Guest guest Posted October 21, 2006 Report Share Posted October 21, 2006 Debra, I had chemo brain...my motor skills were horrible. I couldn't even figure out how to put a bike helmet on my son. I had to hand it over to my daughter so she could figure it out for me. I think it is funny now, so you can laugh. It came and went. I did lose my train of thought easily. Thank God I was around people that were patient. I know that I read a lot when I was going through chemo, I really think that helped. chemo brain I would like to know of anyone's experience with chemo " fog " , " chemo- brain " . Does it come and go? Does it ever go away? It seems to display itself at the oddest times. Is it controllable at all? It is a very weird sensation. One minute the words are there and the next they can't be reached. I don't seem to have trouble writing, but reading out loud is occasionally a problem as is verbal expression. I can think of what I want to say but the words just won't come out. Anyone heard of any new treatments or recommendations? Thanks, Debra A. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 21, 2006 Report Share Posted October 21, 2006 Debra, I had chemo brain...my motor skills were horrible. I couldn't even figure out how to put a bike helmet on my son. I had to hand it over to my daughter so she could figure it out for me. I think it is funny now, so you can laugh. It came and went. I did lose my train of thought easily. Thank God I was around people that were patient. I know that I read a lot when I was going through chemo, I really think that helped. chemo brain I would like to know of anyone's experience with chemo " fog " , " chemo- brain " . Does it come and go? Does it ever go away? It seems to display itself at the oddest times. Is it controllable at all? It is a very weird sensation. One minute the words are there and the next they can't be reached. I don't seem to have trouble writing, but reading out loud is occasionally a problem as is verbal expression. I can think of what I want to say but the words just won't come out. Anyone heard of any new treatments or recommendations? Thanks, Debra A. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 21, 2006 Report Share Posted October 21, 2006 Debra, I had chemo brain...my motor skills were horrible. I couldn't even figure out how to put a bike helmet on my son. I had to hand it over to my daughter so she could figure it out for me. I think it is funny now, so you can laugh. It came and went. I did lose my train of thought easily. Thank God I was around people that were patient. I know that I read a lot when I was going through chemo, I really think that helped. chemo brain I would like to know of anyone's experience with chemo " fog " , " chemo- brain " . Does it come and go? Does it ever go away? It seems to display itself at the oddest times. Is it controllable at all? It is a very weird sensation. One minute the words are there and the next they can't be reached. I don't seem to have trouble writing, but reading out loud is occasionally a problem as is verbal expression. I can think of what I want to say but the words just won't come out. Anyone heard of any new treatments or recommendations? Thanks, Debra A. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 21, 2006 Report Share Posted October 21, 2006 , Thanks for your input. I too read a lot and I agree, I believe it did help. Thanks for " listening. " My husband and I recently separated and I don't really have anyone who understands (not that he really tried to...). Having a hard time right now. This too shall pass, right?? > > Debra, > I had chemo brain...my motor skills were horrible. I couldn't even figure out how to put a bike helmet on my son. I had to hand it over to my daughter so she could figure it out for me. I think it is funny now, so you can laugh. It came and went. I did lose my train of thought easily. Thank God I was around people that were patient. I know that I read a lot when I was going through chemo, I really think that helped. > > > > chemo brain > > I would like to know of anyone's experience with chemo " fog " , " chemo- > brain " . Does it come and go? Does it ever go away? It seems to > display itself at the oddest times. Is it controllable at all? It is > a very weird sensation. One minute the words are there and the next > they can't be reached. I don't seem to have trouble writing, but > reading out loud is occasionally a problem as is verbal expression. I > can think of what I want to say but the words just won't come out. > Anyone heard of any new treatments or recommendations? > Thanks, > Debra A. > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 21, 2006 Report Share Posted October 21, 2006 , Thanks for your input. I too read a lot and I agree, I believe it did help. Thanks for " listening. " My husband and I recently separated and I don't really have anyone who understands (not that he really tried to...). Having a hard time right now. This