Can We Talk Chemo Brain?

Rocquie
Rocquie Member Posts: 869 Member
in Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin) #1

Yesterday, I had a Rituxan maintenance infusion and talked to my Doctor, AGAIN, about my brain. He asked me some questions about last night, yesterday, last week, etc. After I answered the questions, he pointed out that I could remember these things. That was when I realized he was "testing" my memory. I told him I wasn't that worried about remembering yesterday, yesterday is over and I have moved on. I am frustrated about remembering what I am doing NOW.

Several times a day, I ask myself, aloud, "What am I doing?" or tell myself, "Focus. Focus".  I start to write a word I have know how to spell forever and suddenly don't know how. I walk to another room and wonder why.  I will be mid sentence and forget the word I am about to say. Multi-tasking? Forget it. It is very tiring and draining. And it causes me considerable anxiety.

A search at this site yields me nothing really but joking about the subject. And I have joked about it myself. Chemonesia!

I would really like to hear how others cope with chemo brain and also some validation that this is real. It is hard to talk to my doctor about my brain when my brain doesn't work right!

Anyone?

Thanks,

Rocquie

 

 

 

«1

Comments

  • jimwins
    jimwins Member Posts: 2,107
    #2
    Hi Rocquie

    Hi "Clarise" erh uhh "Rocquie" ;).  I just re-read your profile and looks like you finished chemo on or before Feb. 2013?  I think many here can relate to "chemo brain".  My experience was forgetting words or having a hard time pulling them up in the mental rolodex.  Often my mind would come up with words that would start with the same letter but it wasn't the word I wanted.  I still experience this but not as bad/often.  Most of it for me has been in verbal abilities and memory though I can't do math in my head as well as I used to.  I also have noticed recently I can watch a movie and forget chunks of it within 2 weeks.  Things just don't seem to stay fresh in my mind as they used to.

    Chemo brain definitely exists and from what I recall (trusting my memory here), it's often temporary.  I think I've seen improvement on some things.  I suspect there may be some psychological aspects to a small part because going through what we have is pretty traumatic.  We are hit with sudden lifestyle changes (out of our normal routines) and this kind of throws things out of whack because our "structure" changes.  Anxiety and fear can cause some of these things I think.  I'll do some research online and see what I can find.

    I think it will get better.  You are definitely not alone in this.  Stay warm - this "Polar Vortex" is frostbiting my a$$ ;).

    Jim

     

  • tall floridian
    tall floridian Member Posts: 95
    #3
    Chemo brain

    Rocquie: I can relate to your post well-I wonder if turning 72 years old or having 8 rounds of chemo have affected my thought process. One disturbing fact is that I get what I call "DRIFT" finding my thoughts kind of drifting away from me, especially when driving- I have to keep telling myself to focus,keep looking at objects like signs,trees, houses,to remain alert. I went a year and a half without driving and still don't take any long distance trips by auto. I let my wife drive those distant trips and do find myself drifting as we ride. I wonder if anyone else has experienced this situation? I know that chemo has many side effects and wonder if this is one of them. My memory seems good but I do find myself searching for words when describing something I have just seen on TV or read in the newspaper. All in all-just being in remission from 4th stage lymphoma is reason enough to thank God for His healing and the ability to see my granddaughter grow up before my eyes. It's been almost two years in remission now-only have quarterly oncologist blood tests to keep a check on my progress.

  • Max Former Hodgkins Stage 3
    Max Former Hodgkins Stage 3 Member Posts: 3,819 Member
    #4
    Fog

    Rocquie,

    All of the scholarly articles seem to agree that chemo brain or chemo fog are plenty real.  I feel I had (have) a pretty severe case, but I have always been so forgetful and absent-minded that it is hard (impossible) to tell what parts were brought on by chemo and what parts by other factors ( I forgot my name on the first day of class in fifth grade, for instance, such that I could not write it on the board).  General sickness, messed-up blood chemistry, and other non-chemo drugs used during treatment must undoubtedly all play a part in cognative imparement.

    The brain is so complex that most doctors avoid psychological issues, even on problems like depression. If they do anything, they will write a perscription for the default drug, and that will be the end of their attention.

