Memory loss?
Memory loss? Anyone else out there finding that their chemo is causing short-term memory loss?
I’ve felt a bit “fuzzy” and unfocused most of the time since having my first dose 11 days ago. BUT yesterday I went for a scan and found myself staring at my pile of clothes completely unable to remember how to put my bra on. Today I headed out for a bit of retail therapy and couldn’t remember what dress size I take!! I was going to mention this at the oncology clinic today, but guess what - I forgot!
I was prepared to feel a bit old and knackered physically, but no-one mentioned having the brain of an 80-year old. Is it just me?
Stockbeck
Oh yes, I’ve been there! Went shopping with my daughters recently and got lost in Marks & Spencers (I’ve only been going there 15 years) - they had to come and find me!
Jane
Hi Stockbeck No, it’s not just you. I forget things mid sentence, lose things constantly and generally my concentration is not great. I make lists. I am halfway thru chemo - had 3 x FEC so far. I have been able to work a bit in between but find I have to concentrate on one thing only.
It was mentioned in some info I have been given somewhere, and think it is quite common.
I am managing to see the funny side of it most of the time!
Anita 
forget words Hi Stockbeck
I see what you mean. I know english is not my first language but I have always been very good. Since the chemo I keep forgetting words or mixing me up. Saying couch instead of bag. Very confusing. I think after 4 chemo’s my partner now sees.
I also good very slow on interaction. I see my parnter struggle with the pushchair down some steps, but I just can’t thing to help him.
That is not me at all.
lets just pray those things will cam back to as they were?
Will they?
Tell me about it! I am 3 days after second FEC and I am fishing around for words, going to kitchen to get things and forgetting to do it etc. I am working from home remotely to the office by email and calls and hope I haven’t disgraced myself too much!
To prove how forgetful I am, I went to press the button to make this reply and found myself back on the forum overview page. How did that happen?
All sounds like menopausal symptoms to me! I had mine 10 years ago, and had similar experience as you are all having with chemo.
Dee
x
lost language The words! You’re so right! I’ve just been trying to explain the fine art of cooking burgers to my 12-yr old and couldn’t understand why he was getting so cross with me. “But MUM, I don’t know what 'Put the thingy in the thingy MEANS; it’s no GOOD when you just wave your hands at stuff!” Well, that’s me told, then!
Hats off to you, Dutchy. How on earth can you do BC in a foreign language? I am SOOOO impressed.
Love, Stockbeck
Its chemo brain ‘chemo brain’ is a recognised condition though my onc called it: ‘cognitive impairment’ on a report he wrote for me.
best wishes
Jane
Oh yes chemo brain,
i had 2nd FEc on tues, don’t feel as bad as i did with the first one but defo a bit spaced out and ‘not all there’. hopefully like last time felt ok after about 7-10 days. just want to get on with life!
it’s normal
Goodluck with treatment
lol chemo brain have my kids and mates in stitches…
I tend to put the milk in the cupboard and the teabags in the fridge…i cant see whats wrong with that lol.
Another one is my mates 10 year old had to explain to me that pasta will only cook if you put it into the boiling water…instead of looking blankly at the bubbling water trying to figure out what to do next.
Phonecalls on chemo brain is interesting…cos I tend to forget what im about to say…
Put the thingy with the wotzit…tends to be a favourite saying in this house…good job my 8 year old is pretty switched on lol.
Ive had stuff in my hands…yet am turning the fridge inside out trying to find said item…to then get told that ive got it in my hands.
Im telling you…whatever they are pumping me full of…well…id make it a definite Class A drug lol.
Ive banned myself from driving until 9 days post second chemo session of cmf…simply cos i havent got a clue, tend to forget what to do at junctions etc…so its safer for me not to drive. Mind you…would be an interesting convo with a policeman…s’cuse me madam, I have reason to believe you are under the influence of drugs…you’d be absolutely right officer…they’re all legal and prescribed lol.
what was I about to say…? Hi ,
My memory loss started just before my chemo …insidiously at first. The usual going into a room and forgetting why, starting a sentence and forgetting what I was about to say! Try taking assembly and forgetting the point of the story half way through. But I guess I must be getting worse since FEC. I tried to do a three point turn in the car so I could drive down the hill. Started the manouvre everything okay. Car is now across the road effectively blocking it both ways and I can’t remember how to get it into reverse!!! I kept putting the gearstick into the correct position but it completely escaped me that I needed to lift the stick at the same time. Luckily the cars waiting to move assumed I had broken down and were sympathetic.My husband came to see what was wrong(luckily I was outside the house) and a very red faced moi had to get out and let him finish the manouvre. I was convinced the car was broken! Even now I have to remind myself what to do.
Have also been supermarket shopping and , having packed all the shopping, completely forgot my pin number. Please tell me it doesn’t get any worse!
Now what was I saying…?
Margaret
More on memory loss, please! You guys are great! I’ve loved reading about all the things other people have done / forgotten to do, and it’s making me feel way better. One thing is definitely true about chemo; the more you laugh, the better you feel. Please keep the daft stories coming!
Love, Stockbeck