chemobrain?

Dreamdove

artizan said:

Did you see the post about Americans with Disabilities Act?
Dreamdove,
I don't know but it may be that mental impairment would be covered under the new ADA law.

Thank you Artizan
Artizan, I read that but have to admit I didn't understand most of it the way it was worded. It needs to be put in simpler form for people like me lol. It would be nice if dissability included the permanent side effects of chemo such as chemo-brain. The thing is, how would mental impairment be proved? In my case I am functioning but everything takes extra effort. But if I had to go thru chemo again, I might be concerned about losing more brain function and lose my job because of the mistakes. Also losing my drivers license. That would definitely be something to look into if my cancer comes back. Not only for mental impairment but because physically I might not be able to manage working then. I had to return to work six weeks after my surgery. I worked 25 hours a week the whole time I was going thru chemo because I had a daughter to support. It was tough sometimes but I just kept myself going.

Pnktopaz10

I have NHL and my oncologist told me about chemo brain after I told her that I could not think straight. I thought that I might be going crazy because I could not remember something I said a minute ago. I finished chemo and radiation about 2 weeks ago and my brain is beginning to work again but I remember the silliest things. I cannot multi task~ I have to finish one thing and then move on to the next. I have an attention span of a gnat and I am hoping that it will get better. The fun thing about chemo brain is that I can read books that I have already read and they are like new to me. Saves trips to the library and book store. My onc said that it will get better but it takes a long time. It has made me tentative with driving for example but I do seem to accomplish things. Cancer is a life changing experience~and I have the feeling that this is one of the changes. As you can see by the responses you are not alone. There are a lot of us out there muddling through. Take care and think good thoughts!

Dreamdove

Pnktopaz10 said:

I have NHL and my oncologist told me about chemo brain after I told her that I could not think straight. I thought that I might be going crazy because I could not remember something I said a minute ago. I finished chemo and radiation about 2 weeks ago and my brain is beginning to work again but I remember the silliest things. I cannot multi task~ I have to finish one thing and then move on to the next. I have an attention span of a gnat and I am hoping that it will get better. The fun thing about chemo brain is that I can read books that I have already read and they are like new to me. Saves trips to the library and book store. My onc said that it will get better but it takes a long time. It has made me tentative with driving for example but I do seem to accomplish things. Cancer is a life changing experience~and I have the feeling that this is one of the changes. As you can see by the responses you are not alone. There are a lot of us out there muddling through. Take care and think good thoughts!

Helping brain function
I wanted to add another thing to this subject of chemo-brain. It's what we CAN do to help ourselves that I feel should be studied. For example, that certain foods and vitamin supplements might help. Omega 3 supplements or foods that have them in them (such as flaxseeds and certain kinds of fish.) I take flax oil softgels. I've taken different forms of flaxseed such as whole flaxseeds, ground flaxseeds, flaxseed oil but it seems easier for me to take the softgels. Some people take fish oil supplements. I've done that but I prefer the flaxseed. They both have Omega 3, which is supposed to be good for brain function. There are cereals out there containing flaxseed also. A healthy diet, of course, is very, very important as we all know. Avoid artificial sweeteners. I rarely have used artificially sweetened foods because I don't like the aftertaste but I did chew sugarless gum. I stopped that recently. Supposedly artificial sweetners (including Splenda) cause brain fog in healthy people. So in cancer patients, all the more so. Exercise is very important for brain function as well. Now that winter is upon us, we who live in the colder climates have to struggle to get our bodies moving when we really just want to hybernate (and eat comfort foods.) And you have to keep using your mind. Keep reading and doing other activities that encourage the brain to function. Balancing my checkbook when my statement comes in the mail certainly works my brain! Some people enjoy different kind so puzzles. I am sure there are many other things that would help brain function.

artizan

Dreamdove said:

