Chemo brain is very real!

pattyanny

Hi Friends, Just opened my email ACS News Letter "New Connections". It recognizes & discusses the "mental fog" many survivors have complained about after chemo.
http://www.newconnections-cancer.org/issue_33/01.html
At least someone is acknowledging the connection. It's a start!
Love & Prayers, Patty

Greg53

Ain't that the truth!
Patty,

Glad to see that come out. Even though it isn't a huge issue with me I definitely get it. I've been back to work for a month now and I hate when it hits at work. The Prez of our company came in my office and was asking me questions the other day and it struck. Yikes, did I look silly. Explained it to him later and he understood, but I looked dumber than usual - lol. My wife is awesome and understands everything, but doesn't quite believe this symptom. I'll have to let her read it so she doesn't think I'm just ignoring her when I get the Fog.

Thanks for posting that info.
Greg

ratface

Greg53 said:

Ain't that the truth!
Patty,

Glad to see that come out. Even though it isn't a huge issue with me I definitely get it. I've been back to work for a month now and I hate when it hits at work. The Prez of our company came in my office and was asking me questions the other day and it struck. Yikes, did I look silly. Explained it to him later and he understood, but I looked dumber than usual - lol. My wife is awesome and understands everything, but doesn't quite believe this symptom. I'll have to let her read it so she doesn't think I'm just ignoring her when I get the Fog.

Thanks for posting that info.
Greg

My wife is a little skeptical too
But it is real. I 'll go into a room and just stare at the walls, sometimes I remember why I went there and sometimes I don't.

stevenl

ratface said:

My wife is a little skeptical too
But it is real. I 'll go into a room and just stare at the walls, sometimes I remember why I went there and sometimes I don't.

CRS
And all this time I thought it was CRS I was suffering from.

Steve

cwcad

stevenl said:

CRS
And all this time I thought it was CRS I was suffering from.

Steve

It does help to see it in print
It would seem that I have all the symptoms of chemo brain. Including being in a fog prior to cancer. OR at least I am sure that my wife would concur. Without regard to my condition prior to cancer the fact remains that it has been the largest hurdle of the entire treatment process. Of course I could just be a whiner??? I seem to have been saying the same thing for a long time. My doctors have been very helpful in regards to this fog. It was my own actions that seemed to slow the recovery. I could not come to a decision to do anything.

My thyroid is back to normal levels and that has helped me get into the swing of things but I still have a long way to go.

Hopefully my energy levels will turn into stamina. I believe that my muscles are strong physically but the fuel tank seems to be empty. Strong engine but no spark to fire the pistons. When I do have fuel I do not seem to get very good mileage either. Hopefully that will get better now that I feel a lot better mentally. IT really does help to know that I am not crazy!!!

sweetblood22

cwcad said:

It does help to see it in print
It would seem that I have all the symptoms of chemo brain. Including being in a fog prior to cancer. OR at least I am sure that my wife would concur. Without regard to my condition prior to cancer the fact remains that it has been the largest hurdle of the entire treatment process. Of course I could just be a whiner??? I seem to have been saying the same thing for a long time. My doctors have been very helpful in regards to this fog. It was my own actions that seemed to slow the recovery. I could not come to a decision to do anything.

My thyroid is back to normal levels and that has helped me get into the swing of things but I still have a long way to go.

Hopefully my energy levels will turn into stamina. I believe that my muscles are strong physically but the fuel tank seems to be empty. Strong engine but no spark to fire the pistons. When I do have fuel I do not seem to get very good mileage either. Hopefully that will get better now that I feel a lot better mentally. IT really does help to know that I am not crazy!!!

Hummm
Then what the heck is my excuse?? Is there a radiation brain? Or at 42 and after treatment I have become senile. I believe in the chemo brain without a doubt. But I can also tell you that my brain ain't been right since rads. Very upsetting. I have to keep a check list for basic things and write everything down. I am not the same. It makes me mad. I have been in charge of two million dollar businessess managed a staff of almost 50. Now I need to write down when to change my patch or I forget. My mind goes blank for words right on the middle of talking. I feel stupid on a daily basis. It's really annoying.