    There are a lot of articles on chemo brain available at the professional sites, like WebMD, Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic, etc. They are usually intelligible to non-medical-professionals.  What I have read consistently indicates that chemo fog has these general characteristics:

    1. It is a real condition; 2. It is difficult to diagnose or assess; 3 It is mostly untreatable (some theorize that this or that vitiman, etc will help); 4. Most oncologists spend little or no time addressing it in their patients; 5. It usually diminishes or gets better over time, which can vary from months to years.

    Chemo fog clinically is therefore very similiar to neuropathy, which I had a severe case of, and learned a lot about in a later clinical trial: Some get it, and some don't; there are few treatments, and some work sometimes, and at other times don't; it usually passes over time, but sometimes does not.

    It is a lot like the luck of the draw, or throwing darts at a board.

    max

  • struggling
    struggling Member Posts: 1
    #5
    Has anyone struggled working due to chemo brain?

    Rocquie, you are not alone!

    I had chemo/radiation in 2012 for Stage IV NHL. When I went back to work after completing chemo but getting radiation, I noticed right away trouble with word finding, memory, and sometimes I would say things, that in my mind, I knew what I wanted to say, but it just didn't come out right. I initially felt like I was crazy until a friend of mine told me about chemo brain and could see I was having problems. I finished treatment in Aug 2012 and so far everything points to full remission so I feel truly blessed, but these cognitive issues have not gotten any better and are affecting me at work. My job has changed and much more stressful now. I was recently written up for missing some things and afraid this will happen again. I feel embarrassed and humiliated. My manager is supportive and encouraged me to request an accommodation from HR due to these ongoing cognitive issues, which will protect my job for now. I have done this and have an appt with my oncologist next week. I don't even know where to start with what would help me at work. Has anyone else had problems with there job. 

    Any suggestions? 

    STRUGGLING 

  • jimwins
    jimwins Member Posts: 2,107
    #6
    jimwins said:

    Hi Rocquie

    Hi "Clarise" erh uhh "Rocquie" ;).  I just re-read your profile and looks like you finished chemo on or before Feb. 2013?  I think many here can relate to "chemo brain".  My experience was forgetting words or having a hard time pulling them up in the mental rolodex.  Often my mind would come up with words that would start with the same letter but it wasn't the word I wanted.  I still experience this but not as bad/often.  Most of it for me has been in verbal abilities and memory though I can't do math in my head as well as I used to.  I also have noticed recently I can watch a movie and forget chunks of it within 2 weeks.  Things just don't seem to stay fresh in my mind as they used to.

    Chemo brain definitely exists and from what I recall (trusting my memory here), it's often temporary.  I think I've seen improvement on some things.  I suspect there may be some psychological aspects to a small part because going through what we have is pretty traumatic.  We are hit with sudden lifestyle changes (out of our normal routines) and this kind of throws things out of whack because our "structure" changes.  Anxiety and fear can cause some of these things I think.  I'll do some research online and see what I can find.

    I think it will get better.  You are definitely not alone in this.  Stay warm - this "Polar Vortex" is frostbiting my a$$ ;).

    Jim

     

    Some info

    I found this at mayc clinic though it is fairly generic:

    http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chemo-brain/basics/definition/CON-20033864

    Generally, not enough is known a about chemo brain and it states more study needs to be done.  There's lots of stuff out there and like many things on the web, you need to take it with a grain of salt.  One suggestion is to work with puzzles and other games to help the brain.  Coping mechanisms are also suggested.

     

  • anliperez915
    anliperez915 Member Posts: 770
    #7
    struggling said:

    Has anyone struggled working due to chemo brain?

    Rocquie, you are not alone!

    I had chemo/radiation in 2012 for Stage IV NHL. When I went back to work after completing chemo but getting radiation, I noticed right away trouble with word finding, memory, and sometimes I would say things, that in my mind, I knew what I wanted to say, but it just didn't come out right. I initially felt like I was crazy until a friend of mine told me about chemo brain and could see I was having problems. I finished treatment in Aug 2012 and so far everything points to full remission so I feel truly blessed, but these cognitive issues have not gotten any better and are affecting me at work. My job has changed and much more stressful now. I was recently written up for missing some things and afraid this will happen again. I feel embarrassed and humiliated. My manager is supportive and encouraged me to request an accommodation from HR due to these ongoing cognitive issues, which will protect my job for now. I have done this and have an appt with my oncologist next week. I don't even know where to start with what would help me at work. Has anyone else had problems with there job. 

    Any suggestions? 