Helping brain function
I wanted to add another thing to this subject of chemo-brain. It's what we CAN do to help ourselves that I feel should be studied. For example, that certain foods and vitamin supplements might help. Omega 3 supplements or foods that have them in them (such as flaxseeds and certain kinds of fish.) I take flax oil softgels. I've taken different forms of flaxseed such as whole flaxseeds, ground flaxseeds, flaxseed oil but it seems easier for me to take the softgels. Some people take fish oil supplements. I've done that but I prefer the flaxseed. They both have Omega 3, which is supposed to be good for brain function. There are cereals out there containing flaxseed also. A healthy diet, of course, is very, very important as we all know. Avoid artificial sweeteners. I rarely have used artificially sweetened foods because I don't like the aftertaste but I did chew sugarless gum. I stopped that recently. Supposedly artificial sweetners (including Splenda) cause brain fog in healthy people. So in cancer patients, all the more so. Exercise is very important for brain function as well. Now that winter is upon us, we who live in the colder climates have to struggle to get our bodies moving when we really just want to hybernate (and eat comfort foods.) And you have to keep using your mind. Keep reading and doing other activities that encourage the brain to function. Balancing my checkbook when my statement comes in the mail certainly works my brain! Some people enjoy different kind so puzzles. I am sure there are many other things that would help brain function.

Dreamdove
I agree with most of what you said but I'm afraid of flax seed. Prior to my diagnosis of breast cancer I was following a breast health regimen of eatting flax seed and soy. There was some suspicion that it may have contributed to my aggressive, atypical cancer. I certainly agree about the artificial sweeteners. I never ingest them!! I too like puzzles and do some online ones daily. I use my brain at work and try to do math calculations without the calculator just to keep my brain active. I live in northern Illinois and I know the temptation to hybernate - oh to be in Hawaii. I don't take everything he recommends but Dr. Weil has a questionaire you can fill out to see what supplements you should take. I do take Coenzyme Q10. Here is what the National Cancer Institute has to say about it.
Coenzyme Q 10 is a compound that is made naturally in the body. The body uses it for cell growth and to protect cells from damage that could lead to cancer (see Question 1).


Animal studies have shown that coenzyme Q10 helps the immune system work better and makes the body better able to resist certain infections and types of cancer (see Question 5).


Clinical trials have shown that coenzyme Q10 helps protect the heart from the damaging side effects of doxorubicin, a drug used to treat cancer (see Question 6).


In 3 small studies of coenzyme Q10 in breast cancer patients, some patients appeared to be helped by the treatment. Weaknesses in study design and reporting, however, made it unclear if benefits were caused by the coenzyme Q10 or by something else (see Question 6).


Coenzyme Q10 may not mix safely with other treatments. It is important that patients tell their health care providers about all therapies they are currently using or thinking of using (see Question 7).


Coenzyme Q10 has not been carefully tested in combination with chemotherapy to see if it is safe and effective. Because coenzyme Q10 is sold as a dietary supplement rather than a drug, it is not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (see Question 8).

Dreamdove

artizan said:

Dreamdove
I agree with most of what you said but I'm afraid of flax seed. Prior to my diagnosis of breast cancer I was following a breast health regimen of eatting flax seed and soy. There was some suspicion that it may have contributed to my aggressive, atypical cancer. I certainly agree about the artificial sweeteners. I never ingest them!! I too like puzzles and do some online ones daily. I use my brain at work and try to do math calculations without the calculator just to keep my brain active. I live in northern Illinois and I know the temptation to hybernate - oh to be in Hawaii. I don't take everything he recommends but Dr. Weil has a questionaire you can fill out to see what supplements you should take. I do take Coenzyme Q10. Here is what the National Cancer Institute has to say about it.
Coenzyme Q 10 is a compound that is made naturally in the body. The body uses it for cell growth and to protect cells from damage that could lead to cancer (see Question 1).


Animal studies have shown that coenzyme Q10 helps the immune system work better and makes the body better able to resist certain infections and types of cancer (see Question 5).


Clinical trials have shown that coenzyme Q10 helps protect the heart from the damaging side effects of doxorubicin, a drug used to treat cancer (see Question 6).


In 3 small studies of coenzyme Q10 in breast cancer patients, some patients appeared to be helped by the treatment. Weaknesses in study design and reporting, however, made it unclear if benefits were caused by the coenzyme Q10 or by something else (see Question 6).


Coenzyme Q10 may not mix safely with other treatments. It is important that patients tell their health care providers about all therapies they are currently using or thinking of using (see Question 7).


