Hi
Ive been taking anastrozole for approx 6 months. I can’t remember exactly how long, but thats really the theme of my question.
My memory is awful. I can forget things within seconds and at work I feel so slow, particularly in things like meetings where I just cant keep up with the pace.
Im asking for advice on how to improve my current brain freeze, as my head hurts with it. I work full-time, have a responsible job but am starting to wish I could retire!
Many thanks
Sharon
Age 54 3/4 
Hi Shazbat,
Thanks for posting. We hear from many people who have questions about their memory following treatment for breast cancer and it’s understandable you’re looking for advice about your ‘brain freeze’ (cognitive impairment).
Cognitive impairment is sometimes called ‘chemo brain’ or ‘brain fog’, but it can affect anyone going through cancer treatment, including anastrozole even if you didn’t have chemotherapy.
It’s not known why some cancer treatments cause cognitive impairment, but it’s been suggested that fatigue (extreme tiredness), menopausal symptoms and poor sleep may be contributing factors. There is information in the above links about how to manage any of these symptoms if you are having them.
You might also find this information on tips to help manage cognitive impairment useful.
We know that many people feel frustrated about how their memory is affecting their work. If you haven’t already done so, it would be useful to talk to your employers to see if reasonable adjustments can be made to your working pattern to help manage your situation.
Working with Cancer is an organisation that supports people like you affected by cancer treatment and work, including employers. More information including ways they can support you can be found on the link above.
Talking to someone who has had a similar experience can often be helpful. Our Someone Like Me service can match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. You can be in touch with your volunteer by phone or email and they can share their personal experiences to answer your questions, offer support or simply listen to how you are feeling.
We also offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events. You might find this section of our forum particulary helpful as you can ask other people how they coped with brain freeze.
For more details about all of these services, please see the information on the link, or call our free helpline
You can also call our helpline if you would like to talk things through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK -prefix 18001).
If you would prefer one of our nurses to call you. To do this, please complete this form ticking the box agreeing to a call back.
Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday.
Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.
Best wishes
Victoria
Breast Care Nurse
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