    STRUGGLING 

    Hi Roquie

    Hi Rocquie,

    Talk about remembering things, just a couple of months ago don't know where because I can't remember, a person asked me my name and I sware to you that I couldn't remember what my name was!!! I was very embarrassed and got all red, that person must of thought I was a real nut case :D 

    I haven't even told my Onc about it because he usually will just not give a lot of attention to things like this...

    take care of yourself and just keep reminding yourself to focus, what I do for myself is to put alarms and write things down that way I won't forget as much..hopefully this will help you some! (((Hugs)))

    Sincerely,

    Liz

  • Rocquie
    Rocquie Member Posts: 869 Member
    #8
    jimwins said:

    Hi Rocquie

    Hi "Clarise" erh uhh "Rocquie" ;).  I just re-read your profile and looks like you finished chemo on or before Feb. 2013?  I think many here can relate to "chemo brain".  My experience was forgetting words or having a hard time pulling them up in the mental rolodex.  Often my mind would come up with words that would start with the same letter but it wasn't the word I wanted.  I still experience this but not as bad/often.  Most of it for me has been in verbal abilities and memory though I can't do math in my head as well as I used to.  I also have noticed recently I can watch a movie and forget chunks of it within 2 weeks.  Things just don't seem to stay fresh in my mind as they used to.

    Chemo brain definitely exists and from what I recall (trusting my memory here), it's often temporary.  I think I've seen improvement on some things.  I suspect there may be some psychological aspects to a small part because going through what we have is pretty traumatic.  We are hit with sudden lifestyle changes (out of our normal routines) and this kind of throws things out of whack because our "structure" changes.  Anxiety and fear can cause some of these things I think.  I'll do some research online and see what I can find.

    I think it will get better.  You are definitely not alone in this.  Stay warm - this "Polar Vortex" is frostbiting my a$$ ;).

    Jim

     

    Jim

    Yes, I was pronounced in remission in Feb, 2013, but I had chemo 2 more times after that. I can't remember why?! But I have been finished with chemo for about 9 months. . .unless you count the rituxan I am still on.

    Yes, I know the disease itself and the treatment of it play a part, along with things like low blood counts (which I had a terrible time with), infection and fever, which I was hospitalized 3 times for. And yes, the mental and emotional trauma. It is really a wonder I do as well as I do.

    Thank you for caring. And yes, this freeze is really something! Many thousands of people in our area are without electricity and I am very thankful for ours. That new electric blanket we got for Christmas felt so good last night! 

     

  • Rocquie
    Rocquie Member Posts: 869 Member
    #9
    tall floridian said:

    Chemo brain

    Rocquie: I can relate to your post well-I wonder if turning 72 years old or having 8 rounds of chemo have affected my thought process. One disturbing fact is that I get what I call "DRIFT" finding my thoughts kind of drifting away from me, especially when driving- I have to keep telling myself to focus,keep looking at objects like signs,trees, houses,to remain alert. I went a year and a half without driving and still don't take any long distance trips by auto. I let my wife drive those distant trips and do find myself drifting as we ride. I wonder if anyone else has experienced this situation? I know that chemo has many side effects and wonder if this is one of them. My memory seems good but I do find myself searching for words when describing something I have just seen on TV or read in the newspaper. All in all-just being in remission from 4th stage lymphoma is reason enough to thank God for His healing and the ability to see my granddaughter grow up before my eyes. It's been almost two years in remission now-only have quarterly oncologist blood tests to keep a check on my progress.

    Steve

    Um, I think I got your name right? Drift is a good word. I usually say stunned or spaced out. Like you, I don't have memory problems, just poor concentration and trouble staying focused. Please don't talk to me while I am doing something or I suddenly get lost. Yes, I am very thankful for my gift of remission. I too, have a beautiful granddaughter to grow up with. Thanks for your reply.

  • Rocquie
    Rocquie Member Posts: 869 Member
    #10
    Max Former Hodgkins Stage 3 said:

    Fog

    Rocquie,

    All of the scholarly articles seem to agree that chemo brain or chemo fog are plenty real.  I feel I had (have) a pretty severe case, but I have always been so forgetful and absent-minded that it is hard (impossible) to tell what parts were brought on by chemo and what parts by other factors ( I forgot my name on the first day of class in fifth grade, for instance, such that I could not write it on the board).  General sickness, messed-up blood chemistry, and other non-chemo drugs used during treatment must undoubtedly all play a part in cognative imparement.