Coenzyme Q10 has not been carefully tested in combination with chemotherapy to see if it is safe and effective. Because coenzyme Q10 is sold as a dietary supplement rather than a drug, it is not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (see Question 8).

avoiding soy products
Artizan, I have never heard flaxseed oil linked to breast cancer but I have heard of processed soy products causing cancer. I never use them. No processed soy products in my diet. I had ovarian cancer and my mother and aunt had breast cancer. Ovarian and breast are genetically related. I will take no hormones or products that mimic hormones, such as soy. In Japan they don't usually eat processed soy. You always hear about the low incidents of breast cancer in Japan and how they eat soy but it isn't processed soy they are injesting. However, many processed foods contain soy and it is under different names so for all I know I could be eatting abit of it. I don't eat many processed foods but there are a few frozen foods I occasionally eat. And occasionally a salty snack like Cheetos or Doritos, which may contain soy for all I know. But I don't eat those often anyway. So if I was to seriously look into all the foods I eat, I wouldn't be surprised if I find soy or soy derivitives. But it is something to be aware of. I don't need to have breast cancer, too.

artizan

Dreamdove said:

avoiding soy products
Artizan, I have never heard flaxseed oil linked to breast cancer but I have heard of processed soy products causing cancer. I never use them. No processed soy products in my diet. I had ovarian cancer and my mother and aunt had breast cancer. Ovarian and breast are genetically related. I will take no hormones or products that mimic hormones, such as soy. In Japan they don't usually eat processed soy. You always hear about the low incidents of breast cancer in Japan and how they eat soy but it isn't processed soy they are injesting. However, many processed foods contain soy and it is under different names so for all I know I could be eatting abit of it. I don't eat many processed foods but there are a few frozen foods I occasionally eat. And occasionally a salty snack like Cheetos or Doritos, which may contain soy for all I know. But I don't eat those often anyway. So if I was to seriously look into all the foods I eat, I wouldn't be surprised if I find soy or soy derivitives. But it is something to be aware of. I don't need to have breast cancer, too.

Thanks for your information
I am not sure if it was the flax seed or the soy or just my time to get cancer but it sure seemed like there may have been some link. I had a clear mammogram in late March/early April and by the end of May I had a palpable tumor that was growing aggressively. I guess now I am suspicious of getting on any "band wagon". Thanks for the info on soy.

artizan

artizan said:

Thanks for your information
I am not sure if it was the flax seed or the soy or just my time to get cancer but it sure seemed like there may have been some link. I had a clear mammogram in late March/early April and by the end of May I had a palpable tumor that was growing aggressively. I guess now I am suspicious of getting on any "band wagon". Thanks for the info on soy.

Processed soy products
Dreamdove,
I took the time to do a little research tonight and found that as you say processed soy products are a problem. It was interesting, however, that ancient methods involving fermentation seem to be fine. I also looked up flax seed and as you say it seems to be beneficial in preventing cancer. It is hard to believe that soy products are being forced on consumers and is being called good for you.

Dreamdove

artizan said:

Processed soy products
Dreamdove,
I took the time to do a little research tonight and found that as you say processed soy products are a problem. It was interesting, however, that ancient methods involving fermentation seem to be fine. I also looked up flax seed and as you say it seems to be beneficial in preventing cancer. It is hard to believe that soy products are being forced on consumers and is being called good for you.

Who knows?
Artizan, I don't think companies that produce these processed soy products even realize that they might not be good for all people--afterall, they are a source of protein for vegetarians and those trying to cut down on red meat. And many people have problems digesting milk products so turn to soy milk. I don't know about flax seed preventing cancer--I was eatting them everyday BEFORE I was diagnosed with cancer. I just use flax oil to help brain function and I find it good for my skin and hair. I haven't really looked into it's other purposes. I do not believe it is harmful, however. But I can understand your fear, that maybe your breast cancer may have been caused by something you were taking. Who knows? Twenty years ago my mother had breast cancer and just shortly before had a normal mamogram. I couldn't understand why it showed up normal and then suddenly she had cancer. I don't believe I have done anything to bring on ovarian cancer. I breastfeed all 3 children (supposed to help prevent ovarian cancer) and had a tubal ligation (supposed to lower chances of ovarian cancer.) I have always been thin (being overweight increases chances of cancer, supposedly) and was never a heavy drinker. Never smoked, always got exercise. Never took hormones. So I can honestly say looking back that I can't place a cause for the cancer except perhaps genetics and even genetics is supposedly just 10 percent. Pollution, chemicals, additives, stress, poor nutrition, etc. might have a bigger factor. Even electronic equipment we use. Cell phones, microwave ovens, who knows? Maybe something just goes wrong in the body. A cell starts multiplying.....