Kent Cass

sweetblood22 said:

Hummm
Then what the heck is my excuse?? Is there a radiation brain? Or at 42 and after treatment I have become senile. I believe in the chemo brain without a doubt. But I can also tell you that my brain ain't been right since rads. Very upsetting. I have to keep a check list for basic things and write everything down. I am not the same. It makes me mad. I have been in charge of two million dollar businessess managed a staff of almost 50. Now I need to write down when to change my patch or I forget. My mind goes blank for words right on the middle of talking. I feel stupid on a daily basis. It's really annoying.

Thank you-
Patty.
Everyday at work is proof, to me, that it is real. I'm well-over a year since my last rad or Cisplatin/FU5 96-hour session, and it ain't getting no better. There's times I just feel like punching-out without saying anything to anybody, and just walk away from all the demands my job carries with it. Only solution I've found, so far, is to close my eyes and bow my head for a few seconds, and that solution only works for as long as my eyes are closed. Does get frustrating to the point of anger. Is good to know the med community realizes C-B is real, and a problem.

kcass

pattyanny

ratface said:

My wife is a little skeptical too
But it is real. I 'll go into a room and just stare at the walls, sometimes I remember why I went there and sometimes I don't.

Wondering around!
Yep ratface - I wonder around the house. I go into a room with a purpose, forget what that purpose was, and pick another job to do! Arghhh! So frustrating! This too shall pass.... we can only hope!

pattyanny

stevenl said:

CRS
And all this time I thought it was CRS I was suffering from.

Steve

CRS
I had CRS BEFORE chemo! Doesn't look promising for me! Lol!

pattyanny

cwcad said:

It does help to see it in print
It would seem that I have all the symptoms of chemo brain. Including being in a fog prior to cancer. OR at least I am sure that my wife would concur. Without regard to my condition prior to cancer the fact remains that it has been the largest hurdle of the entire treatment process. Of course I could just be a whiner??? I seem to have been saying the same thing for a long time. My doctors have been very helpful in regards to this fog. It was my own actions that seemed to slow the recovery. I could not come to a decision to do anything.

My thyroid is back to normal levels and that has helped me get into the swing of things but I still have a long way to go.

Hopefully my energy levels will turn into stamina. I believe that my muscles are strong physically but the fuel tank seems to be empty. Strong engine but no spark to fire the pistons. When I do have fuel I do not seem to get very good mileage either. Hopefully that will get better now that I feel a lot better mentally. IT really does help to know that I am not crazy!!!

Hi cwcad
No - you are not a whiner! And yes - decisions, decisions. Most times I decide not to get out of bed, there you go! End of decisions! Lol! In this situation we HAVE to muster up some energy and just decide to do something, anything. That is a step in the right direction.
So happy to hear your thyroid has finally cooperated, that should help a lot!
I loved your ending about your comparison to a car! Laughed so hard! I feel the same way!
My problem is that I don't put enough fuel in the tank, and stall out about 3pm. I am going back on the Megace, so the tank will remain constantly full! Hoping for energy & stamina, and wishing you the same!

pattyanny

sweetblood22 said:

Hummm
Then what the heck is my excuse?? Is there a radiation brain? Or at 42 and after treatment I have become senile. I believe in the chemo brain without a doubt. But I can also tell you that my brain ain't been right since rads. Very upsetting. I have to keep a check list for basic things and write everything down. I am not the same. It makes me mad. I have been in charge of two million dollar businessess managed a staff of almost 50. Now I need to write down when to change my patch or I forget. My mind goes blank for words right on the middle of talking. I feel stupid on a daily basis. It's really annoying.