    The brain is so complex that most doctors avoid psychological issues, even on problems like depression. If they do anything, they will write a perscription for the default drug, and that will be the end of their attention.

    There are a lot of articles on chemo brain available at the professional sites, like WebMD, Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic, etc. They are usually intelligible to non-medical-professionals.  What I have read consistently indicates that chemo fog has these general characteristics:

    1. It is a real condition; 2. It is difficult to diagnose or assess; 3 It is mostly untreatable (some theorize that this or that vitiman, etc will help); 4. Most oncologists spend little or no time addressing it in their patients; 5. It usually diminishes or gets better over time, which can vary from months to years.

    Chemo fog clinically is therefore very similiar to neuropathy, which I had a severe case of, and learned a lot about in a later clinical trial: Some get it, and some don't; there are few treatments, and some work sometimes, and at other times don't; it usually passes over time, but sometimes does not.

    It is a lot like the luck of the draw, or throwing darts at a board.

    max

    Max

    It is hard for me to imagine you as always being forgetful and absent-minded, you always seem so "together" in your replies. I know what you mean about doctors avoiding addressing brain issues. Yesterday, mine referred me to a neurologist. Frankly, I don't think it will help anything but I will go. I also had a severe case of peripheral neuropathy which has resolved, so I hope this brain of mine gets straighened out also.

    Thank you for your reply.

  • Rocquie
    Rocquie Member Posts: 869 Member
    #11
    struggling said:

    Has anyone struggled working due to chemo brain?

    Rocquie, you are not alone!

    I had chemo/radiation in 2012 for Stage IV NHL. When I went back to work after completing chemo but getting radiation, I noticed right away trouble with word finding, memory, and sometimes I would say things, that in my mind, I knew what I wanted to say, but it just didn't come out right. I initially felt like I was crazy until a friend of mine told me about chemo brain and could see I was having problems. I finished treatment in Aug 2012 and so far everything points to full remission so I feel truly blessed, but these cognitive issues have not gotten any better and are affecting me at work. My job has changed and much more stressful now. I was recently written up for missing some things and afraid this will happen again. I feel embarrassed and humiliated. My manager is supportive and encouraged me to request an accommodation from HR due to these ongoing cognitive issues, which will protect my job for now. I have done this and have an appt with my oncologist next week. I don't even know where to start with what would help me at work. Has anyone else had problems with there job. 

    Any suggestions? 

    STRUGGLING 

    Struggling

    I am so sorry to hear about your trouble at work. I know there is no way that I could do my former job right now. I sure hope you can find the help you need through your HR department. Good luck to you.

     

  • Rocquie
    Rocquie Member Posts: 869 Member
    #12
    anliperez915 said:

    Hi Roquie

    Hi Rocquie,

    Talk about remembering things, just a couple of months ago don't know where because I can't remember, a person asked me my name and I sware to you that I couldn't remember what my name was!!! I was very embarrassed and got all red, that person must of thought I was a real nut case :D 

    I haven't even told my Onc about it because he usually will just not give a lot of attention to things like this...

    take care of yourself and just keep reminding yourself to focus, what I do for myself is to put alarms and write things down that way I won't forget as much..hopefully this will help you some! (((Hugs)))

    Sincerely,

    Liz

    Liz

    Thank goodness I haven't forgotten my name yet. I don't think. Smile Thankfully, I am in the habit of keeping a detailed day planner from my working days. Also, I start each morning with some time making a list for the day. I write everything down. And those things do help. But when I start actually doing the things on the list, I have to concentrate harder than I did before. Hugs back to you! 

  • allmost60
    allmost60 Member Posts: 3,178 Member
    #13
    Who?What?Where?

    Hi Rocquie,

      Last year we had a gas leak so I had to call the gas company to send someone out.When the lady asked my address, I completely drew a blank. I asked her to hold on a minute and then ran to the front door to look at the address on the house. Also forget all kinds of stuff around the house..what am I looking for, why did I come in this room, etc, etc. I finished my first line chemo in 2010, and finished my 2 years Rituxan last February. The little forgetful things don't bother me, but forgetting my address really threw me for a loop. I also forget huge chunks of movies as Jim does, but I find that beneficial because I can watch them over and over. Laughing Well maybe not over and over!  Seriously though,chemo brain is something real and can be very disturbing. My doctor keeps saying it will all get better, just takes time, he just won't say how much time! Let us know what you find out after seeing the Neurologist. Hang in there and keep writing stuff down...I do it for everything. Much love...Sue

    (FNHL-stg3-grd2-typA-Dx 6/10-age 63)

  • jimwins
    jimwins Member Posts: 2,107
    #14
    allmost60 said:

    Who?What?Where?