artizan

Dreamdove said:

Who knows?
Artizan, I don't think companies that produce these processed soy products even realize that they might not be good for all people--afterall, they are a source of protein for vegetarians and those trying to cut down on red meat. And many people have problems digesting milk products so turn to soy milk. I don't know about flax seed preventing cancer--I was eatting them everyday BEFORE I was diagnosed with cancer. I just use flax oil to help brain function and I find it good for my skin and hair. I haven't really looked into it's other purposes. I do not believe it is harmful, however. But I can understand your fear, that maybe your breast cancer may have been caused by something you were taking. Who knows? Twenty years ago my mother had breast cancer and just shortly before had a normal mamogram. I couldn't understand why it showed up normal and then suddenly she had cancer. I don't believe I have done anything to bring on ovarian cancer. I breastfeed all 3 children (supposed to help prevent ovarian cancer) and had a tubal ligation (supposed to lower chances of ovarian cancer.) I have always been thin (being overweight increases chances of cancer, supposedly) and was never a heavy drinker. Never smoked, always got exercise. Never took hormones. So I can honestly say looking back that I can't place a cause for the cancer except perhaps genetics and even genetics is supposedly just 10 percent. Pollution, chemicals, additives, stress, poor nutrition, etc. might have a bigger factor. Even electronic equipment we use. Cell phones, microwave ovens, who knows? Maybe something just goes wrong in the body. A cell starts multiplying.....

Who knows????
Dreamdove,
I have to say that I did everything that was supposed to prevent cancer as well but my case is genetic. I am overweight but my thin sister got cancer and died at age 40, so who knows. I guess it doesn't really matter for us but I don't want a recurrence and I wish there were some miracle prevention that would protect my children and my nieces. I recently started taking fish oil and coenzymeQ10 in addition to my regular vitamins. I have to say that my mind seems a bit clearer and I am not as tired. I've been exercising more too. We have a fitness challenge thing happening at work. You haven't said how you are doing?

Dreamdove

artizan said:

Who knows????
Dreamdove,
I have to say that I did everything that was supposed to prevent cancer as well but my case is genetic. I am overweight but my thin sister got cancer and died at age 40, so who knows. I guess it doesn't really matter for us but I don't want a recurrence and I wish there were some miracle prevention that would protect my children and my nieces. I recently started taking fish oil and coenzymeQ10 in addition to my regular vitamins. I have to say that my mind seems a bit clearer and I am not as tired. I've been exercising more too. We have a fitness challenge thing happening at work. You haven't said how you are doing?

I don't know what else I can do
Artizan, I've been in remission for 18 months from stage 3c ovarian cancer but more and more I have the feeling that it will come back. And I can't do anything about it. I can just hope it won't. I actually don't know what I should be doing to prevent a recurrence. I take some vitamins and try to eat well. I'm in pretty good shape for a 53 year old but I don't work out in a gym. During decent weather I walk or bike. Plus my job is physically active. I haven't heard that there is anything to prevent ovarian cancer from returning. I have one child left at home, a 14-year old and I have to be concerned about what will happen to her. I guess I should be grateful that I've had this time because there are many others who haven't in my type of cancer. I asked my doctor for a year and I got more than that. My next checkup is Jan. 8th, 2 years exactly from the surgery. I didn't even realize that until recently and that appointment was scheduled quite a while ago, at my last checkup. I wish something could be done for all survivors of cancer to prevent a recurrence but I'm afraid they haven't found anything short of a miracle. Even those who do all the right things can't prevent it. I don't want my children to get cancer either. But I'm helpless to prevent that either. All I can do is hope that it doesn't happen to them. I was always a very healthy person before this. Rarely ever needed to go to doctors. I took my health for granted. Now I don't. Maybe it seems I'm giving up but I gave it all I had for a long time. One year ago I thought it came back because on Christmas night I developed a bowell obstruction and had to be hospitalized. But they couldn't find anything. Last checkup they found some abnormal cells in a pap test but not cancer cells. I am supposed to be retested in Jan. Just 3 months before that the test came out fine. So it could be that this test will be fine. However, I still have abit of spotting, which I've had for a year or more. But it hasn't gotten any worse and my CA-125s have been great. I do feel more tired lately than I have since the surgery and chemo. Sleepiness comes over me more and more. I do worry but what good does it do? So many people on here are so much worse off than me. I've been good for quite awhile. What more can I ask?