too shall pass, right?? > > Debra, > I had chemo brain...my motor skills were horrible. I couldn't even figure out how to put a bike helmet on my son. I had to hand it over to my daughter so she could figure it out for me. I think it is funny now, so you can laugh. It came and went. I did lose my train of thought easily. Thank God I was around people that were patient. I know that I read a lot when I was going through chemo, I really think that helped. > > > > chemo brain > > I would like to know of anyone's experience with chemo " fog " , " chemo- > brain " . Does it come and go? Does it ever go away? It seems to > display itself at the oddest times. Is it controllable at all? It is > a very weird sensation. One minute the words are there and the next > they can't be reached. I don't seem to have trouble writing, but > reading out loud is occasionally a problem as is verbal expression. I > can think of what I want to say but the words just won't come out. > Anyone heard of any new treatments or recommendations? > Thanks, > Debra A. > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 21, 2006 Report Share Posted October 21, 2006 , Thanks for your input. I too read a lot and I agree, I believe it did help. Thanks for " listening. " My husband and I recently separated and I don't really have anyone who understands (not that he really tried to...). Having a hard time right now. This too shall pass, right?? > > Debra, > I had chemo brain...my motor skills were horrible. I couldn't even figure out how to put a bike helmet on my son. I had to hand it over to my daughter so she could figure it out for me. I think it is funny now, so you can laugh. It came and went. I did lose my train of thought easily. Thank God I was around people that were patient. I know that I read a lot when I was going through chemo, I really think that helped. > > > > chemo brain > > I would like to know of anyone's experience with chemo " fog " , " chemo- > brain " . Does it come and go? Does it ever go away? It seems to > display itself at the oddest times. Is it controllable at all? It is > a very weird sensation. One minute the words are there and the next > they can't be reached. I don't seem to have trouble writing, but > reading out loud is occasionally a problem as is verbal expression. I > can think of what I want to say but the words just won't come out. > Anyone heard of any new treatments or recommendations? > Thanks, > Debra A. > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 21, 2006 Report Share Posted October 21, 2006 Hi Debra, Oh the lovely chemo brain......ugh!!!!!!! Mine started during the 2nd round oc chemo which was.......um.........taxol (if my memory serves me) and has stayed with me since.......drives me crazy!!!!!!! Makes me feel embarrassed, stupid and so many feelings. Only my partner knows what I have been through and understands it. Other people outside of " my circle " say... " but you look good " .....anyway.........I did speech therapy with good results at the time..........I've lost a lot since then......wierd huh? Yet I learned a lot of tools to work with that has given me a " bit " of " peace of mind " I used to be so sharp......incredable memory.........learning to deal and live with it was the first step for me. Funny, I thought speech therapy was just that.....speech......it's not. Talk to one of your doctors.......I got my referral from my pain doc. Glad I went through it. Hope that helps a bit. Take care, Darlene dabaverette wrote: I would like to know of anyone's experience with chemo " fog " , " chemo- brain " . Does it come and go? Does it ever go away? It seems to display itself at the oddest times. Is it controllable at all? It is a very weird sensation. One minute the words are there and the next they can't be reached. I don't seem to have trouble writing, but reading out loud is occasionally a problem as is verbal expression. I can think of what I want to say but the words just won't come out. Anyone heard of any new treatments or recommendations? Thanks, Debra A. --------------------------------- How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger’s low PC-to-Phone call rates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 21, 2006 Report Share Posted October 21, 2006 Hi Debra, Oh the lovely chemo brain......ugh!!!!!!! Mine started during the 2nd round oc chemo which was.......um.........taxol (if my memory serves me) and has stayed with me since.......drives me crazy!!!!!!! Makes me feel embarrassed, stupid and so many feelings. Only my partner knows what I have been through and understands it. Other people outside of " my circle " say... " but you look good " .....anyway.........I did speech therapy with good results at the time..........I've lost a lot since then......wierd huh? Yet I learned a lot of tools to work with that has given me a " bit " of " peace of mind " I used to be so sharp......incredable memory.........learning to deal and live with it was the first