    Hi Rocquie,

      Last year we had a gas leak so I had to call the gas company to send someone out.When the lady asked my address, I completely drew a blank. I asked her to hold on a minute and then ran to the front door to look at the address on the house. Also forget all kinds of stuff around the house..what am I looking for, why did I come in this room, etc, etc. I finished my first line chemo in 2010, and finished my 2 years Rituxan last February. The little forgetful things don't bother me, but forgetting my address really threw me for a loop. I also forget huge chunks of movies as Jim does, but I find that beneficial because I can watch them over and over. Laughing Well maybe not over and over!  Seriously though,chemo brain is something real and can be very disturbing. My doctor keeps saying it will all get better, just takes time, he just won't say how much time! Let us know what you find out after seeing the Neurologist. Hang in there and keep writing stuff down...I do it for everything. Much love...Sue

    (FNHL-stg3-grd2-typA-Dx 6/10-age 63)

    MISCODING

    Hi Sue!  Good to see you, Liz and others post again!  I wanted to add one thing to list of Chemo Brain related issues.  I mentioned verbal skills being impacted.

    I sometimes easily "miscode" words when I read.  Now some of it may be from not wearing reading glasses, but sometimes I'll misinterpret words when I'm reading.  I think everyone does that on rare occasion but this is more than that.  I can't remember a good example right now but it seems the words may be spelled similarly or if you rearrange the letters slightly (maybe leaving out a letter or two) my brain interprets them as the wrong word.  Has anyone else had this type of experience?  I'm just curious.

  • Rocquie
    Rocquie Member Posts: 869 Member
    #15
    allmost60 said:

    Who?What?Where?

    Hi Rocquie,

      Last year we had a gas leak so I had to call the gas company to send someone out.When the lady asked my address, I completely drew a blank. I asked her to hold on a minute and then ran to the front door to look at the address on the house. Also forget all kinds of stuff around the house..what am I looking for, why did I come in this room, etc, etc. I finished my first line chemo in 2010, and finished my 2 years Rituxan last February. The little forgetful things don't bother me, but forgetting my address really threw me for a loop. I also forget huge chunks of movies as Jim does, but I find that beneficial because I can watch them over and over. Laughing Well maybe not over and over!  Seriously though,chemo brain is something real and can be very disturbing. My doctor keeps saying it will all get better, just takes time, he just won't say how much time! Let us know what you find out after seeing the Neurologist. Hang in there and keep writing stuff down...I do it for everything. Much love...Sue

    (FNHL-stg3-grd2-typA-Dx 6/10-age 63)

    Sue

    Well, I have forgotten my zip code but not the house number. . .yet. When I am home alone all those little things don't bother me as much either, not to mention no one is around to distract me. When my Mother visited for 2 weeks at Thanksgiving, I thought I was going to have a nervous breakdown. She doesn't seem to believe me when I tell her I have to really concentrate to complete certain tasks--like cooking her dinner. She will not stop talking to me. I would be trying to read a recipe and she would be talking and in my way in the kitchen. If she was my granddaughter, I'd tell her to go play in the other room or put on a movie for her. But no, she wants to "help". Arrgh.

    I really am so grateful for so many things in my life but this condition makes it hard for me to be with others. (Thank goodness my husband understands and respects my needs and limitations).

    Thank you for your reply. I will give a report after seeing the neurologist.

    Much love to you too. . .

  • Rocquie
    Rocquie Member Posts: 869 Member
    #16
    jimwins said:

    MISCODING

    Hi Sue!  Good to see you, Liz and others post again!  I wanted to add one thing to list of Chemo Brain related issues.  I mentioned verbal skills being impacted.