artizan

Dreamdove said:

I don't know what else I can do
Artizan, I've been in remission for 18 months from stage 3c ovarian cancer but more and more I have the feeling that it will come back. And I can't do anything about it. I can just hope it won't. I actually don't know what I should be doing to prevent a recurrence. I take some vitamins and try to eat well. I'm in pretty good shape for a 53 year old but I don't work out in a gym. During decent weather I walk or bike. Plus my job is physically active. I haven't heard that there is anything to prevent ovarian cancer from returning. I have one child left at home, a 14-year old and I have to be concerned about what will happen to her. I guess I should be grateful that I've had this time because there are many others who haven't in my type of cancer. I asked my doctor for a year and I got more than that. My next checkup is Jan. 8th, 2 years exactly from the surgery. I didn't even realize that until recently and that appointment was scheduled quite a while ago, at my last checkup. I wish something could be done for all survivors of cancer to prevent a recurrence but I'm afraid they haven't found anything short of a miracle. Even those who do all the right things can't prevent it. I don't want my children to get cancer either. But I'm helpless to prevent that either. All I can do is hope that it doesn't happen to them. I was always a very healthy person before this. Rarely ever needed to go to doctors. I took my health for granted. Now I don't. Maybe it seems I'm giving up but I gave it all I had for a long time. One year ago I thought it came back because on Christmas night I developed a bowell obstruction and had to be hospitalized. But they couldn't find anything. Last checkup they found some abnormal cells in a pap test but not cancer cells. I am supposed to be retested in Jan. Just 3 months before that the test came out fine. So it could be that this test will be fine. However, I still have abit of spotting, which I've had for a year or more. But it hasn't gotten any worse and my CA-125s have been great. I do feel more tired lately than I have since the surgery and chemo. Sleepiness comes over me more and more. I do worry but what good does it do? So many people on here are so much worse off than me. I've been good for quite awhile. What more can I ask?

Praying for a good report!!
Dreamdove,
I pray that you will have a good checkup!!! It is hard having had cancer. It seems that we wait for that "other shoe to drop". We know, rationally, that worry does no good but its a hard thing to overcome. Earlier this year I read "A New Earth" and followed the online class that Eckart Tolle, the author, and Oprah offered online. I am now better able to focus on what is right now and not on what has already happened or what is in the future. Live in the moment and I pray that you will have a long, healthy and happy future.

Dreamdove

artizan said:

Praying for a good report!!
Dreamdove,
I pray that you will have a good checkup!!! It is hard having had cancer. It seems that we wait for that "other shoe to drop". We know, rationally, that worry does no good but its a hard thing to overcome. Earlier this year I read "A New Earth" and followed the online class that Eckart Tolle, the author, and Oprah offered online. I am now better able to focus on what is right now and not on what has already happened or what is in the future. Live in the moment and I pray that you will have a long, healthy and happy future.

Thank you, Artizan
It is always a challenge to live a normal life, yet waiting for the "other shoe to drop." I don't do anything different than I did before. I'm still living my life but the only real difference is that I don't really date anymore. I tried that and it didn't work too well. Even before I had cancer it didn't work too well! It is never easy to have a relationship when you are a single mom. But I did try over the years. I read all these things on here about people's cancer returning and I'm grateful I've been in remission for 18 months. I've done 2 things this last summer I've never done and I'm glad I did. If it does return I may do couple more things if I'm able. What about you? Have you been able to do a thing or two you always thought about doing but never did? Did you see the movie "The Bucket List?" It doesn't have to anything that dramatic--even just contacting an old classmate maybe or taking a small trip.

artizan

Dreamdove said:

Thank you, Artizan
It is always a challenge to live a normal life, yet waiting for the "other shoe to drop." I don't do anything different than I did before. I'm still living my life but the only real difference is that I don't really date anymore. I tried that and it didn't work too well. Even before I had cancer it didn't work too well! It is never easy to have a relationship when you are a single mom. But I did try over the years. I read all these things on here about people's cancer returning and I'm grateful I've been in remission for 18 months. I've done 2 things this last summer I've never done and I'm glad I did. If it does return I may do couple more things if I'm able. What about you? Have you been able to do a thing or two you always thought about doing but never did? Did you see the movie "The Bucket List?" It doesn't have to anything that dramatic--even just contacting an old classmate maybe or taking a small trip.

