In need of advice support and encouragement.

I have had 3 rounds of chemo and now undergoing external radiation. I needed a total of 6 weeks that finishes up on JUn3 4 then two internal and then 3 more rounds of chemo. Recently, I find myself forgettul, misplacing things and forgetting wimple tasks...like typing, ho2w to dhqnge my sheets and seem to have a yeast infection. Doesn't take much to frustrate me and make me cry. I cannot seem to concentrate and feel as if I am losing my mind. I am afraid to drive. Ladies, I feel like I am on on the edge ande redy to go over.I did not experience this during or right after chemo. Somebody please tell me how to deal with this.
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Comments

  • debrajo
    debrajo Member Posts: 1,095 Member
    I know how you feel..we
    I know how you feel..we probably all do. Chemo-brain is very real. I seemed to be dazed almost like having been in a car wreck. I had six rounds of taxol/carboplatin and five rounds of internal radiation. I put the cordless phone in the freezer, washed clothes and had them sour because I'd forget to put them in the dryer,days of the week meant nothing to me,could not drive due to vertigo that would just crop up, the list goes on and on. I totally "lost" my son's sophomore year in high school! The fog will lift in time, but you need lots of rest, very light exercise, and tons of liquids. Don't take on any more that you absolutely have to and TELL someone to help you! I didn't and that was a BIG mistake! Make sure to let your dr. know, there are things to help,but you have to ASK. Hope you feel better soon, things pile up including treatments, appointments,advice,decisions. Its a lot for the brain and the person to process. Don't try so hard, it will get better all by it's self! Best, Debrajo P.S. Don't forget to breath!!
  • Fayard
    Fayard Member Posts: 438 Member
    Hello
    I am sorry you are felling this way.
    There is such thing as "chemo brain." Apparently, people who are going or have gone under chemo experience some forgetfulness, during or after treatment.

    I finished chemo last July, I am still having trouble remembering very basic stuff.
    Be patient and try to focus on staying positive. I know it is hard, because I have been there as well, but you have to do your best.

    It is absolutely good that your are asking for support, because that is why we are here for.
    Some of us do react differently to some of the different treatments we all have had and some are still having, but the bottom line is that we are all here to support each other.

    It will pass, just hang in there.

    Take care and keep us posted!
  • pakb56
    pakb56 Member Posts: 141
    debrajo said:

    I know how you feel..we
    I know how you feel..we probably all do. Chemo-brain is very real. I seemed to be dazed almost like having been in a car wreck. I had six rounds of taxol/carboplatin and five rounds of internal radiation. I put the cordless phone in the freezer, washed clothes and had them sour because I'd forget to put them in the dryer,days of the week meant nothing to me,could not drive due to vertigo that would just crop up, the list goes on and on. I totally "lost" my son's sophomore year in high school! The fog will lift in time, but you need lots of rest, very light exercise, and tons of liquids. Don't take on any more that you absolutely have to and TELL someone to help you! I didn't and that was a BIG mistake! Make sure to let your dr. know, there are things to help,but you have to ASK. Hope you feel better soon, things pile up including treatments, appointments,advice,decisions. Its a lot for the brain and the person to process. Don't try so hard, it will get better all by it's self! Best, Debrajo P.S. Don't forget to breath!!

    Thsnks Fayard and Debrajo.
    Thsnks Fayard and Debrajo. It is awful. How can I forget how to type when I have been doing it for 40 years. I get so annoyed when the letters are not correct. Changing sheets yeterday was a chsllenge. I do so appreciate you all. I feel like such a loser at times. I feel overwhelmed.
  • light42day
    light42day Member Posts: 62 Member
    Fayard said:

    Hello
    I am sorry you are felling this way.
    There is such thing as "chemo brain." Apparently, people who are going or have gone under chemo experience some forgetfulness, during or after treatment.

    I finished chemo last July, I am still having trouble remembering very basic stuff.
    Be patient and try to focus on staying positive. I know it is hard, because I have been there as well, but you have to do your best.

    It is absolutely good that your are asking for support, because that is why we are here for.
    Some of us do react differently to some of the different treatments we all have had and some are still having, but the bottom line is that we are all here to support each other.

    It will pass, just hang in there.

    Take care and keep us posted!

    Chemo brain
    I just finished 3 rounds of Chemo and I can totally relate to how you feel. I'd forget little (and not so little!) things all the time! I have a Daytimer and I write down everything or I'll forget things I need to do. I draw a blank if someone asks me if I can do something on such and such a date unless I look at my calender first.

    You're not a loser, though! You're going through a very difficult course of treatment and you'll make it through! Chemo and radiation are a lot for anyone to deal with.