    I sometimes easily "miscode" words when I read.  Now some of it may be from not wearing reading glasses, but sometimes I'll misinterpret words when I'm reading.  I think everyone does that on rare occasion but this is more than that.  I can't remember a good example right now but it seems the words may be spelled similarly or if you rearrange the letters slightly (maybe leaving out a letter or two) my brain interprets them as the wrong word.  Has anyone else had this type of experience?  I'm just curious.

    Jim

    Yes, I do that too. I recently told my husband that I was somewhat dyslexic. (Had a heck of a time spelling that word and had to look it up). I also transpose numbers which is one of the reasons I know I couldn't do my former job--as an accountant.

  • tall floridian
    tall floridian Member Posts: 95
    #17
    Rocquie said:

    Sue

    Well, I have forgotten my zip code but not the house number. . .yet. When I am home alone all those little things don't bother me as much either, not to mention no one is around to distract me. When my Mother visited for 2 weeks at Thanksgiving, I thought I was going to have a nervous breakdown. She doesn't seem to believe me when I tell her I have to really concentrate to complete certain tasks--like cooking her dinner. She will not stop talking to me. I would be trying to read a recipe and she would be talking and in my way in the kitchen. If she was my granddaughter, I'd tell her to go play in the other room or put on a movie for her. But no, she wants to "help". Arrgh.

    I really am so grateful for so many things in my life but this condition makes it hard for me to be with others. (Thank goodness my husband understands and respects my needs and limitations).

    Thank you for your reply. I will give a report after seeing the neurologist.

    Much love to you too. . .

    Still able to cook

    Rocquie: Thanksgiving and Christmas is my time to shine-I get to cook my favorite holiday meals much slower than before but not bad for a "chemo headed" 72 year old guy. I do have to concentrate much more than before I was on chemo but thank God the food came out cooked and everyone enjoyed it. I still walk into a room and wonder why I'm there then it pops in my head why I went in there in the first place. (ha ha) I think we all are different in the chemo brain area-some with more difficulties than others. I find that I concentrate more when I do visual exercizes on the computer like going into chat rooms and playing music and chating with friends there. It's very stimulating and fun and at the same time helps my concentration alot. I have to watch that the music doesn't put me adrift too lol. I also have a sweepstakes hobby that keeps me very busy both online and snail mail. These kind of activities I believe stimulate the brain and are good for people like us. Plus when my 3 year old granddaughter comes to my house I get total exercize-especially the "read grandpa" part (ha ha) We learn to live with our shortcomings and adjust to eveyday living- I'm glad that I'm retired-I don't think I would survive a job at this point (hee hee) My wife has lived with my condition 24/7 since 2010 so understands my shortcomings and has learned to laugh about them. When I find myself in a room wondering why I'm there and my wife walks in we both smile and say "chemo head" and have a great big laugh.

  • Rocquie
    Rocquie Member Posts: 869 Member
    #18
    tall floridian said:

    Still able to cook

    Rocquie: Thanksgiving and Christmas is my time to shine-I get to cook my favorite holiday meals much slower than before but not bad for a "chemo headed" 72 year old guy. I do have to concentrate much more than before I was on chemo but thank God the food came out cooked and everyone enjoyed it. I still walk into a room and wonder why I'm there then it pops in my head why I went in there in the first place. (ha ha) I think we all are different in the chemo brain area-some with more difficulties than others. I find that I concentrate more when I do visual exercizes on the computer like going into chat rooms and playing music and chating with friends there. It's very stimulating and fun and at the same time helps my concentration alot. I have to watch that the music doesn't put me adrift too lol. I also have a sweepstakes hobby that keeps me very busy both online and snail mail. These kind of activities I believe stimulate the brain and are good for people like us. Plus when my 3 year old granddaughter comes to my house I get total exercize-especially the "read grandpa" part (ha ha) We learn to live with our shortcomings and adjust to eveyday living- I'm glad that I'm retired-I don't think I would survive a job at this point (hee hee) My wife has lived with my condition 24/7 since 2010 so understands my shortcomings and has learned to laugh about them. When I find myself in a room wondering why I'm there and my wife walks in we both smile and say "chemo head" and have a great big laugh.

    Cooking

    I love cooking too. And I have a food blog which is now in its 6th year and has over 450 recipes which I made and photographed. My husband gave me a new camera, a professional one, for Christmas. Very exciting! I have signed up for a 6 weeks photography class at our local Community College. Back in the fall, I took a 6 week cake decorating class and that was fun. I do try to keep my mind and soul busy and stimulated. And we keep our 4-year-old granddaughter every other weekend.

