Breast Cancer Now Forum

Verbal communication/social situations are more challenging now, but I feel this is more likely due to me having experienced sudden hearing loss, 3 weeks after my last chemo...but could also be down to slower information processing? I'll try the assessment that you suggested though - thank you! Regards, Julie ... View more

Hi Optimissy64,   Thank you so much for your reply, that's very reassuring - I'm so glad to hear that I'm not the only one who's had a bit of absent-mindedness!  Loving your user name, too, we've lots to be optimistic about, including the fact that when I reread my original post, I realised that I'm still only 58 years old, and not yet 59... Chemo brain, lol!   Now off to buy a diary . . .   Best wishes, Julie xx       ... View more

Hi!  I'm pleased to hear about your research, and interested to find out if others have had similar experiences to my own.  I finished chemotherapy on 31 October 2016, and although I didn't notice any changes in my cognition during chemo itself, I think I've had 'chemo brain' ever since.  Certain tasks seem to be much more challenging now, and take me longer to achieve, e.g.; drafting an email, sending a text, or even writing a birthday card - it's not so easy to find the words I need to express myself succinctly at my first attempt.  I frequently redraft emails and texts, again and again, and really have to concentrate, to find the right wording.  I tend to put off tasks that involve using the pc, especially those that involve figurework (e.g. checking my bank statement), as I seem to be more likely to miss detail, or get confused.  Strangely, when I'm involved in a task, it all seems very straightfoward at the time.  Then I'll go back to it hours, or days later, and realise that I've missed something, made a mistake, or misunderstood information, and think 'how on earth did I get that wrong?'  For example, double-booking myself for social events, misreading the price of items, or forgetting that I've completed a task, and attempting to do it again.  Decision-making also seems more difficult now, even deciding which product to buy when shopping seems to take longer than before!     Of course, there may be other explanations, and these changes may not have anything at all to do with having had chemo.  I've taken early retirement from work, so no longer use a daily diary (though perhaps I should!), and don't get as much practice now, in using written communication.  I'm 59 - maybe it's just because I'm getting older?  I've certainly lost confidence in myself, due to having breast cancer, maybe this is a contributary factor.  But I'm also scared that these could even be the first signs of dementia . . .    So I've shared my concerns with my family, who have been reassuring, and suggested the changes in my ability to think clearly are simply because I've had a lot of other things to think about, and am still adjusting to a different lifestyle.  It would be reassuring to hear if anyone else has experienced similar issues, following chemo. ... View more

Brilliant post, Emma - I'm also 5 months post-chemo, and absolutely agree "LIFE is at the end of the tunnel". ... View more

My hospital arranged for the community nurse to call and change my dressings. You could try using cling-film over the dressing to keep it dry when washing or showering? ... View more

Hi Janet, I think feeling tired is probably normal, after just three weeks - after all, your body has had to adjust physically, and also emotionally, and this takes time... I had my mastectomy last April, was beginning to feel more like my normal self about by 4 weeks later (just prior to undergoing my next lot of surgery).   As we live in a rural area, I was determined to drive as soon as possible, but wasn't sure when I would be considered safe to do so, having been given similar 'emergency stop' advice to you. But once I was able to turn the steering wheel, put the handbrake on without any pain or strain, and felt I could react quickly enough should an emergency situation arise, I let my insurance company know that I'd had the surgery, and they were happy for me to start driving again once I felt ready - apparently there is no definitive guidance, as everyone's recovery time is different...     Re the numbness, for me, this continued for quite a few months, and the top of my arm is still numb one year on, but this may also be due to having had the lymph nodes removed in a second op.  The hospital gave me exercises to do, I massaged my scar with bio-oil, and regularly used the affected arm without putting any strain on it by lifting heavy items - I think these may all have helped reduce the numbness, so might be worth doing, if you've not tried these already?   Wishing you all the best for your recovery. ... View more

Hi Cath,   Thank you so much for responding, I can't tell you just how reassuring it is to learn that I'm not the only one out there who's had some hearing loss!  I'm still trying to determine the cause, maybe it was just a coincidence, but so soon after chemo makes me feel that there's probably more to it - strangely, I feel I can cope with the hearing loss, but the tinnitus is driving me crazy!!!!  Good to know that I'm not alone, though 😉 x      ... View more

Hi Bonita,   Thank you for responding . . . I've been in contact via the helpline, it's been really useful to talk through my experiences on the phone with someone who was supportive and sympathetic- much appreciate your suggestions.   Julie ... View more