just been out of chemo since July so I agree with you all. I do not remember what I agree with but I agree! lol God Bless
    (((Hugs))) Janice

    Mine is more like...
    I clicked on Boppy's "reply" so I could reply to something...what was I going to say? Who was it who posted this? What did she say?

    Oh, da*n -- now I have to open another Internet Explorer tab, so I can go back and reread the whole thread, so I can remember what I was going to comment on. I'm getting kind of hungry -- I wonder if there's any ice cream....

    (that's how my ChemoBrain/TamoxifenBrain/BreastCancerStressBrain goes. :-)

    Traci
  • carkris
    carkris Member Posts: 4,553 Member
    TraciInLA said:

    Mine is more like...
    I clicked on Boppy's "reply" so I could reply to something...what was I going to say? Who was it who posted this? What did she say?

    Oh, da*n -- now I have to open another Internet Explorer tab, so I can go back and reread the whole thread, so I can remember what I was going to comment on. I'm getting kind of hungry -- I wonder if there's any ice cream....

    (that's how my ChemoBrain/TamoxifenBrain/BreastCancerStressBrain goes. :-)

    Traci

    yeah sometimes I click on a
    yeah sometimes I click on a thread and think I didnt read it, then I see I posted a response! The other day I sprayed my hair with my husband's deodorant, instead of hairspray(and I looked) never mind i had finally gotten it right and was going to a wedding. Yikes. I still fell better than I did. There used to be major holes now they are just small!
  • sal314
    sal314 Member Posts: 599 Member
    KathiM said:

    Chemo brain can last for longer than a year....
    I am on Tamoxifen...5 years...

    Who were you again??? Where am I????

    Hugs, Kathi

    I say "YES" Kathi!!
    I'm 9 years out and still have major memory problems. Tamoxifen didn't help it either! LOL.
    I'm STILL blaming Chemo for my crappy memory!!

    Sally