    Will keep you in my prayers and wish you the best!
    Peg
  • daisy366
    daisy366 Member Posts: 1,458 Member

    Chemo brain
    I just finished 3 rounds of Chemo and I can totally relate to how you feel. I'd forget little (and not so little!) things all the time! I have a Daytimer and I write down everything or I'll forget things I need to do. I draw a blank if someone asks me if I can do something on such and such a date unless I look at my calender first.

    You're not a loser, though! You're going through a very difficult course of treatment and you'll make it through! Chemo and radiation are a lot for anyone to deal with.

    Will keep you in my prayers and wish you the best!
    Peg

    Totally agree
    Chemo brain is REAL.

    Comes in handy sometimes, too. It is always my excuse when I can't remember or get confused - unlike my husband who can't use that one!!! LOL

    It will get better with time. Good advice about writing things down. Our little brains need all the help they can get.

    hugs, Mary Ann
  • jazzy1
    jazzy1 Member Posts: 1,379
    daisy366 said:

    Totally agree
    Chemo brain is REAL.

    Comes in handy sometimes, too. It is always my excuse when I can't remember or get confused - unlike my husband who can't use that one!!! LOL

    It will get better with time. Good advice about writing things down. Our little brains need all the help they can get.

    hugs, Mary Ann

    Chemo Brain
    I completed treatments in July '09 and have this on/off. Never heard of it until I did some research and spoke to my docs. With me after some 3 years it seems to get better for a while then start up again. I've chalked it up to another side-affects from all the treatments.

    I've learned to rely on post-it's....all over my home and car...crazy hum? As Mary Ann mentioned, use it as an excuse when forget things...works like a dream. At least I can't say I'm getting older...lol

    Don't be hard on yourself, get out your note pad and write down things...."your new memory"!!

    Best always,
    Jan
  • pakb56
    pakb56 Member Posts: 141
    daisy366 said:

    Totally agree
    Chemo brain is REAL.

    Comes in handy sometimes, too. It is always my excuse when I can't remember or get confused - unlike my husband who can't use that one!!! LOL

    It will get better with time. Good advice about writing things down. Our little brains need all the help they can get.

    hugs, Mary Ann

    accident
    Coming from radiation i had a pretty bad accident today. Som wtnesses said i ran a red light...another says car pulled out in front of me...jus one motr thing to increase stress level..not too happy today. Then hen i got home stepped wrong in garage andfell backward.
  • debrajo
    debrajo Member Posts: 1,095 Member
    pakb56 said:

    accident
    Coming from radiation i had a pretty bad accident today. Som wtnesses said i ran a red light...another says car pulled out in front of me...jus one motr thing to increase stress level..not too happy today. Then hen i got home stepped wrong in garage andfell backward.

    As long as you or some one
    As long as you or some one else didn't get hurt badly or killed it is a GOOD day! On days like the one you had today we often wonder WHY in the world we fight soooo hard to stay alive! Then the sun comes up the next day and LIFE goes on. Be sure to get that fall checked out! I was told I had broken my leg at some point in my life, but never knew of it (nor did my mother!). Be kind to yourself...everything will come out ok. You are safe and that's all that matters!
  • Ro10
    Ro10 Member Posts: 1,561 Member
    pakb56 said:

    accident
    Coming from radiation i had a pretty bad accident today. Som wtnesses said i ran a red light...another says car pulled out in front of me...jus one motr thing to increase stress level..not too happy today. Then hen i got home stepped wrong in garage andfell backward.

    Sorry to hear about your accident
    And then to fall in your garage. Hope you had a good cry after all that. Hope you do not have too many aches and pains after both of those. DebraJo was Right that you should get checked out for any breaks.

    Sorry to hear your " chemo brain" is frustrating you so much. Take the advice of others and write things down. I came to accept that my memory was not as good. I t takes me longer to recall things. If I can't recall it, I blame it on chemo brain.

    Hang in there and take a day at a time. In peace and caring.
  • pakb56
    pakb56 Member Posts: 141
    Ro10 said:

    Sorry to hear about your accident
    And then to fall in your garage. Hope you had a good cry after all that. Hope you do not have too many aches and pains after both of those. DebraJo was Right that you should get checked out for any breaks.

    Sorry to hear your " chemo brain" is frustrating you so much. Take the advice of others and write things down. I came to accept that my memory was not as good. I t takes me longer to recall things. If I can't recall it, I blame it on chemo brain.

