Radiation Side Effects - Fog Head

SIRENAF42
SIRENAF42 Member Posts: 202
edited March 2014 in Head and Neck Cancer #1
I am 6 months post radiation to my sinus cavity and lymphs. I still am experiencing some side effects, which I like to call FOG HEAD. Meaning, I sometimes feel like I cant connect my thoughts, my short term memory is awful and I still have dizzy issues.

Wondering how other survivors are feeling, how long it took to get back to somewhat normal memory level and thought process.

Comments

  • RoseEm
    RoseEm Member Posts: 32
    #2
    My experience is not great
    Hate to be a "downer," but my radiation/chemo ended a year ago in May. I'm still not connecting the dots all the time. I carry a notepad with me at all times. If I'm at work and think of something I need to do at home, I send an e-mail to my home address! I often mix up words - read them incorrectly, that is. Just yesterday I was driving home and looked at a billboard. I read, "Adventure Hotel." My brother gently told me that it said "Advertise Here." I also type entirely different words than I intend. Not typos - just the wrong work altogether.

    I don't know how much of it is what I call "chemo brain." My doctor tries to kid me and tell me it's just that I'm a year older. We're going to have another talk at my next checkup!

    It's frightening to me. I hope yours gets better with each day.
  • SIRENAF42
    SIRENAF42 Member Posts: 202
    #3
    RoseEm said:

    My experience is not great
    Hate to be a "downer," but my radiation/chemo ended a year ago in May. I'm still not connecting the dots all the time. I carry a notepad with me at all times. If I'm at work and think of something I need to do at home, I send an e-mail to my home address! I often mix up words - read them incorrectly, that is. Just yesterday I was driving home and looked at a billboard. I read, "Adventure Hotel." My brother gently told me that it said "Advertise Here." I also type entirely different words than I intend. Not typos - just the wrong work altogether.

    I don't know how much of it is what I call "chemo brain." My doctor tries to kid me and tell me it's just that I'm a year older. We're going to have another talk at my next checkup!

    It's frightening to me. I hope yours gets better with each day.

    Radiation Head
    I know what you mean. I start having a conversation and go blank... I just laugh and say "Lost It", most people think its becuase Im getting old, Im 42, not 102. Dont remember a conversation I just had with someone, dont quiz me on something I listen to, cause I doubt I will remember, unless I wrote it down or typed it, Im not gonna remember it.

    I was leaving the ladies room at the office and opened the door, and stood there, I didnt remember which way to go. Mind you my office is 8 steps to the left of the ladies room and I literally felt lost. I snapped and went to my office feeling weird, cant really explain it other than to say "disconnected". Dang cancer! :)
  • jejrdn
    jejrdn Member Posts: 28
    #4
    Foggy Brain
    Hi All,

    I don't know if this will help anyone but I found it helpful to me. I bought some of those brain game books. It has all sort of different puzzles, word games, number games...etc. Some days I would do just one or two and other days not finish any or do any at all. The more I was doing them I found over time I was able to focus a little better and my memory was a little sharper. I think it helped me through the treatments and post treatments. Just a suggestion. If you do try it let me know how you make out. Take care!!!

    Brian
  • RoseEm
    RoseEm Member Posts: 32
    #5
    jejrdn said:

    Foggy Brain
    Hi All,

    I don't know if this will help anyone but I found it helpful to me. I bought some of those brain game books. It has all sort of different puzzles, word games, number games...etc. Some days I would do just one or two and other days not finish any or do any at all. The more I was doing them I found over time I was able to focus a little better and my memory was a little sharper. I think it helped me through the treatments and post treatments. Just a suggestion. If you do try it let me know how you make out. Take care!!!

    Brian

    Games
    Ah - that's something I didn't mention. Yes! I play word games online and have always been a crossword puzzle addict (kept me busy during chemo hours). The scary part is that I used to be able to solve the Sunday NY Times puzzle in 2 or 3 hours, I can't finish it now. I do keep at it though.

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