step for me. Funny, I thought speech therapy was just that.....speech......it's not. Talk to one of your doctors.......I got my referral from my pain doc. Glad I went through it. Hope that helps a bit. Take care, Darlene dabaverette wrote: I would like to know of anyone's experience with chemo " fog " , " chemo- brain " . Does it come and go? Does it ever go away? It seems to display itself at the oddest times. Is it controllable at all? It is a very weird sensation. One minute the words are there and the next they can't be reached. I don't seem to have trouble writing, but reading out loud is occasionally a problem as is verbal expression. I can think of what I want to say but the words just won't come out. Anyone heard of any new treatments or recommendations? Thanks, Debra A. --------------------------------- How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger’s low PC-to-Phone call rates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 21, 2006 Report Share Posted October 21, 2006 Hi Debra, Oh the lovely chemo brain......ugh!!!!!!! Mine started during the 2nd round oc chemo which was.......um.........taxol (if my memory serves me) and has stayed with me since.......drives me crazy!!!!!!! Makes me feel embarrassed, stupid and so many feelings. Only my partner knows what I have been through and understands it. Other people outside of " my circle " say... " but you look good " .....anyway.........I did speech therapy with good results at the time..........I've lost a lot since then......wierd huh? Yet I learned a lot of tools to work with that has given me a " bit " of " peace of mind " I used to be so sharp......incredable memory.........learning to deal and live with it was the first step for me. Funny, I thought speech therapy was just that.....speech......it's not. Talk to one of your doctors.......I got my referral from my pain doc. Glad I went through it. Hope that helps a bit. Take care, Darlene dabaverette wrote: I would like to know of anyone's experience with chemo " fog " , " chemo- brain " . Does it come and go? Does it ever go away? It seems to display itself at the oddest times. Is it controllable at all? It is a very weird sensation. One minute the words are there and the next they can't be reached. I don't seem to have trouble writing, but reading out loud is occasionally a problem as is verbal expression. I can think of what I want to say but the words just won't come out. Anyone heard of any new treatments or recommendations? Thanks, Debra A. --------------------------------- How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger’s low PC-to-Phone call rates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 21, 2006 Report Share Posted October 21, 2006 Debra, My husband left me when I was diagnosed. I completely understand how you feel. If you ever want to talk or email I am here for you. You can email me directly to my address instead of this group if you want to, either way is fine. If you just need an understanding ear or anything else let me know. chemo brain > > I would like to know of anyone's experience with chemo " fog " , " chemo- > brain " . Does it come and go? Does it ever go away? It seems to > display itself at the oddest times. Is it controllable at all? It is > a very weird sensation. One minute the words are there and the next > they can't be reached. I don't seem to have trouble writing, but > reading out loud is occasionally a problem as is verbal expression. I > can think of what I want to say but the words just won't come out. > Anyone heard of any new treatments or recommendations? > Thanks, > Debra A. > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 21, 2006 Report Share Posted October 21, 2006 Debra, My husband left me when I was diagnosed. I completely understand how you feel. If you ever want to talk or email I am here for you. You can email me directly to my address instead of this group if you want to, either way is fine. If you just need an understanding ear or anything else let me know. chemo brain > > I would like to know of anyone's experience with chemo " fog " , " chemo- > brain " . Does it come and go? Does it ever go away? It seems to > display itself at the oddest times. Is it controllable at all? It is > a very weird sensation. One minute the words are there and the next > they can't be reached. I don't seem to have trouble writing, but > reading out loud is occasionally a problem as is verbal expression. I > can think of what I want to say but the words just won't come out. > Anyone heard of any new treatments or recommendations? > Thanks, > Debra A. > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 21, 2006 Report Share Posted October 21, 2006 Debra, My husband left me when I was diagnosed. I completely understand how you feel. If you ever want to talk or email I am here for you. You can email me directly to my address instead of this group if you want to, either way is fine. If you just need an understanding ear or