  • allmost60
    allmost60 Member Posts: 3,178 Member
    #19
    jimwins said:

    MISCODING

    Hi Sue!  Good to see you, Liz and others post again!  I wanted to add one thing to list of Chemo Brain related issues.  I mentioned verbal skills being impacted.

    I sometimes easily "miscode" words when I read.  Now some of it may be from not wearing reading glasses, but sometimes I'll misinterpret words when I'm reading.  I think everyone does that on rare occasion but this is more than that.  I can't remember a good example right now but it seems the words may be spelled similarly or if you rearrange the letters slightly (maybe leaving out a letter or two) my brain interprets them as the wrong word.  Has anyone else had this type of experience?  I'm just curious.

    Hi Jim,

      No, I don't see the words differently than written, but I do find if I put my book down and don't go back to reading it right away, I have to re-read a few pages I've alreay read to remember whats going on. If I don't pick the book up for more than a few days, then I have to re-read a whole chapter. Very strange. Last week I got half way through my book when it dawned on me that I had already read the book. Now thats annoying. Guess we just need to be patient and remember these things may take more time. Hope you had a good Christmas. Love...Sue 

  • COBRA666
    COBRA666 Member Posts: 2,401 Member
    #20
    allmost60 said:

    Who?What?Where?

    Hi Rocquie,

      Last year we had a gas leak so I had to call the gas company to send someone out.When the lady asked my address, I completely drew a blank. I asked her to hold on a minute and then ran to the front door to look at the address on the house. Also forget all kinds of stuff around the house..what am I looking for, why did I come in this room, etc, etc. I finished my first line chemo in 2010, and finished my 2 years Rituxan last February. The little forgetful things don't bother me, but forgetting my address really threw me for a loop. I also forget huge chunks of movies as Jim does, but I find that beneficial because I can watch them over and over. Laughing Well maybe not over and over!  Seriously though,chemo brain is something real and can be very disturbing. My doctor keeps saying it will all get better, just takes time, he just won't say how much time! Let us know what you find out after seeing the Neurologist. Hang in there and keep writing stuff down...I do it for everything. Much love...Sue

    (FNHL-stg3-grd2-typA-Dx 6/10-age 63)

    KEMO BRANE

    I WAS GOIN TO YTPE SOMETHING HERE, BUTT I GOT UPP TO GOE TO THE CITCHEN AND FORGETTED WHAT I WAS GOIN TO RIGHT. SURE GLAD THAT WHAT CHA MA CALL IT STUFF, OH YEA, KEMO BRANE NEVER AFFECTED ME NONE. I STILL SPELL GOODER AND NEVER TRANSPORT WORSD, NUMBRES OR NOTHING. I AMM STILL 010%.... I MEAN 100%. IT MITE AFFECT ME ONE DAY, BUTT I AMM STILL AT THE TOP OF MY GAIM NOW. EVER ONCE IN A WHILE I GO TO THE BAHTROOM AND FORGETTED WHY I WENT IN THEIR TO DO. HANG IN THEIR PEOPLES YOU WILL BE AS GOODER AS ME ONE DYA.  JHON

  • Rocquie
    Rocquie Member Posts: 869 Member
    #21
    COBRA666 said:

    KEMO BRANE

    I WAS GOIN TO YTPE SOMETHING HERE, BUTT I GOT UPP TO GOE TO THE CITCHEN AND FORGETTED WHAT I WAS GOIN TO RIGHT. SURE GLAD THAT WHAT CHA MA CALL IT STUFF, OH YEA, KEMO BRANE NEVER AFFECTED ME NONE. I STILL SPELL GOODER AND NEVER TRANSPORT WORSD, NUMBRES OR NOTHING. I AMM STILL 010%.... I MEAN 100%. IT MITE AFFECT ME ONE DAY, BUTT I AMM STILL AT THE TOP OF MY GAIM NOW. EVER ONCE IN A WHILE I GO TO THE BAHTROOM AND FORGETTED WHY I WENT IN THEIR TO DO. HANG IN THEIR PEOPLES YOU WILL BE AS GOODER AS ME ONE DYA.  JHON

    Hay Jhon

    Smile  I'm so glad to hear you haven't been affected by chemo brain Smile

    Thanks for posting. . .you made my day!

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