    Hang in there and take a day at a time. In peace and caring.

    two
    Brain lesions were found on ct scan having thosed removed sunday morning
  • Ro10
    Ro10 Member Posts: 1,561 Member
    pakb56 said:

    two
    Brain lesions were found on ct scan having thosed removed sunday morning

    Good luck on Sunday
    So sorry to hear about your brain lesions. I hope that all goes well. It surprises me they will be removed on Sunday. You remain in my prayers.
  • Ann Sweener
    Ann Sweener Member Posts: 3
    jazzy1 said:

    Chemo Brain
    I completed treatments in July '09 and have this on/off. Never heard of it until I did some research and spoke to my docs. With me after some 3 years it seems to get better for a while then start up again. I've chalked it up to another side-affects from all the treatments.

    I've learned to rely on post-it's....all over my home and car...crazy hum? As Mary Ann mentioned, use it as an excuse when forget things...works like a dream. At least I can't say I'm getting older...lol

    Don't be hard on yourself, get out your note pad and write down things...."your new memory"!!

    Best always,
    Jan

    Still Chemo Brain?
    Thanks Jan, I completed treatments a little over a year ago and still forget things. Most upseting is when I forget family and friends birthdays. I didn't think it could still be chemo brain but am relived to know. I have started to put every birthday and appointment on my email calender, it helps.
  • LizGrrr
    LizGrrr Member Posts: 127 Member

    Still Chemo Brain?
    Thanks Jan, I completed treatments a little over a year ago and still forget things. Most upseting is when I forget family and friends birthdays. I didn't think it could still be chemo brain but am relived to know. I have started to put every birthday and appointment on my email calender, it helps.

    Chemo brain
    I read that it's not uncommon for chemo brain to last a year or so. Gah!

    Liz in Dallas
  • LizGrrr
    LizGrrr Member Posts: 127 Member
    pakb56 said:

    two
    Brain lesions were found on ct scan having thosed removed sunday morning

    Prayers
    How frightening :(

    Cancer sucks. I hope all goes well tomorrow and that your recovery is swift

    Liz in Dallas
  • pakb56
    pakb56 Member Posts: 141
    LizGrrr said:

    Prayers
    How frightening :(

    Cancer sucks. I hope all goes well tomorrow and that your recovery is swift

    Liz in Dallas

    thanks to everyone
    Strangers but friends. Lesions were sccessfully removed. Not much pain...two wincsions each with 18 staples. On steroids for swelling aand anti seizure as precaution. Angry that i did my chemo and radistion to prevent ths and it still have this happen. Yes cancer sucks but must be dealt with. Keep the good wishes coming for me and all of our sisters. Love to you all.
  • Sara Zipora
    Sara Zipora Member Posts: 231
    Your news
    So sorry you have to go thru this, but maybe lesion removal will ease chemo brain?!!
    You are very brave and a fighter, these are important traits in our job,war, of staying here!
    Prayers and warm thoughts,
    Sara
  • Ro10
    Ro10 Member Posts: 1,561 Member
    pakb56 said:

    thanks to everyone
    Strangers but friends. Lesions were sccessfully removed. Not much pain...two wincsions each with 18 staples. On steroids for swelling aand anti seizure as precaution. Angry that i did my chemo and radistion to prevent ths and it still have this happen. Yes cancer sucks but must be dealt with. Keep the good wishes coming for me and all of our sisters. Love to you all.

    Glad the surgery went okay
    Thinking of you. Two incisions with 18 staples sounds big to me. Glad there is not much pain. I can understand your anger. But at least you have the chemo and radiation behind you. May you have better days ahead for you. In peace and caring.
  • pakb56
    pakb56 Member Posts: 141

    Your news
    So sorry you have to go thru this, but maybe lesion removal will ease chemo brain?!!
    You are very brave and a fighter, these are important traits in our job,war, of staying here!
    Prayers and warm thoughts,
    Sara

    Love you all.
    Your words and encouragement make me feel so much better. Thank you all so very much...Sisters of my heart.
  • snowbird_11
    snowbird_11 Member Posts: 160
    pakb56 said:

    Love you all.
    Your words and encouragement make me feel so much better. Thank you all so very much...Sisters of my heart.

    I am sorry you have had so
    I am sorry you have had so much to deal with! Your stories re the typing, bed sheets, and then the accident were such cause for concern to me as being so much more than just chemo brain. I am glad the lesions were discovered so quickly and you were able to get surgery so fast. My thoughts and prayers are with you that you recover from the surgery uneventfully.
    Annie
  • pakb56
    pakb56 Member Posts: 141

    I am sorry you have had so
    I am sorry you have had so much to deal with! Your stories re the typing, bed sheets, and then the accident were such cause for concern to me as being so much more than just chemo brain. I am glad the lesions were discovered so quickly and you were able to get surgery so fast. My thoughts and prayers are with you that you recover from the surgery uneventfully.
    Annie

    crying
    Now i just want to get off this emotional rollercoaster where i keep getting all teary! Guy I work withbsaid it is cuz I am such a girl!