anything else let me know. chemo brain > > I would like to know of anyone's experience with chemo " fog " , " chemo- > brain " . Does it come and go? Does it ever go away? It seems to > display itself at the oddest times. Is it controllable at all? It is > a very weird sensation. One minute the words are there and the next > they can't be reached. I don't seem to have trouble writing, but > reading out loud is occasionally a problem as is verbal expression. I > can think of what I want to say but the words just won't come out. > Anyone heard of any new treatments or recommendations? > Thanks, > Debra A. > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 22, 2006 Report Share Posted October 22, 2006 Darlene, Thank you so much for your reply. I don't think anyone around me really understands... but people sure do look at me funny sometimes and I realize I'm either not responding appropriately (i.e., quick enough) or not saying anything because the words won't make their way from my brain to my tongue! > I would like to know of anyone's experience with chemo " fog " , " chemo- > brain " . Does it come and go? Does it ever go away? It seems to > display itself at the oddest times. Is it controllable at all? It is > a very weird sensation. One minute the words are there and the next > they can't be reached. I don't seem to have trouble writing, but > reading out loud is occasionally a problem as is verbal expression. I > can think of what I want to say but the words just won't come out. > Anyone heard of any new treatments or recommendations? > Thanks, > Debra A. > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger's low PC-to-Phone call rates. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 28, 2006 Report Share Posted October 28, 2006 Hello all, I have a stupid question. I see alot of your refer to " chemo brain " . What exactly is that? Thanks, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 28, 2006 Report Share Posted October 28, 2006 Hi , Many people, but not necessarily all, who've had chemotherapy notice that they have a hard time concentrating on things and doing more than one thing at a time or that they just plain forget things. Stuff that was never tough to do before suddenly becomes more difficult. During the tiring chemo regimen, fatigue itself may play a part in this side effect. Some people seem to remain at what seems to them like decreased mental function even after the chemo is done. I find mindself sorting through the shelves in my refrigerator wondering where all the coffee cups have gone, catch myself at this stupidity and eventually make my way to the cupboard for a mug. For some people, this might be an example of chemo brain. For me, it just means that I really do need that cup of coffee. During and after chemo, I do find myself doing stuff like this more often now, but there again, I have some pretty serious stuff on my mind these days. Doctors are still trying to figure out the actual cause of the decrease in mental agility so they can try to treat it. I don't know about taking pills to make me smarter though. :- ) There are things that seem more difficult now, after chemo, for me. I love to read but find it tough to concentrate for more than a few pages these days. I still keep at it, hoping that I'll pick up speed and be back to my normal self one day. Hope this explanation helps a little. Kathy Sugio ompleting tasks due to > > Hello all, > > I have a stupid question. I see alot of your refer to " chemo brain " . > What exactly is that? > > Thanks, > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 28, 2006 Report Share Posted October 28, 2006 Hi , For me chemo brain is losing my short term memory for the most part. I can tell you what I did as a child but don't ask me what I did a day or so ago. Its been 16 yrs since chemo and I don't think its going to get any better. But some ladies do not have problems and others its just during chemo. I bet if you go to www.webmd.com they would have something on there also. Hugs nne Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html BreastCancerStories.com http://www.breastcancerstories.com/content/view/433/161/ Angel Feather Loomer www.angelfeatherloomer.blogspot.com Check out my other ornaments at www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html Lots of info and gifts at: www.cancerclub.com chemo brain Hello all, I have a stupid question. I see alot of your refer to " chemo brain " . What exactly is that? Thanks, ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.408 / Virus Database: 268.13.14/501 - Release Date: 10/26/2006 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 28, 2006 Report Share Posted October 28, 2006 Geeeesh, W. ,........ Like we dont have enough problems..... You should NEVER feel this way!!! you are not worthless or anything else you wrote!!!! I have " chemo brain " and everyone knows it. If I forget somethings...then I forget..... It is just the way things are. I write a lot of things down to help me. I would be soooo shocked if anyone who says they love me got aggravated when I forgot something! Do not feel badly, You cannot help this! Chin up, sweetie!!!! ~~~Juli > > > > > > Hello all, > > > > > > I have a stupid question. I see alot of your > > refer to " chemo > > brain " . > > > What exactly is that? > > > > > > Thanks, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ______________________________________________________________________ ______________ > Everyone is raving about the all-new Yahoo! Mail > (http://advision.webevents.yahoo.com/mailbeta/) > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 28, 2006 Report Share Posted October 28, 2006 For me it is also short term memory but it is worse a few days after chemo and gets much better until the next time so I am hoping that the 'better' will stay once chemo is over. I normally remember about everything and can multitask with easy but for the week after chemo I really have to concentrate and write things down. The scary thing is that I talk to people during that week and have no memory of having done so or what was said. So at work I keep copious notes. > > Hi , > For me chemo brain is losing my short term memory for the most part. I can tell you what I did as a child but don't ask me what I did a day or so ago. Its been 16 yrs since chemo and I don't think its going to get any better. But some ladies do not have problems and others its just during chemo. > I bet if you go to www.webmd.com they would have something on there also. > Hugs > nne > Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life > http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html > BreastCancerStories.com > http://www.breastcancerstories.com/content/view/433/161/ > Angel Feather Loomer > www.angelfeatherloomer.blogspot.com > Check out my other ornaments at > www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html > Lots of info and gifts at: > www.cancerclub.com > chemo brain > > > Hello all, > > I have a stupid question. I see alot of your refer to " chemo brain " . > What exactly is that? > > Thanks, > > > > > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.1.408 / Virus Database: 268.13.14/501 - Release Date: 10/26/2006 > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 28, 2006 Report Share Posted October 28, 2006 For me it is also short term memory but it is worse a few days after chemo and gets much better until the next time so I am hoping that the 'better' will stay once chemo is over. I normally remember about everything and can multitask with easy but for the week after chemo I really have to concentrate and write things down. The scary thing is that I talk to people during that week and have no memory of having done so or what was said. So at work I keep copious notes. > > Hi , > For me chemo brain is losing my short term memory for the most part. I can tell you what I did as a child but don't ask me what I did a day or so ago. Its been 16 yrs since chemo and I don't think its going to get any better. But some ladies do not have problems and others its just during chemo. > I bet if you go to www.webmd.com they would have something on there also. > Hugs > nne > Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life > http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html > BreastCancerStories.com > http://www.breastcancerstories.com/content/view/433/161/ > Angel Feather Loomer > www.angelfeatherloomer.blogspot.com > Check out my other ornaments at > www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html > Lots of info and gifts at: > www.cancerclub.com > chemo brain > > > Hello all, > > I have a stupid question. I see alot of your refer to " chemo brain " . > What exactly is that? > > Thanks, > > > > > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.1.408 / Virus Database: 268.13.14/501 - Release Date: 10/26/2006 > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 28, 2006 Report Share Posted October 28, 2006 Hi - that is sooooooo NOT a stupid question! It's a real thing - at least I hope it is, because I have it too! I forget so much now - that I used to be right on top of. It's frustrating - for me and for my dh and the kids. I've begun keeping a yellow legal pad on the kitchen counter and told the kids, if you need me to do something or to remember something for you, better write it down. I live by that pad these days. Granted, I think it has to do with all that is on my mind - adjusting to having B/C - and I'm still in that process, 8 months after my diagnosis - and also I know it's been written about that chemo does have an effect on memory. So, don't beat yourself up about it girlfriend. At some level, we've all been through it. Hugs! Ellen > > Hello all, > > I have a stupid question. I see alot of your refer to " chemo brain " . > What exactly is that? > > Thanks, > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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