Hi Sweet!
I am sure rads has a similiar effect on the brain. I, too feel stupid, forgetting where I was going with a particular thought mid-sentence, Names - fagetaboutit! I too make lists, but constantly lose them! Hee Hee! I am trying to compensate, but I am frustrated too, and don't really like my new self. I don't know who the heck I am anymore!!!
I did file for SSD, and have my phone interview on Thursday. UGHHH! Now THAT should be fun - if I can remember their question!
Oh well, stay strong, and have faith. That's all I can do. I have to believe He has bigger plans for me, otherwise I would still be under the covers with my cat!
Love & Prayers, Patty

pattyanny

Kent Cass said:

Thank you-
Patty.
Everyday at work is proof, to me, that it is real. I'm well-over a year since my last rad or Cisplatin/FU5 96-hour session, and it ain't getting no better. There's times I just feel like punching-out without saying anything to anybody, and just walk away from all the demands my job carries with it. Only solution I've found, so far, is to close my eyes and bow my head for a few seconds, and that solution only works for as long as my eyes are closed. Does get frustrating to the point of anger. Is good to know the med community realizes C-B is real, and a problem.

kcass

Hi Kent
So sorry you are having such a difficult time. Give yourself some credit for still working! You have been through so much "therapy", and to still work is an inspiration to others! Now that Chemo brain is recognized, maybe there is hope for a solution? I myself was thinking of "stealing" my Mom's Alzheimers' meds. Who knows? (Just kidding!-but it's a thought!)
Hope things improve - it must be stressful to deal with work b.s., when every day is a struggle. Keep Calm and Carry On, Kent! Love & Prayers, Patty

pattyanny

Greg53 said:

Ain't that the truth!
Patty,

Glad to see that come out. Even though it isn't a huge issue with me I definitely get it. I've been back to work for a month now and I hate when it hits at work. The Prez of our company came in my office and was asking me questions the other day and it struck. Yikes, did I look silly. Explained it to him later and he understood, but I looked dumber than usual - lol. My wife is awesome and understands everything, but doesn't quite believe this symptom. I'll have to let her read it so she doesn't think I'm just ignoring her when I get the Fog.

Thanks for posting that info.
Greg

Hi Greg
Yikes, very awkward, but don't beat yourself up! I cannot even imagine holding down a job, as I once did. You are pressing forward, and that is a good thing. ( I think I sound like Martha Stewart there! Lol!)
I was the Master of Multi-tasking, now I get a panic attack driving in a city I was born in! And yes, I always make the wrong turn!
My kids, nor husband understand. Oh well, I too will press forward!
Blessings! Patty

debbiejeanne

sweetblood22 said:

Hummm
Then what the heck is my excuse?? Is there a radiation brain? Or at 42 and after treatment I have become senile. I believe in the chemo brain without a doubt. But I can also tell you that my brain ain't been right since rads. Very upsetting. I have to keep a check list for basic things and write everything down. I am not the same. It makes me mad. I have been in charge of two million dollar businessess managed a staff of almost 50. Now I need to write down when to change my patch or I forget. My mind goes blank for words right on the middle of talking. I feel stupid on a daily basis. It's really annoying.

I'm with sweet, I also have
I'm with sweet, I also have the fog brain and didn't have the chemo, only rad. Honestly, I truly believe it is from the rad. My mind was gone a little bit to start but it has gotten severely worse since rad. It does bother me but unfortunately there is nothing i can do.
God Bless you all,
debbie

ratface

pattyanny said:

Hi Greg
Yikes, very awkward, but don't beat yourself up! I cannot even imagine holding down a job, as I once did. You are pressing forward, and that is a good thing. ( I think I sound like Martha Stewart there! Lol!)
I was the Master of Multi-tasking, now I get a panic attack driving in a city I was born in! And yes, I always make the wrong turn!
My kids, nor husband understand. Oh well, I too will press forward!
Blessings! Patty

just yesterday
I went to pick up my daughter from school. I have not been there in months as she took the school bus but this is summer school with no bus. My son graduated from this school. I have been there hundreds of times. I couldn't find the place and was late getting there and became very frustrated and felt like a total imbecile. Something changed in the brain patterns for sure.

pattyanny

ratface said:

just yesterday
I went to pick up my daughter from school. I have not been there in months as she took the school bus but this is summer school with no bus. My son graduated from this school. I have been there hundreds of times. I couldn't find the place and was late getting there and became very frustrated and felt like a total imbecile. Something changed in the brain patterns for sure.