Dreamdove,
I have had so much more time than you have had to do things since my cancer was 9 1/2 years ago. I can't say that I have conquered anything big but I do live more confidently for myself. I am no longer afraid of what others will think or say. I have been given so many blessing in these years. My family has grown to include two sons-in-law and 3 soon to be 4 grandsons. I have seen my son graduate high school and college and I still have the love of my husband. There have been ups and downs but that is life. Four years ago we had the great joy of going to Hawaii and would love to go again. We have finished the restoration of a house that sat empty for 40 years and are involved in saving a building in our downtown. I guess I have take some risks that I would not have taken before. I am trying to conquer fear, fear of the unknown, fear of the what if and I guess I have made some progress. You seem like a very strong person and I wish you all the best that life has to offer. I pray that much love and joy will come into your life.

sandybe

Dreamdove said:

I hope research is being done
I've heard that it takes up to 10 years to get brain function back. I don't know how much that varies with each person and the type of chemo one has. I can put up with the forgetfulness, etc. but the fact that I nearly got run over by a car a couple of times was another story. Also, I had brain freeze a few times where I was driving down local roads and all of the sudden I didn't recognize where I was even though I should have. The worst thing is that other people don't understand. Before I had cancer I never heard of it. My mother never mentioned it. So I suppose most people don't realize how it affects the brain, they just know about the hair loss. That's all you hear about.

Been there
I've had the brain freeze thing too. I think I need one of those bumperstickers that says "If I look lost, just tell me where to go". I have been driving on my way to work before and suddenly forgot where I was going. I actually had to pull over on the side of the road just around the corner from my house and try to remember where I had to go. I even knew I had to go to work, but could not remember where that was. I called a friend the first time and kind of beat around the bush with a conversation and found out where I had to go. The worst thing is, this has happened more than once. It seems that things and people that I have known for years I always remember, it is things that are within the last year that I seem to have blocked out. The other day at work I could not remember the name of a coworker. I have worked with this person for the past three months. I actually had to ask someone her name because it still did not come back to me an hour later, then I forgot her name again in the afternoon. Talk about feeling stupid. I can't even remember what I had for supper last night. I don't think my doctor quite understood until I brought a friend along to an appointment and she told him exactly how forgetful i really am. Now everyone knows I'm nuts! But that can be a good thing, they can just lead me in the direction I need to go. I did find one thing out though on my last doctor visit, my vitamin B12 was low, apparantly this can cause some added mental confusion. The B12 shots have helped improve some things but not take it away totally. I'm a few years away from menopause yet, things could get really exciting then. As long as I can find my way home, all will be good. This may make you laugh but, I carry ID with me everywhere I go just in case! lol!

Dreamdove

sandybe said:

Been there
I've had the brain freeze thing too. I think I need one of those bumperstickers that says "If I look lost, just tell me where to go". I have been driving on my way to work before and suddenly forgot where I was going. I actually had to pull over on the side of the road just around the corner from my house and try to remember where I had to go. I even knew I had to go to work, but could not remember where that was. I called a friend the first time and kind of beat around the bush with a conversation and found out where I had to go. The worst thing is, this has happened more than once. It seems that things and people that I have known for years I always remember, it is things that are within the last year that I seem to have blocked out. The other day at work I could not remember the name of a coworker. I have worked with this person for the past three months. I actually had to ask someone her name because it still did not come back to me an hour later, then I forgot her name again in the afternoon. Talk about feeling stupid. I can't even remember what I had for supper last night. I don't think my doctor quite understood until I brought a friend along to an appointment and she told him exactly how forgetful i really am. Now everyone knows I'm nuts! But that can be a good thing, they can just lead me in the direction I need to go. I did find one thing out though on my last doctor visit, my vitamin B12 was low, apparantly this can cause some added mental confusion. The B12 shots have helped improve some things but not take it away totally. I'm a few years away from menopause yet, things could get really exciting then. As long as I can find my way home, all will be good. This may make you laugh but, I carry ID with me everywhere I go just in case! lol!

