Are these really side effects???

SusanAnne
SusanAnne Member Posts: 245
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I am currently in the adjustment phase, 4 months after finishing a 15 month treatment plan. I had AC, taxol and herceptin. Some symptoms that I've had are a few little sores on my face which pop up suddenly and then resolve quickly, an involuntary chin tremor I'm not even aware of when it's happening and the last thing that happened was a bit scarier. I was reading (I should say trying to read) a piece of mail (simple form letter) and no matter how hard I tried I couldn't make heads or tails of it. At the same time my 16 year old daughter was relaying a story about a friend she's known since kindergarten and when she refered to her by name, I had no clue as to whom she was speaking about. It was as if she was saying a strangers name. This last scenario sounded all too much like the circumstances of my mom's mild stroke about 5 years ago.

When I relayed all this to my oncologist, he was sympathetic, but chalked it all up to side effects of treatment. I wasn't leaving there without a recommendation to a neurologist, which I got, but I was wondering if anyone else had experienced anything like any of this? Thanks.
Susan

Comments

  • Glow
    Glow Member Posts: 41
    #2
    Hello!. Lord it sounds so scary. I am not familiar with those side effects but lets face it chemo can cause some funky stuff. I am glad you insisted on a neurologist. If he can't give you answers keep looking until someone can. Meanwhile I will keep you in my prayers. The best to you!. Glow
  • hummingbyrd
    hummingbyrd Member Posts: 950 Member
    #3
    Glow said:

    Hello!. Lord it sounds so scary. I am not familiar with those side effects but lets face it chemo can cause some funky stuff. I am glad you insisted on a neurologist. If he can't give you answers keep looking until someone can. Meanwhile I will keep you in my prayers. The best to you!. Glow

    Welcome to what is probably "chemobrain"! Lost train of thought, (I lose so many on a daily basis I just know the trains are going to derail). Oh, and forgetful, can't remember names of objects, what I went from one room to another for, why I grounded my kids, etc. They love it cause "mom can't remember she grounded us by the time we get home". LOL I guess every cloud does have a silver lining.
    Seriously, I would get a complete work up since this is something new, just to be safe.
    (((HUGS))) hummingbyrd
  • krisrey
    krisrey Member Posts: 194
    #4
    Hi Susan,
    Yes it does sound scary, but like hummingbird says...welcome to chemobrain. I think I have noticed my symtoms actually get worse. I am just one year out of treatment (chemo 9/24/03, rads 12/30/03 and swear my brain is not functioning sometimes. I hate it when I lose my train of thought right in the middle of a converstaion with someone, or go into a room and it takes three times to retrace my steps to remember what I am going in there for.
    If I lose my train of thought in a conversation with someone, they say that happens to me..its called getting old...well I am sorry but I am not old and this is not the same thing.
    Anyway, just thought I would share what I am experiencing. Let us know how you make out at the neuologist.
    Take care,
    Kris
  • emiliasdance
    emiliasdance Member Posts: 5
    #5
    I agree with everyone else here. Welcome to chemobrain. But you seem to be suffering from it to a large extent. A visit to a nuerologist couldn't hurt. Just try to keep your brain active, read, work puzzels etc and don't worry if you get frustrated with them. Keeping the brain moving is worth it.
  • SusanAnne
    SusanAnne Member Posts: 245
    #6
    Thanks guys for your input. My appointment with the neurologist is on January 6th. I'll let you know how I make out.
    Susan
  • rutaf
    rutaf Member Posts: 23
    #7
    hummingbyrd said:

    Welcome to what is probably "chemobrain"! Lost train of thought, (I lose so many on a daily basis I just know the trains are going to derail). Oh, and forgetful, can't remember names of objects, what I went from one room to another for, why I grounded my kids, etc. They love it cause "mom can't remember she grounded us by the time we get home". LOL I guess every cloud does have a silver lining.
    Seriously, I would get a complete work up since this is something new, just to be safe.
    (((HUGS))) hummingbyrd

    I enjoyed your story about being grounded. My 20-year old can't stand my chemobrain anymore. She's tired of it. She's a wonderful daughter. I wouldn't trade her in a minute. I am careful that she isn't taking care of me instead of the other way around or at least we take care of each other. :) She knows that I've missed appts. etc. Oh, well, onward!!!

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