I feel your pain!
Ohhh ratface, I thank you because I am doing the same thing! I was born here, grew up here, and am having anxiety attacks at every turn! You are not alone! I am begining to wonder - I lived at what cost? Quality of life means a lot to me. I KNOW, although they may find my "unknown primary" in thee future - I will think twice! God bless those who went thru this more then once! Sorry to be so down- bad day. My prayers are with you! Patty

debbiejeanne

pattyanny said:

I feel your pain!
Ohhh ratface, I thank you because I am doing the same thing! I was born here, grew up here, and am having anxiety attacks at every turn! You are not alone! I am begining to wonder - I lived at what cost? Quality of life means a lot to me. I KNOW, although they may find my "unknown primary" in thee future - I will think twice! God bless those who went thru this more then once! Sorry to be so down- bad day. My prayers are with you! Patty

pattyanne, I'm sorry you're
pattyanne, I'm sorry you're having a bad day. It is to be expected but I know that doesn't help. I wish I knew a funny joke or somethig I could type to make you smile, but I don't. Just know that many people here care about you and we all hope that tomorrow will be a better day for. Take care and hang in there.
God Bless you friend,
debbie

Pumakitty

pattyanny said:

I feel your pain!
Ohhh ratface, I thank you because I am doing the same thing! I was born here, grew up here, and am having anxiety attacks at every turn! You are not alone! I am begining to wonder - I lived at what cost? Quality of life means a lot to me. I KNOW, although they may find my "unknown primary" in thee future - I will think twice! God bless those who went thru this more then once! Sorry to be so down- bad day. My prayers are with you! Patty

Patty
I hope you have a better day tomorrow. I agree with the chemo brain being real. I also think that caregivers develop some sort of brain issue. Since my dad has been going through this I have done some weird things. I left the butter out of cookies I made. I found it the next day in the microwave. I forgot to get my car inspected and got a ticket. But, the best is this weekend. I was using the push mower to mow my yard, ran into the mailbox and knocked it off the stand. I was a little embrassing to ask my neighbor to put it back. My dad got a good laugh out of it and it made him more determine to get back to his normal self before I really cause problems. I think the chemo brain has wore off on me or maybe I am just clueless at times.

Hope you feel better.

Katt

debbiejeanne

Pumakitty said:

Patty
I hope you have a better day tomorrow. I agree with the chemo brain being real. I also think that caregivers develop some sort of brain issue. Since my dad has been going through this I have done some weird things. I left the butter out of cookies I made. I found it the next day in the microwave. I forgot to get my car inspected and got a ticket. But, the best is this weekend. I was using the push mower to mow my yard, ran into the mailbox and knocked it off the stand. I was a little embrassing to ask my neighbor to put it back. My dad got a good laugh out of it and it made him more determine to get back to his normal self before I really cause problems. I think the chemo brain has wore off on me or maybe I am just clueless at times.

Hope you feel better.

Katt

puma, i think you're right.
puma, i think you're right. sorry to hear you got a ticket, that really sucks. But it is good that your dad got a laugh out of it....lol
Have a great day!
debbie

sweetblood22

debbiejeanne said:

puma, i think you're right.
puma, i think you're right. sorry to hear you got a ticket, that really sucks. But it is good that your dad got a laugh out of it....lol
Have a great day!
debbie

I wonder if the lack of
I wonder if the lack of brain function is extreme stress??

pattyanny

sweetblood22 said:

I wonder if the lack of
I wonder if the lack of brain function is extreme stress??

Hi Sweet
It is very possible stress could be the cause - now that you mention it! My sister said the same thing to me! She is going thru a lot, and is having trouble focusing, and getting things done too. It seems we have sooo much on our minds, it is hard to focus on the task at hand. Forget multi-tasking!
Right now, I have lost my prized "weight gain" the Nursing Home is threatening to discharge my Mom (insurance red tape), and my Mom In Law broke her hip and is in the same Home as my Mom, just to mention a few items! Yikes - stress?!!!! I am thinking of reserving a bed myself! Lol! Yep, I agree sweet! Good thinkin'!