Carrying your ID around is a good idea!
I do the same--even when I take a walk I carry my ID. Chemo must do similiar things to people because you sound just like me. Oh well, we carry on as best we can. At least I can still work and carry on the basic functions of my life.

Dreamdove

artizan said:

Dreamdove,
I have had so much more time than you have had to do things since my cancer was 9 1/2 years ago. I can't say that I have conquered anything big but I do live more confidently for myself. I am no longer afraid of what others will think or say. I have been given so many blessing in these years. My family has grown to include two sons-in-law and 3 soon to be 4 grandsons. I have seen my son graduate high school and college and I still have the love of my husband. There have been ups and downs but that is life. Four years ago we had the great joy of going to Hawaii and would love to go again. We have finished the restoration of a house that sat empty for 40 years and are involved in saving a building in our downtown. I guess I have take some risks that I would not have taken before. I am trying to conquer fear, fear of the unknown, fear of the what if and I guess I have made some progress. You seem like a very strong person and I wish you all the best that life has to offer. I pray that much love and joy will come into your life.

Nice that you've had time to live your life
artizan, looks like you are doing what you are supposed to be doing. Sure maybe there is fear at times but it's not possible to live without some fear since you are human. More and more people are surviving cancer or at least treating it as a chronic illness. My mother's never came back and it's been over 20 years now. But I remember when she used to tell me she was afraid it was coming back because she had an ache or pain somewhere in her body. She hasn't done that in years. A person can easily get caught up in all these "cures" or natural substances that are supposed to prevent cancer and as you said, how do you know for certain that didn't make it worse? Keep on living your life, that's what I say.

Aquagirl18

chemobrain
Hi I know this is probably a stupid to ask but since I am not familar with the term chemobrain can someone tell me what it is? I had neuroblastoma at around 13 months and was also treated with adriamyacin (sorry if its spelled wrong). I experienced several late effects as a result and I am still dealing with them today. I have cardiomyopathy, several learning disabitlies in math and science, low growth hormone, a curved spine and I experience hot flashes that happen out of the blue. I also had radiation and surgeries.

Dreamdove

Aquagirl18 said:

chemobrain
Hi I know this is probably a stupid to ask but since I am not familar with the term chemobrain can someone tell me what it is? I had neuroblastoma at around 13 months and was also treated with adriamyacin (sorry if its spelled wrong). I experienced several late effects as a result and I am still dealing with them today. I have cardiomyopathy, several learning disabitlies in math and science, low growth hormone, a curved spine and I experience hot flashes that happen out of the blue. I also had radiation and surgeries.

what I think chemobrain is
Chemobrain or chemofog is when you have undergone chemotherapy and have experienced some nonfunctioning of the brain during the time of chemo as well as long after, often even years after. Forgetfulness, short-term memory loss, spacing out, blind spots(when something is there like a car, etc. but you don't see it), and probably other things, too. You could be driving and all of the sudden you don't know where you are even though it is a familiar road. You think maybe you are going crazy but then you go on a website like this and other people are describing the same thing. Doctors and scientists don't even know really what goes on in the brain during chemo. So many people complain about this side effect that now they are starting to take it seriously. I hope. My mother never mentioned it when she went thru chemo 20 years ago. I wonder if it was even noted then as a side effect of chemo. I'll be typing on here and read it back to discover I have missing words in my sentences!

artizan

Aquagirl18 said:

chemobrain
Hi I know this is probably a stupid to ask but since I am not familar with the term chemobrain can someone tell me what it is? I had neuroblastoma at around 13 months and was also treated with adriamyacin (sorry if its spelled wrong). I experienced several late effects as a result and I am still dealing with them today. I have cardiomyopathy, several learning disabitlies in math and science, low growth hormone, a curved spine and I experience hot flashes that happen out of the blue. I also had radiation and surgeries.

Chemo brain
One of the first things I noticed was that I would drop the last letter off of words as I would write them. Now I have difficulty with numbers. I can't remember them. If I have counted something at work I can barely remember the number until I get it written down. I use little notes a lot more. I have trouble with recalling information I know very well. I have a method I use to try to help me remember things (names especially). It seems that if I mentally go through the alphabet one letter at at time that I will often identify the beginning letter of a name that I am trying to remember and then after thinking about it for a while I'll remember. The brain is a funny thing. My onco did tell me about chemo brain.